8 Ways to Help Keep Your Skin Hydrated Throughout the Day

You already know that moisturizing is key for beautiful, glowing skin, right? But when it comes to keeping your complexion hydrated, slapping on a layer of moisturizer in the morning before you leave for the day isn’t the only step in the process. If you want skin that looks and feel nourished all day long, it turns out there’s quite a bit more to it. Ready to experience your most moisturized skin yet? Incorporate these tips into your daily skin care routine and 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 important to pick a moisturizer that’s designed for your specific skin type. For example, if you’ve got dry skin, you may want to think about using a thicker cream. On the other hand, you may want to reach for a lightweight mattifying moisturizer if you have oily skin. If you’re a combo type, you may need to apply different moisturizers to your oilier and drier 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 your specific needs.

2. Try Water-Based Skin Care Products

As far as types of moisturizer 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 the heck do you apply it? Well, the best way to do so is by slathering on your moisturizer when your skin is damp, since this can help to lock in hydration. (The same rule applies to your body when you’re applying lotion, too!)

4. Think Outside of Moisturizer

If your skin is craving more hydration, it might need a little extra something-something. Look for a hydrating serum or a nourishing mask to add to your routine. Generally, serums are applied after cleansing but before moisturizing and can be used day at night. As far as masks go, you can typically use one a couple times of week as part of your skin care routine.

5. 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. It’s super-refreshing and super-convenient!

6. 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.

7. 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 to the environment and help your skin to retain hydration.

8. 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, slather on a moisturizing cream before slipping on a pair of gloves and socks. Say hello to softer hands and feet yet when your alarm goes off the next morning.