Find out how to hydrate skin and why doing so is beneficial for all sorts of reasons. With properly hydrated skin, you will often feel more confident in your appearance, more comfortable with less skin irritation and less susceptible to dry, flaky skin after going out in the sun, for instance. Check out the Venus guide to avoiding dehydrated skin.
What Are the Causes of Dehydrated Skin?
There are plenty of reasons why you might suffer from dehydrated skin. Here are the most common ones:
High and Low Temperatures
One of the most common causes of dehydrated skin is exposure to too much sun or high temperatures that will dry you out. Keep cool and in the shade during the heat of the day. Equally, wrap up warm on a chilly winter's day because extremely low temperatures can also lead to unwanted dehydrated skin.
Over-Exfoliation
Your skin already has a natural moisture barrier that exfoliating can wear down. Don't over-exfoliate. Instead, know how to exfoliate your skin properly so that you can do it in a way that leaves your skin looking rejuvenated without being too dehydrated.
Aggressive Cleansers
Some skin cleansing products are only good at helping to remove makeup and dead skin because they aggressively remove the uppermost layer of skin, too. This can, therefore, lead to dehydrated skin. Ideally, steer clear of anything abrasive and, if you do use an aggressive cleanser, then at least reduce the frequency of its use. Note that the Venus Facial Hair & Skin Care Cleansing Primer contains skin-loving ingredients like a touch of niacinamide, cucumber and aloe. It can cleanse effectively without any unnecessary abrasion.
Air Conditioning
Air-conditioning units, whether standalone or part of a wider system, take moisture out of the local environment. This means that the air that's in contact with your skin will necessarily be dryer. In turn, this can lead to even well hydrated skin drying out. Try to keep out of air-conditioned environments or take suitable measures to hydrate your skin if this is not possible.
How Can You Hydrate Your Skin?
Dermaplaning or shaving can leave skin dehydrated afterwards. This is why it is always important to apply a moisturiser or similar skin-rehydrating products afterwards. However, skin can dry out at other times, too, so what should you be doing to avoid dehydrated skin more generally?
Drink Water
Simply drinking more water during the day will help to replenish moisture in your skin. Knowing how to hydrate skin naturally means drinking a litre or so of water every day.
Use Hydrating Skincare Products
Look for skincare products with no abrasive particles which can rub and dry skin out. Moisturise your skin with products that contain skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. A good example is the Venus Facial Hair & Skin Care Post-Shave Hydration Serum.
Avoid Long & Hot Showers
Hot showers can have a drying effect on skin as the water passing over the outer layer of the skin can remove some of the natural moisture in it. Showering for a few minutes is fine, of course, but avoid very hot and long drenches to keep your skin in tip-top condition.
Apply Sunscreen
Exposure to the sun's most harmful rays will burn it. However, even a short time in direct sunlight can dry skin out. Therefore, if you know it is going to be a sunny day, you should apply sunscreen to help keep your skin hydrated.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Fruit and vegetables contain fluid that will help to keep your skin hydrated. In addition, many fruits, especially citrus ones, contain Vitamin C which is known to be good for skin health. Look for foods high in Vitamin A and B3 for the same reason, too.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is a diuretic which means it can make you want to go to the toilet more often. It is worth cutting down on your intake so that more of the water you consume is retained in your body's skin. Drink fewer cups of tea and coffee and have a decaffeinated alternative from time to time instead.
What Are the Benefits of Learning How to Hydrate Skin?
Understanding the causes of dehydrated skin is one thing but what about the upsides of hydrated skin vs dehydrated skin? Read on to find out why maintaining hydrated skin is so beneficial.
1. Improved Skin Appearance
Hydrated skin looks better because it is often more elastic which means it can stretch and return to its optimal form without unsightly blemishes. Dehydrated skin is more likely to lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, too.
2. Better-Balanced Oil Levels
When skin is dehydrated it can start to produce more oils than would otherwise be needed. Some people face acne and other breakouts if their skin gets too oily so moisturise it frequently to maintain the right balance.
3. Less Itchiness & Sensitive Skin
When skin is too dry it can become flaky and uncomfortable Itchiness after shaving is a particular problem when skin may feel less hydrated than usual. Moisturising adequately is the key to preventing itchy, dry skin.
FAQs
How can I hydrate my skin naturally?
One of the best natural methods for maintaining hydrated skin is to drink plenty of water. This means that your skin can obtain the moisture it needs from within. Avoid too many drinks that will have the opposite effect, such as alcohol or coffee.
How long does it take to rehydrate dehydrated skin?
This will depend on the individual. Some people notice better hydrated skin after just a few days with a new skincare regime. For others, it may take several weeks. If there's no discernible difference after a month, then seek a dermatologist's opinion because there may be an underlying condition that is preventing rehydration.
What hydrates skin the most?
Plenty of water and a healthier diet will help your skin to rehydrate over time. Use hydrating skincare products instead of abrasive cleaners. Venus's Facial Hair & Skin Hydration Serum is a good choice since it has a water-based formula that won't feel greasy after an application. It is a non-comedogenic, lightweight product that can be used whenever you want rehydrated skin.
#
