When we hear the word hydration, we immediately think of water. While water is key to hydration, drinking water isn’t enough to maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. Limiting our skincare regimen to topical solutions is not the only secret to youthful looking skin, you need to incorporate other practices in your daily routine.
Our skin works constantly as an outer protective barrier to the potentially hostile environment around us by regulating the body’s temperature and hydration, and protecting it from the outside air (central heating and air-conditioning included). Just like every other part of the body, our skin needs a good balance of nutrients to help it stay in peak condition.
The surface layer of the skin (epidermis) is formed from layers of flattened cells packed with a substance called keratin. This outer keratin layer needs to be well hydrated to keep their structure intact and work effectively. Oils produced by the skin help to trap water in this layer, and if this fails, the skin can rapidly dry out. As the body ages, the sebaceous glands in the skin, which produces the oils, become less efficient. Skin becomes thinner and the oil glands become less active, which leaves the skin susceptible to lines and wrinkles.
Always maintaning a hydrated skin is important. This not only delays aging and helps prevent wrinkles, but it also keeps the skin healthy and functional. Here are some tips on how to keep your skin hydrated.
1. Eat foods that nourish the body
Eat a balanced diet, rich in antioxidants as those found in fruits and vegetables. Juicing is a good way to get more fruits and vegetable into your daily diet. Eating avocados and fish can keep your skin hydrated, making it smooth and soft. Omega 3’s (Nordic Naturals) fish oil helps with the moisture level of your skin, and enhances hormonal balance while improving your mood.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids not only plumps up the skin, but it helps your immune system. Limit consumption of fluids with diuretic properties like coffee and alcohol. Smoking damages skin and can make the blood vessels narrow, depletes the skin of nutrients, oxygen, and decreases blood flow to the skin. This condition damages collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength.
3. Sun exposure and environment
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most important thing a person can do to keep skin looking youthful is to protect it from the sun. Too much sun exposure causes damage to the skin and increases the risk of developing cancer. When exposed to the sun, always wear sunscreen, a four inch brimmed hat, and UV sunglasses.
4. Limit use of dehydrating products
Overuse of soaps and harsh perfumes, or bathing in very hot water too frequently can remove the skin’s natural lubrication, leading to a drying and damaging effect on the skin.
5. Cleanse and exfoliate
The best beauty ritual begins with effective cleansing. Only when there is no trace of dirt particles or makeup on the skin can skin care ingredients deliver their full effect and help the skin. Use cleansers that deep cleanse without stripping skin’s natural oils.
6. Regenerate and revitalize
Choosing the right skin care line is important in maintaining healthy skin. Selecting the right age prevention or anti-aging skincare is critical to achieving the best results. Once you have established your beauty goals, take the time to research the products and ingredients.
Getting a proper skin analysis from a licensed esthetician or dermatologist can helps you to determine what kind of skin you have.
I hope this helps you embrace you skincare routine and stay hydrated!
With Love,
Veronica
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing of years.” – Audrey Hepburn
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