And it actually isn’t just about drinking more water…
It seems that wherever you go people tell you that drinking more water is the key to skin hydration, but is that actually the case?
Hit with air pollution, central heating, air conditioning, wild weather conditions and a lot of blue light on a daily basis, our skin can really take a beating – especially when it comes to hydration levels.
Radiant, dewy skin is perhaps the most coveted of all beauty looks, but our modern, busy lives don’t often lend themselves very well to it.
No matter how much water you drink, your skin can still be extremely dehydrated, as while water does hydrate from the inside, it does not do it all.
Best face moisturisers for dry skin
‘First of all, it’s important to use cream/milk cleaners, hydration toners, hydrating and nourishing eye creams, oils, serums and hydration-boosting creams that will nourish and hydrate the cells of the skin,’ award-winning facialist, Chelseé Lewis explains to Prima.co.uk.
Her advice is echoed by beauty therapist Kadambari Avlani, who also recommends using a product which is non-astringent. ‘For example, witch hazel is an astringent and can dry out the skin,’ advises Kadambari. ‘Instead, use a water-based product which has hyaluronic acid, like aloe vera gel.
When it comes to picking out these products, the key is to look out for a set of special ingredients, designed to increase moisture and keep skin cells hydrated, and Mayfair-based specialist Chelseé knows what to look out for.
How to get rid of dry skin on face – the ingredients
‘Key ingredients you should look out for in products include hyaluronic acid(a moisture-binding ingredient that keeps skin plump), humectants, which help absorb moisture from the atmosphere to retain moisture in our cells of the skin, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) and AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) – which decrease skin irritation and exfoliate the upper layers of the skin,’ she reveals.
Other ingredients Chelseé advises to look our for are shea butter, avocado oil, neroli oil and vitamin E or cereal germ oil – all of which include high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, ideal for nourishing and hydrating your skin deep into the layers.
Along with buying creams and tonics, therapist Kadambari advises making a natural mask at home, using affordable and accessible ingredients. ‘Make a face mask using a fresh half avocado, one teaspoon of honey and five drops of Glycerin, mixed well,’ she explains. ‘Apply on the face as a mask. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash with warm water. This helps to lock water in the skin and hydrate the skin.’
While we know water isn’t everything, there’s no denying that it plays a big role in skin hydration. In fact, we lose one and a half litres of water a day, even before exercise.
‘We should drink two litres or more per day to help keep our body and skin hydrated,’ advises Chelseé. ‘And also help with detoxification, which is vital for great skin.’
Foods to eat for dry skin
It is also important to add foods into your day that boost moisture levels, these include:
- All types of melon
- Red berries
- Grapefruit
- Apples and pears
- Pineapple
- Cucumber, lettuce and celery
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage)
Or, if your anything like me on a busy day head to the juice bar or buy a bottle of coconut water – coconut water is my go-to as it hydrates you immediately,’ Chelseé continues.
‘Eat food which includes omegas three and six, which helps to produce natural oil in body for nourishment and also balances the water in body,’ adds Kadambari.
These include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
While you’re filling up on water-filled food, cut down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking as these can dry out and age the skin. ‘If you are having one cup of tea or coffee, compensate with two glass of water,’ she advises.