Updated: April 28, 2023
November is National Healthy Skin Month, when everyone is encouraged by the American Academy of Dermatology to learn more about healthy skin and how to keep it looking its best.
At Hydralive, we think there couldn’t be a better opportunity to talk about skincare than this time of year. Humidity levels have dropped now, the air is drier, and many of you are currently feeling the dehydrating effects of Fall with parched, flaky skin that no amount of moisturizing creams is being able to cure.
You know why?
Hydration Vs. Moisturizing:
Because moisturizing and hydrating are not the same thing!
Cosmetic and skincare companies use the terms interchangeably on their product labels, which is why people often don’t understand the real difference and feel frustrated when their expensive moisturizing products don’t improve the condition of their skin.
Moisturizing products can only lock in whatever moisture is available and prevent its evaporation from the skin. Hydration, on the other hand, increases water content in your skin cells. So, unless you’re hydrating sufficiently, there is only so much that your moisturizing serums and creams can do to help you.
A second important factor that affects your skin’s hydration balance is ceramides. Ceramides act as a natural moisture barrier, but as you age, your reserve of ceramides gets depleted, which leaves the skin feeling excessively dry and prone to `crepey’ texture and wrinkles. Learn about Our Menu to learn about Hydrating Skin.
The secret to plump, youthful, glowing skin that defies the passage of time is hydration. When plenty of moisture is available to the cells, skin elasticity improves, there is reduced oiliness and more protection from seasonal changes and environmental irritants. Accumulated toxins also flush out more effectively because your cells are getting the optimal amount of hydration they need to function at their best.
How to Get Well Hydrated Skin: Hydrate!
Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water is common wisdom these days when it comes to hydrating the body. But it is still not clear if drinking sufficient water can really impact the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
So, what are the most effective ways to make sure you’re not dehydrating your skin? Here are 6 proven tips:
# 1: Get IV Therapy
The skin is not a priority when it comes to distribution of water in the body. Other organs use the available hydration first, which is why IV therapy can bypass the natural process and directly replenish your skin with essential fluids, vitamins and antioxidants like glutathione.
What’s more, the skin-boosting nutrients are absorbed quickly when administered intravenously, showing results within 24 hours, which is why a lot of celebrities use IV therapy for skin before appearing for a major event to look fresh and glowing for the cameras.
# 2: Use Pure Coconut Oil
Hydrate your skin naturally with pure coconut oil. Apply the oil directly on the face, and massage it into your neck, arms and legs if necessary, before going to bed. Coconut oil will hydrate hair too if you leave it on overnight and shampoo the morning after.
Remember that coconut oil in its purest form will harden at room temperature during this time of year and has to be held over a heat source or zapped in the microwave for 10-15 seconds in order to melt before use.
# 3: No More Hot Water Showers
It’s tempting to relax in hot water showers during Fall and Winter, but this habit can damage keratin cells and leave the skin feeling dry, dehydrated and itchy. Use lukewarm water instead.
# 4: Apply A Moisturizer While Still Damp
The job of moisturizers is to lock in hydration, and they are most effective when applied straight out of the shower over damp skin.
# 5: Exfoliate With Natural Ingredients
Exfoliation removes dry, dead skin cells, unclogs pores and allows moisturizing creams and serums to penetrate the skin. Some natural, homemade exfoliating pastes we recommend are:
• Oatmeal
• Sugar mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Ground rice mixed with yoghurt
• Turmeric mixed with milk
# 6: Use Collagen Or Silk Pillow Covers
Your face has more contact with a pillow cover than any other fabric, so it is part of your healthy skincare too. Collagen-infused pillowcases soften and hydrate the skin while you sleep. Silk pillow covers keep moisture close to your skin and help it stay more hydrated than many fabrics on the market. If nothing else, change your pillowcases regularly as they collect oil, sweat, dirt, allergens and bacteria.