7 tips to hydrate your skin the right way

We often talk about keeping our skin hydrated. It is emphasized because adequate hydration is crucial to achieving a healthy and radiant complexion. But having optimal hydration is not as easy or simple as applying moisturizer periodically. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both internal and external influences.

Your skin could become dehydrated due to many factors: it could be the weather, heating and air conditioning, lack of sleep, hot showers, pollution or lifestyle changes. But the good thing is that dehydrated skin is a condition, not a permanent skin type, which means it can be treated effectively.

If you consult a skin care specialist, you will be surprised to know that dehydrated and dry skin are not the same, although it may seem that way. Interestingly, your skin can be dehydrated and dry at the same time.

While dry skin is characterized by fewer oil-producing glands on the body and face, dehydrated skin is characterized by a lack of water, not fat. It is important to know the difference between the two to select appropriate products and treatments.

Dr Priti Shenai, Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Trichologist, Medical Director, Skinworks Clinic, Juhu, shares tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated:

1. Say no to harsh cleanersHarsh cleansers that contain sulfates or alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Choose a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type that can effectively remove dirt and impurities without compromising your skin's natural moisture barrier. Also, remember that excessive cleansing should be avoided as it can upset the skin's delicate balance and exacerbate dehydration. Limit your cleansing routine to twice a day, preferably morning and evening, and leave skin moist after cleansing by applying a light moisturizer or hydrating serums.
2. Exfoliate once every ten daysExfoliating once every ten days is important to keep your skin hydrated. Exfoliation removes old, dead skin cells and creates new, healthy cells. The new cells can retain moisture and make your skin look soft and dewy. Look for hydrating skin care ingredients. Look for skin care products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and natural oils like jojoba or argan oil. These ingredients work to attract and retain moisture in the skin, while promoting hydration and restoring its suppleness.
3. Use your sunscreen at all times.Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it every morning, even on cloudy days, to prevent premature aging. Reapply every two hours when outdoors.
4. Advanced treatmentsConsider advanced skin care treatments designed to address specific hydration concerns. Bio remodeling also known as Profhilo, rich in ultrapure hyaluronic acid, deeply hydrates and improves elasticity in key areas such as face, neck, décolleté and hands. Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, eventually promoting skin vitality. Another popular treatment is Viscoderm Hydrobooster, a stabilized hyaluronic acid treatment. It offers dual benefits by hydrating and revitalizing tissues. This painless procedure smoothes wrinkles, improves skin texture and increases elasticity, especially effective around the mouth, eyes and forehead.
5. Invest in a humidifierGet a humidifier at home or office, especially for those seasons and environments where the air tends to be dry. Humidifiers add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from becoming too dry.
6. Drink water, eat healthy and sleep well.Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for overall health, including skin hydration. Try to drink at least seven glasses of water a day. Your diet plays an important role in the health of your skin. Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and fatty fish, to nourish your skin from the inside out. Additionally, lack of sleep can affect the skin's ability to repair and regenerate, causing dullness and dehydration. 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night will give your skin enough time to rejuvenate.