If you are prone to dry or dehydrated skin, you may be dreading the upcoming hot and humid months when your complexion will become even more parched. While everyone has a built-in barrier that is designed to hold in water and keep the skin hydrated, this system does not always work as well as it should.
Fortunately, there are lots of steps that you can take to boost the hydration of your skin and ensure it looks plumped up and dewy all summer long. Find out more below!
Get sufficient sleep
When you sleep, your skin can repair itself and replenish any lost moisture which is why it is so important that you get enough shut-eye. Ideally, if you want your skin to look at its best, you should be getting between 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
If you struggle with insomnia, you may want to try essential oils such as lavender, meditation techniques, or having a warm bath before bed.
Avoid hot showers and baths
Hot water can strip the skin of moisture, so should be avoided if you struggle with dry skin. Instead, opt for warm showers or baths and limit your face’s exposure to water to 5-10 minutes.
It can also be a good idea to apply a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type immediately after showering or bathing.
Give up unhealthy habits
Unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can have a detrimental effect on your skin. Most notably, it can wreak havoc with its hydration levels. If you are a regular smoker or drinker, try to cut down on the amount you smoke and drink or give it up completely if you can.
Consuming too much caffeine can also harm the hydration of your skin, so try to limit your intake of drinks such as coffee and energy drinks.
Use skincare products that contain ceramides and peptides
Skincare products that contain ceramides and peptides are known for their hydrating effect on the skin, making them the ideal choice for people with a dry complexion.
A peptide serum can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine and works by boosting the production of collagen in your body, plumping up the skin, and restoring a healthy skin barrier. For best results, layer your serum underneath a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Eat a nutritionally balanced diet
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”, so you need to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. In terms of hydration, some of the foods that you may want to focus on eating include those that are high in zinc, such as shellfish, beans, nuts, seeds, and wholegrains. It can also be a good idea to eat foods that have a high water content such as lettuce, celery, and cucumber as these can help to boost your skin’s hydration levels and overall appearance. Also, you should aim to drink between 6-8 glasses of water per day which can be flavored with citrus fruits or herbs for enhanced taste.