In the coming dry humid months ahead, it's important you keep your beautiful skin hydrated! Our REV beauty guru has all the tips you'll need to keep that skin looking fresh this season.
Illustration: Darcy Mae Modica
As this Florida heats simmers and spring comes around the corner, here are some great hydration tips that everyone should keep in mind for their skin. This can go for not only people with dry skin but also normal to oily skin as well. It’s easy to think that just putting on some moisturizer will keep that skin looking fresh and glowy but that’s far from the truth. There are a lot of ways to stay hydrated and some include just generally taking care of your body but the bulk of it is to cleanse + moisturize properly.
Don’t just drink water but eat it too.
Yes, eat it. Consuming water-based fruits and vegetables not only helps your skin stay hydrated but your body as well. Some good fruit + veggie options include: watermelon, cucumber, apple, pear, celery, carrot, cantaloupe, etc. A good tip for eating is to always snack on an empty stomach - this will help you retain the water better than after a full meal.
Get your Omega-3 Fatty Acids in!
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to your skin’s natural barrier and they keep irritants and waste out while locking moisture in. To name the essentials: ALA, EPA, DHA. These can be taken as supplements or even in some foods, mostly fish. The best time to take the supplements is with your meal.
Speaking of eating, high quality protein is key.
If you aren’t already well then you need to be considering your protein intake. This might seem obvious but a well-balanced diet does wonders for your skin. A suggested item is bone broth, which has an excellent source of amino acids to nourish your body and skin.
Now, onto the act of taking care of your skin. DON’T put hot water on your face or body. Warm water is best and only for so long. This exposure can actually cause your skin to dry out. Try keep your showers under 10 minutes and use a toner as often as possible instead of water when washing your face.
DON’T wash your face in the morning.
Your face has a natural oil to it called sebum. This is good. It actually slows down your skin from losing water. Cleansers strip off this oil and let the water escape more easily. You want to save this for the end of the day. Try instead using a microfiber cloth and warm water to clean your face or a cotton pad with rose water toner in the a.m.
For this dryer, humid climate try using a cold water humidifier.
Humidifiers can not only purify the air but also put more moisture out there which is good for your skin. Try using it one hour before bed with some lavender essential oil, (also good to help you fall asleep) if you can’t get a humidifier a good alternative is just to mix some warm water and essential oil in a spray bottle and spritz your room every so often.
When applying your skincare, remember to layer your products.
Layering your products helps them absorb into your skin better. Try using a water based product first like a mist or toner, and seal in the moisture with an oil. Some recommend combos: rose water + sunflower oil, witch hazel + gel moisturizer, aloe vera gel + tea tree oil, etc.
Use humectants and occlusives.
Humectants are little sponges for your skin to hold water, while occlusives create a barrier layer to prevent water from escaping. A common humectant is hyaluronic acid, something that’s been circulating social media for a while now. This can come in supplement or serum form and has many benefits aside from grabbing moisture and holding it so your skin can absorb it. Some suggested brands: The Ordinary. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 / Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum / Pixi Beauty Hydrating Milky Mist with Hyaluronic Acid and Black Oat. But as a rule of thumb, you also need an occlusive to seal all that moisture in. Some suggestions are: EtlaMD Moisturizer / Pond’s Dry Skin Cream.
Exfoliate regularly and this goes for everyone.
Removing the dead skin cells that sit on your face lets the new ingredients in your skincare routine take effect. A recommended tool for exfoliation is a cleansing brush much like the Clarisonic or here’s a cheaper alternative from Vanity Planet.
If in-store or over the counter supplements and serums aren’t for you then taking a holistic approach may be the best way to get more moisture into your skin. A few natural remedies are olive oil as a moisturizer + cleanser, an avocado mask 2x a week, olive oil + sugar scrub for exfoliation, or an oatmeal + honey mask.