10 Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

You already know—at least to a certain extent—that skin hydration is key for a beautiful and healthy visage. What you might not realize is that moisturizing the skin with a face cream once a day just won’t cut it. So, how do you hydrate skin the right way? The goal should be to provide your skin with enough nourishment that it stays hydrated all day. Ready to upgrade how you hydrate so you can have your most moisturized skin yet? Keep reading to learn how to hydrate your skin, adding the following 10 skin hydration tips into your daily skin care routine to reap the benefits.

1. PICK THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Whether you’ve got dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, or normal skin (lucky you!), it’s essential to pick a moisturizer that’s designed for your specific skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, you may want to think about using a thicker face cream to get your nourishment. On the other hand, lightweight mattifying moisturizers are the perfect match for oily skin. If you’re a combo type, you may need to apply two separate moisturizers to your oily and dry areas. Meanwhile, if you’re sensitive, you may need to steer clear of certain ingredients like alcohol and fragrance. Above all, finding your moisturizer match all comes down to your skin type and its specific needs.

2. TRY WATER-BASED SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

As far as moisturizer types go, consider trying a water-based formula. The following three water-based moisturizers are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

If you have oily skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Oily Skin.

If you have dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal to Dry Skin.

If you have extra dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin.

3. APPLY MOISTURIZER TO DAMP SKIN

So, you’ve picked out a moisturizer—now how do you apply it? Well, the best way to do so is by slathering on your moisturizer when your skin is damp to help lock in hydration. (The same rule applies to your body when you’re applying lotion, too!)

4. THINK BEYOND MOISTURIZER

If your skin is craving more hydration, it might need a little extra something-something. Look for a hydrating serum to take things up a notch. Generally, serums are applied after cleansing but before moisturizing and can be used day and night. We like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is formulated with 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid to enhance skin’s moisture-retention for lasting hydration. It also works to plump skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles—in just two weeks—for a more youthful appearance. 

5. PAMPER YOUR SKIN WITH A FACE MASK

Speaking of getting more hydration, face masks make it oh so easy. Not only are face masks a great treat for your skin, the right mask can help provide your skin with long-lasting hydration and a myriad of other benefits. Of course, this method only works if you’re using the right formula. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Detox & Brighten Face Mask , L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask, which are all formulated with three pure-clays.

6. USE AN EYE CREAM

While you may think that eye creams are reserved for mature skin, think again. The truth is, just as the skin on your face can lose moisture, so can the skin around your eyes. In fact, the skin around your eyes is the most fragile and thin skin on your body, so you need to give it extra TLC. Try adding the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Manuka Honey Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel to your routine. Formulated with manuka honey extract and nurturing oils, this cooling gel provides dry skin with instant moisture.

7. SPRITZ ON A FACIAL SPRAY FOR A MID-DAY 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 mid-day pick-me-up. Our favorite pick? The L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist. It’s formulated with coconut water and vitamin C and gives skin an effortless boost in hydration. 

8. SKIP THE LONG, STEAMY SHOWERS

We totally get it: A toasty 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. Trust us, your skin will thank you.

9. INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER

This is especially a good 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.

10. DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDS AND FEET!

You spend all that time on your face, but what about your poor hands and feet? Show them some TLC, too! Try this trick: Before you hop into bed, smooth on a moisturizing cream, then slip on a pair of gloves and socks. When your alarm goes off in the morning, you'll be saying hello to softer, more hydrated hands and feet.

Next: When Should You Moisturize? The 8 Best Times to Apply Face Moisturizer