How to Hydrate Skin
How to Hydrate Skin
Here at The INKEY List we’ve always understood the power of hydration because we know that healthy skin starts with hydrated skin. From specially formulating skincare with hydrating ingredients at their core to making ‘HYDRATE’ its own step in your skincare routine, we want to help you make hydration a daily habit, because ultimately when your skin is dehydrated, it can’t function at its best.
Read on to discover more about skin hydration, how to hydrate your skin and the key skincare ingredients that should be part of your routine.
What is Skin Hydration?
Skin hydration refers to the water content in your skin’s cells and the process of delivering and retaining water within the layers of your skin. Well-hydrated skin looks smooth and plump but, it also allows your skin’s barrier to function effectively and help protect against environmental stressors.
Hydration is a key component for skin to build and maintain its protective barrier. Hydrating your skin correctly, and daily, allows it to 'physically' function at its best and in turn visibly look its best too.
When it comes to skincare for skin hydration, it’s important to note that hydration and moisturisation are different but for optimal skin health, your routine should include both. Hydrators such as our Hyaluronic Acid Serum attract and bind water within the skin, to replenish the skin’s hydration levels whereas moisturisers, like Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser, lock-in your hydration by creating a protective seal on the skin’s surface that reduces water loss.
What are the signs of skin dehydration?
Put simply, dehydration is when the skin lacks water. When hydration levels drop (causing dehydration) it weakens essential enzymes and disrupts the processes required for maintaining our skin’s health, meaning our skin cannot function as its optimal healthy state. Dehydration can also exacerbate multiple common skin concerns such as breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, and textured skin.
Dehydration itself is a skin concern meaning that all skin types can become dehydrated including dry, oily, combination, normal and sensitive making hydration vital for all skin types. The good news is that dehydration is classified as a temporary concern, which means it can be reversed with the right skincare routine.
IS MY SKIN DEHYDRATED?
Overall look and feel
- Skin feels tight or uncomfortable
- Under eyes appear darker than usual
- Skin feels stripped or parched immediately after cleansing
- Skin feels in-elastic or slack, rather than bouncy and taught
Concern focused
- Areas of roughness and texture (makeup is clinging or won’t apply as well)
- Skin looks dull or tired
- Skin feels slack rather than bouncy and taught
- Noticing more fine lines, or they appear deeper than usual
- Struggling to control oil even though you are using the right products
Top Tips To Hydrate Skin
Use a Hydrating Serum
Look for water-based serums containing humectants like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin. These ingredients draw water into your skin, delivering instant hydration. Our bestselling super serum, Hyaluronic Acid Serum is your daily essential for an instant and lasting drench of hydration.
Seal It with a Moisturiser
After applying a hydrating serum, lock in the moisture with an emollient-rich moisturizer. Products containing ceramides or squalane are particularly effective at strengthening your skin barrier, try our award-winning Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser.
Avoid Over-Cleansing
Cleansing too frequently or with harsh products can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness so opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers, and wash your face no more than twice a day. Oat Cleansing Balm is a deeply nourishing cleanser with a non-stripping, non-drying formula that leaves skin feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth.
Drink Plenty of Water
Remember hydration starts from within so aim for at least 2 liters of water daily to maintain overall skin health. Consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can also support hydration.
Be Mindful of External Factors
Many environmental factors can also contribute to dehydration. Common culprits for moisture loss include exposure to cold or hot weather (this includes blasting the air-conditioning during the summer or the heat during the winter) or daily habits such as taking long, hot showers.
What are the best ingredients for hydrating skin?
- Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration superstar, Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to instantly hydrate and plump skin. Try our Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
- Glycerin: This humectant pulls water from the environment into your skin, keeping it soft and supple. Try our Omega Water Cream.
- Ectoin: This multi-tasking ingredient utilizes an advanced hydration mechanism to bind water from its surroundings and create a protective shell around the skin cells to help keep hydration levels boosted and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
- Ceramides: Essential for a strong skin barrier, ceramides lock in hydration and protect against moisture loss. Try Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser.
- Niacinamide: This versatile ingredient supports hydration, improves skin elasticity, and reduces redness. Try Niacinamide Serum.
