skin care concerns 13 Tips To Help You Keep Your Skin Hydrated

You probably know that hydration is essential to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy and radiant. But what you might not realize is that moisturizing your skin once a day won’t necessarily cut it. A solid skin care routine that provides your skin with the hydration it needs requires more than just a moisturizer. Keep reading to learn how to hydrate your skin by adding the following skin hydration tips into your daily skin care routine.

Why Is Skin Hydration Important? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, roughness and loss of elasticity can occur if the outermost layer of the skin does not contain enough water. These symptoms detract from a glowing complexion, contribute to roughness and can be uncomfortable, too. While there’s much debate about whether or not increasing your water intake can actually make your skin appear more hydrated, we do know that skin care can help. 

Tips For Maintaining Hydrated Skin 

Considering that most skin care products have high concentrations of water in them, it’s no surprise that they can be effective at helping to maintain hydration in the skin—that is, if you're choosing products wisely and applying them correctly. Keep reading for our 13 tips on how to maintain hydrated skin. 

1. Use A Gentle Cleanser 

While cleansing excess oil and dirt from the skin is essential, some cleansers are simply too stripping. A great gentle option that effectively cleanses is the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. It’s also a no-rinse formula, making it great for when you’re on-the-go. 

2. Use A Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid 

Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to pick a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients. Look for one that's formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps to enhance skin hydration. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer Fragrance Free, which contains hyaluronic acid, Pro-Retinol, and vitamin C to moisturize, re-plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

3. Try Water-Based Skin Care Products 

If you have oily skin and feel like most moisturizers are too heavy or greasy on you, don’t neglect applying moisturizer all together. Instead, reach for one with a water-based formula which can aid in hydration while remaining extremely lightweight on the skin.  

4. Apply Moisturizer On Damp Skin 

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), applying occlusives一moisturizing agents that provide a protective layer on the skin and prevent water loss一on damp skin is most effective. So, in order to lock in as much hydration as possible, apply moisturizer on your face and body when your skin is damp. In addition, remember to always apply SPF, as harsh sun exposure can be extremely drying to the skin. The L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Age Defense Lotion SPF is a great option because it provides SPF 30 and contains calcium which helps to strengthen the skin. 

5. Don’t Forget Serum 

If your skin is craving more hydration, incorporating a serum can be helpful because serums have high concentrations of active ingredients. Look for a hydrating formula to take things up a notch. You can’t go wrong by opting for a serum with hyaluronic acid. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum enhances skin’s moisture-retention for lasting hydration. It also works to re-plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

6. Pamper Your Skin With A Face Mask

Applying face masks is a great way to incorporate extra hydration into your skin care routine. They’re also nice for self care, and the right mask can help provide your skin with long-lasting hydration. While there are tons of face masks on the market that help address a number of different skin concerns, you’ll want to look for options that are formulated with hydrating ingredients. Seek out formulas with hyaluronic acid and squalane if you wish to incorporate masks into your hydrating skin care routine. 

7. Use An Eye Serum

The eye area is often one of the first places to show signs of skin dehydration. Just like serums with hyaluronic acid are great for the rest of the face, they can be highly beneficial for the eye area, too. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, 1% Caffeine Eye Serum because it contains anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide and caffeine. It also provides hydration to the under-eye area while addressing dark circles and puffiness.

8. Spritz On Facial Spray For A Midday Boost

In the moments where you wish you could replenish your skin’s moisture in the middle of the day but don’t want to disrupt your makeup, grab a facial spray for a quick pick-me-up. We love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist which is formulated with coconut water and vitamin C and gives the skin a boost in hydration.

9. Skip The Long, Hot Showers

A steamy shower feels incredible, especially when it’s freezing outside. But long, hot showers can actually strip your skin of moisture, leaving you feeling dry. Instead, rinse off in lukewarm water and apply moisturizer when your skin is still wet post-shower. You’ll be left with soft, hydrated skin. 

10. Invest In A Humidifier 

Investing in a humidifier is especially a smart idea in the winter, but it can be of benefit year round if you live in a dry climate. Low moisture air can cause your skin to feel dry. That’s where a humidifier comes in. It can help to add moisture back into the air and help your skin retain hydration.

11. Switch Your Products  Based On The Season 

The moisturizer you use in the summer may not do the trick in the winter. You may find that your skin is drier in the winter (you can thank the low moisture levels in the air for that) and that means that a rich cream could help provide much-needed hydration. In the summer when it’s hot and sticky outside, you may find that a lightweight lotion is all you need to help keep your skin hydrated. It’s always best to evaluate the state of your skin and make adjustments accordingly. 

12. Remember Your Lips 

Dry, flaky lips are uncomfortable, and they can take away from a hydrated, healthy-looking complexion. Be sure to gently exfoliate them and apply a rich, moisturizing lip balm. It’s also a good idea to reach for hydrating lipstick options like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Satin Lipstick with Precious Oils when you’re experiencing dryness. 

13. Don’t Neglect Your Scalp

Remember, your scalp is skin too and it needs to be cared for properly in order to remain hydrated. Exfoliate dead skin from your scalp with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Scrub so that the rest of your hair care products are better able to work their magic. 

Next: Our Best Moisturizers For Fall

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Senior Art Direction: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Senior Visual Designer: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Assistant: Victoria Ochoa, Digital Tech: Kyle Thompson, Model: Roxanne Hancock