Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a nourished and glowing complexion in the summer.
Whether you have dry, dehydrated skin or simply want to boost your skin's hydration levels, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips.
We'll explore the importance of hydration, the factors that contribute to skin dehydration, and the best tips from our CEO for perfect hydration. From skincare routines to lifestyle adjustments and nourishing ingredients, we'll cover it all.
Identifying Dehydrated Skin
Let's delve into the concept of hydration as it pertains to the skin. When we talk about hydration, we are essentially referring to increasing the water content within the skin. It's important to understand that dry skin is more than just a lack of water.
When your skin is dry or dehydrated, it can manifest or exaggerate (for those going through menopause) various unpleasant visible signs such as flakiness, dullness, tightness, and irritation.
These signs indicate that the healthy biological processes of your skin are being compromised. Insufficient hydration slows down the skin's normal renewal processes, creating a cycle of dryness that further exacerbates the issue. It's like a dramatic downward spiral for your skin, complete with sound effects.
Now, it's worth noting that even if your skin naturally tends to be oily, that doesn't mean it's immune to dehydration. In fact, individuals with oily skin may have high sebum levels but still lack sufficient water content in their skin.
This is particularly relevant for those prone to acne, as they often resort to using drying or irritating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide to address breakouts. Consequently, maintaining proper skin hydration becomes even more crucial for these individuals in order to support a healthy skin barrier.
Check out our blog on the Hydration Heroes that talks about all the ingredients and products that will help nourish and revitalize your skin’s hydration.
Skin Nutrition for Dehydrated Skin
We just said your external skincare is crucial for combat dehydrated skin. But this would not be a thorough guide if we didn't spend some time talking about lifestyle and diet choices that might be indirectly affecting your skin’s nourishment and hydration levels.
Foods that dehydrate your skin
Here are some diet and lifestyle choices that you might want to consider reducing due to their impact on your skin’s hydration levels :
Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea have diuretic properties, which can increase urine production and lead to dehydration. Excessive consumption of these beverages without adequate water intake can contribute to skin dehydration.
Alcohol
Alcohol is known to be dehydrating for the body, including the skin (also horrible hangovers, the older you get!). It acts as a diuretic and can disrupt the natural balance of fluids in the body, leading to skin dryness and dehydration.
Sugary and Processed Foods
Foods high in sugar and processed carbohydrates can spike blood sugar levels, leading to glycation. This process can result in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to dryness and premature aging of the skin.
Smoking
Smoking can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin and hindering its ability to receive proper hydration and nutrients. This can lead to a dull complexion and accelerated skin aging.
Foods that hydrate your skin
Here are some alternate foods that you should consider increasing in your diet to improve hydration from within :
Avocado
Rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, avocado is a nutritional powerhouse that benefits both your body and skin.
This fruit is particularly beneficial for skin hydration due to its omega-3 content and anti-aging properties that promote collagen production, and shields the skin from oxidative damage.
Nuts and seeds
Including almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, pistachios, cashews, and hazelnuts in your diet can work wonders for skin hydration.
These nutritious foods are packed with essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins that enhance blood circulation, nourish the cells, retain moisture, and leave your skin soft and supple.
Cucumber
When it comes to moisturizing the skin, cucumbers are a top choice. Their high nutrient and water content make them effective in hydrating the skin, reducing swelling, soothing irritation, and relieving discomfort caused by sunburn.
Including cucumbers in your skincare routine or diet can provide a refreshing and hydrating boost to your skin's health.
Elizabeth’s Key Hydration Tips for Nourished Skin
Pick a Hydrating Cleanser
A simple swap to use the perfect hydrating cleanser will do wonders for your skin. Your skin should never feel tight or dry after a wash- a sign that it is getting thoroughly cleansed without stripping any of its natural hydration or oils.
"I find cleansing my face in the morning to be invigorating and vital. Cleansing is the simplest and most straightforward step for me, as it serves the sole purpose of purifying my skin for the nourishing actives that follow."
Elizabeth’s Hydrator Cleanser
Moisturize and Protect
To achieve and maintain a healthy summer glow, moisturization is essential after a thorough cleanse.
Elizabeth recommends the AM/PM Serum Set for hydrated skin.
In the morning, apply the Anti-Aging Face Serum for deep hydration and antioxidant protection. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth. For nighttime rejuvenation, use the Luxe Night Elixir, a rich serum with botanical extracts and essential oils.
This replenishes moisture, promotes better complexion, and revitalizes your skin overnight. Incorporate these powerful serums into your routine for nourished and radiant skin. She also recommends keeping a hydrating facial mist in her bag. A mist with rosewater to spritz throughout the day can provide an instant burst of hydration.
Feed your Skin
A hydrating smoothie packed with refreshing ingredients like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut water, which are high in water content will help to hydrate your skin from within.
The addition of spinach provides essential nutrients and antioxidants for a healthy complexion. Chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, promoting overall skin health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup watermelon, cubed
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Instructions
Blend all ingredients together. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Other Tips for Hydrated Skin
Achieving and maintaining hydrated and nourished skin requires not only the right skincare routine but also a holistic approach to combat the relentless cycle of dehydrated skin.
While skincare products play a crucial role, there are additional measures you can take to ensure your skin's hydration needs are met.
One effective tool that is often overlooked is the use of humidifiers. Especially if you live in dry climates or rely on heaters during the winter, humidifiers can be a game-changer.
By increasing the air humidity, these devices help prevent the moisture in your skin from being constantly depleted. Incorporating a humidifier into your environment can create a more balanced atmosphere and contribute to maintaining optimal skin hydration levels.
Another aspect to consider is your shower routine. It's important to reevaluate your habits and make necessary adjustments.
Limiting showers to 5-10 minutes and opting for lukewarm water can make a significant difference. Prolonged exposure to hot water can strip away the skin's natural oils, leading to increased dryness and dehydration.
While staying hydrated by drinking water is undoubtedly important for overall health, it's essential to understand that the skin is not the primary recipient of nutrients and hydration from what we consume.
While the skin is the largest organ, it doesn't receive the same level of priority when it comes to nourishment. Therefore, it becomes crucial to provide external hydration to the skin through targeted products and routines. This means incorporating hydrating moisturizers, serums, and treatments specifically formulated to replenish and lock in moisture.
ULTIMATE HYDRATION WITH EMPRESS NATURALS
At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round skin nourishment and hydration. Our skincare line is meticulously formulated to cater to the specific needs of mature skin.
Our mission is to provide you with 100% pure and organic skincare products that make you feel incredible in your own skin. We prioritize ingredients sourced directly from nature, ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin without exposing your precious skin to the thousands of toxic ingredients that are still legally used in many products.
In fact, our products, including the revered Rosehip Seed Oil, are safe to use even during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, although we recommend consulting with a medical professional.
Our products are non-toxic, clean, Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free with USDA Certified Organic ingredients. We carefully cultivate our ingredients from sustainable farms worldwide, without the use of hazardous preservatives.
Experience the power of clean skincare with Empress Naturals.
