Dry skin can be quite bothersome, especially with its very unpleasant baggage – that tight and flaky feeling coupled with the constant itch. These can be so uncomfortable, and to be honest, enough to make anyone reach for the nearest container of lotion or body oil.
But before you grab that lotion from your shelf, let’s examine the different causes of dry skin and how proper hydration can overcome this problem.
Let’s get started!
First, you need to understand the skin’s role as a barrier against the different elements that are trying to enter your body. The skin keeps in things like moisture and keeps out the bad stuff, like dust and dirt. But sometimes, this delicate balance gets thrown off, causing the skin’s barrier function to weaken, leading to a loss of moisture and an overall dehydrated feeling. This can be caused by several factors, including genetics, weather, and even the use of harsh skincare products. But luckily, there’s a solution.
While it’s almost impossible to prevent the skin from drying out once in a while, there’s an arsenal of ingredients that can help boost hydration and restore your skin to its natural supple state.
Let’s talk about a few of them.
Hydrating Ingredients for Dry Skin: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Ceramides
Hyaluronic Acid
This is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin and has an impressive ability to hold onto moisture.
Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant. This means it attracts water vapour from the environment, pulling it towards the skin’s surface. However, there’s a catch! While Hyaluronic acid is a significant first step to restoring your skin’s hydration, it often needs a teammate to maximize its effectiveness.
AHAs like lactic acid also act as humectants and can help your skin attract and retain moisture.
Glycerin
Glycerin’s beauty is its versatility. This ingredient can be found in various skincare products, from toners and serums to moisturizers and creams. Plus, it plays well with others, meaning it can be combined with other hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic acid for an extra moisture boost.
But there’s one thing to keep in mind with glycerin, though. This ingredient is so good at attracting moisture that in very dry environments, it might actually pull moisture out of the deeper layers of your skin to replenish what’s lacking in the air. This can leave you feeling even drier than you previously were.
As I mentioned, the ingredients discussed above are called humectants. They attract moisture, pulling it from the air and deeper layers of your skin to plump up the surface.
However, while humectants are amazing at attracting moisture, they’re not the best at keeping it locked in. That’s where occlusives come in.These ingredients form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture from evaporating and keeping the skin hydrated for longer. Ceramides are a very good example.
Ceramides
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up a major part of the skin’s barrier. They act like tiny bricks, forming a protective layer that helps keep moisture locked in and irritants out.
Although humectants attract water to the skin, without ceramides, water can easily seep out. So, ceramides help keep moisture locked in, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected.
Some other examples of occlusives are Petrolatum (the regular Vaseline), Mineral Oils, and Natural Butters and Oils, e.g., Shea butter, cocoa butter, and even jojoba. These oils can all act as occlusives, adding a touch of luxury to your skincare routine while keeping your skin hydrated.
Layering Skincare Products for Maximum Hydration
Now, here’s where things get really interesting.
The best skincare results often come from combining the strengths of different ingredients. This principle also applies when trying to tackle dry skin. The secret lies in the strategic combination of products, humectants, and occlusives to achieve your desired hydration.
As mentioned earlier, Humectants draw moisture to the skin surface, while occlusives lock it in. It’s like a well-oiled machine working together for the greater good of your skin.
Here’s an example of how you can put this into practice:
Start with a hydrating toner or essence containing hyaluronic acid (humectant) to attract moisture to your damp skin. Then, follow up with a moisturizer containing ceramides (occlusive) to create a protective barrier and trap all that moisture.
Overnight Hydration Masks: Locking in Moisture
Now, let’s explore the world of overnight hydration masks – your skin’s secret formula for waking up to a dewy, plump complexion.
These leave-on masks are designed to work their magic while you sleep. Plus, unlike regular moisturisers, they tend to be thicker and more concentrated with powerful ingredients. They create an occlusive barrier on your skin, trapping moisture and allowing the active ingredients to work their wonders throughout the night.
These masks are usually made up of different ingredients, such as Hyaluronic acid, Emollients—which help soften and smooth dry or rough skin—and Occlusives (those we discussed earlier). But with so many options, you’ll need to pick the best overnight mask for your skin carefully. So here are a few tips:
Consider your skin type
If you have dehydrated skin, look for masks with thicker textures and a higher concentration of occlusives. And for those with sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free formulas with gentle ingredients.
Figure out your skincare needs.
Do you want a mask that focuses on intense hydration? Or are you looking for something that helps with redness or fine lines? Before deciding which overnight mask to use, figure out your skincare needs. This way, you can choose a mask based on your specific concerns.
Patch test first
This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Do a patch test before you go all out with an overnight mask. You can do this by applying a small amount of the mask to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any irritation.
Once you’ve confirmed all these, incorporate your overnight mask into your routine for maximum benefit.
How to use an overnight hydrating mask
The first step is to cleanse your skin correctly – you need to use this mask on a clean and prepped face. You can even exfoliate a couple of times weekly to remove dead skin cells and allow the mask to penetrate deeper.
Next, following the instructions on the product, apply the mask to your face in a thin and even layer. Avoid the eye and lip areas.
Once the mask is on, settle in for a good night’s sleep and let it work magic. When you wake in the morning, gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and follow up with your regular moisturizer.
Bear in mind that you need to be consistent to see results. Using an overnight mask once in a blue moon might not be enough to see a significant difference. So, incorporate it into your routine several times a week for optimal results.
Hydrating Mist and Toners: Refreshing Dry Skin Throughout the Day
Humectants and occlusives can be the perfect combo for skin hydration. However, sometimes you might need something to use on the go or throughout the day, thus the need for some hydrating mists and toners.
These can be fantastic tools for adding an extra layer of hydration and prepping your skin for the rest of your skincare products.
Hydrating Mists
Hydrating mists are essentially lightweight sprays packed with moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or even rosewater, and they can be used in a few different ways.
One way to use the mists is to apply them after cleansing your face but before your toner to provide an extra layer of hydration. You can also use them throughout the day for a refreshing moisture boost, especially in dry environments or over makeup to set it and add a dewy glow.
However, it’s important not to go overboard! While mists are refreshing, overusing them can disrupt your skin’s natural balance.
Toners
While toners used to be harsh, astringent formulas, nowadays, they are more suited for prepping your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. Toners can help remove any last traces of cleanser, balance your skin’s pH level, and even boost hydration. Toners usually come in various textures, from lightweight liquids to thicker essences. A lighter toner could be more suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types, while a more hydrating toner can benefit drier skin types.
There are two major ways to apply a toner. One is to soak a cotton pad with toner and gently swipe it across your cleansed face, avoiding the eye area. The other is to use a spray bottle, which allows for a more hands-free application.
One more thing….
While the right skincare products can definitely improve skin health, remember that healthy habits play a big role, too. For instance, drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Also, using a humidifier in dry weather can add moisture to the air, preventing your skin from drying out.
Limiting hot showers can also reduce skin dryness. These are effective ways to improve skin hydration through skincare.
