While the terms Hydration and Moisturization are often used interchangeably, these are not the same. The purpose of hydration is to increase skin’s water content, while moisturization is to create a barrier to prevent water loss and keep skin hydrated. When skin is dehydrated and lacks moisture, it is more prone to breakouts, dry patches, and wrinkles.
The Skin-Sensational Organ
Skin is the largest organ of the body, and each square inch is made up of roughly 19 million cells. It is our first line of defense against the elements, bacteria, and toxins from our environment. It helps regulate body temperature, contains receptors that enable us to distinguish textures, pressure, and pain, and helps us get rid of waste through perspiration. For everything that our skin does, doesn’t it deserve a little more TLC?
Facial skin, especially, needs extra care. It is thinner that the skin on our body – skin on our eyelids being the thinnest. It is constantly exposed to dust, pollution and UV rays, and it is this that shows the first signs of aging. Proper cleansing, toning, nourishing, and moisturizing are essential to having healthy, beautiful, facial skin.
That includes Hydration.
Healthy Habits and Hydrated Skin
The weather, alcohol, smoking, improper diet, and using harsh products all contribute to skin dehydration. These can also aggravate dry skin, which is lacking in oil – our natural moisture – to begin with. Dehydrated skin is caused mainly by our lifestyle; dry skin is primarily an outcome of genetics.
Keeping Skin Hydrated
Eating and living clean will certainly improve your overall health and show on your skin. Incorporating certain food in your diet such as silica-rich cucumber and fish rich in Omega-3 will help increase moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier, respectively, over time. Being more selective, and investing in more skin-friendly products
and cosmetics will go a long way.
Choose cleansersand toners that maintain the skin’s natural, slightly acidic pH level so as not to damage the skin’s natural barrier. Use a product that functions specifically to hydrate the skin
and don’t forget to end your beauty regimen with moisturizer. Don’t forget to use masks once or twice a week for intense, instant hydration – think of it as a special treat for your skin!
