Many people covet firm and plump skin, as seen in numerous trends like glass and glazed donut skin. However, some fail to get the right feel and texture when moisturizing. It ultimately comes down to your products, techniques and lifestyle. Check out if you’ve been making any of the following mistakes and try out better tips for hydrated skin.

1. Using the Wrong Kind of Moisturizer

Using the wrong moisturizer formula is one common reason your skin isn’t properly hydrated. The compatibility of your products matters for maximum effectiveness. Here are the best kinds of moisturizers for different skin types:

• Creams: Moisturizing creams are oil-based products that thoroughly hydrate the skin. These emollient formulas are best suited for dry skin because of how well the composition penetrates. People with oily skin may also enjoy this product to boost hydration, but only at night.

• Gels: Gel moisturizers are typically water-based, which means they have a thinner consistency than cream moisturizers. People with normal to oily skin will appreciate this lighter variation because of its easier absorption and application. It would work well both in the morning and evening.
• Lotions: Lotions are a water-in-oil emulsion formula that offers the best of both creams and gels. They are ideal of all skin types, as they generally smooth the skin and vanish afterwards. Those with sensitive skin will also get a skin hydration boost — just remember to look out for artificial ingredients.

2. Forgetting About Moisture Retention

Another tip for hydrated skin is to incorporate products that help moisturizers stick. For example, combine it with hydrating cleansers, toners and serums to boost its effectiveness. Start with the thinnest products and practice consistency for the results.

You can also include scrubs and peels in the mix. Exfoliating clears dead cells from your skin to allow moisturizers to penetrate fully, but over-exfoliating can be too harsh. You should only exfoliate twice or thrice a week at most.

3. Thinking All Heat Is Bad

It’s common advice to avoid taking hot showers or washing faces with hot water because it can be drying. While there is some truth to that, there are also benefits to inviting the heat into your care routine.

Dry heat dehydrates your skin, as it draws moisture out, but moist heat would actually leave it soft and supple. Spa practices like using facial steamers or applying a warm, wet towel to the face are good every once in a while to reset your skin’s hydration levels.

4. Ignoring Other External Factors

Achieving hydrated skin can involve parts outside of your skin care routine, like what comes into contact with your face and body. It’s important to look closely at these to avoid stripping your natural oils:

• Use a good pillow cover: Your face will spend hours rubbing against your pillow cover as you sleep, so make sure the fabric is gentle on it. Many enjoy cotton and linen because of how comfortable they are, but silk is a good option since it lets you glide. Follow the same principle for blankets and bedsheets.

• Have soft towels: Whether you’ve just finished bathing or washing your face, it’s important to dry off your skin. A plush towel can work wonders in getting the job done without being too harsh on your face and body.
• Wear clean clothes: Sweat-free and clean clothes are the key to maintaining skin hydration. Look for cotton, silk and other smooth materials. You can also use a mild and hypoallergenic detergent on your clothes to avoid any lingering irritants that would affect your skin’s hydration.

5. Having Dehydrating Habits

You may have certain lifestyle practices that indirectly dehydrate your skin. From drinking alcohol to exposing yourself to the cold, it’s important to remedy these with habits that hydrate your face and body. Follow these tips for hydrated skin:

• Drink plenty of water: Alcohol can lower skin elasticity and increase its dryness. Swap out those drinks for some good old-fashioned water instead. While it may have little direct impact on your dry skin, keeping your internal system hydrated helps you maintain your energy levels and feel good.

• Turn on the humidifier: Cold and dry weather can be inevitable, but you don’t have to let your skin itch and suffer. Have a humidifier to stabilize the moisture levels in the air. It gives your face and body a better environment and keeps itches at bay.
• Remove dirt and cosmetics: Heading to bed without removing your makeup? Leaving it on gives zero space to let your skin breathe, which can affect its hydration levels in the long run. Moisturizing after cleansing your face restores the skin barrier and replaces the stripped hydration from those cosmetics and other facial gunk.

Give Your Skin Hydration

While hydration is an important factor in achieving youthful-looking skin, it’s also key for its health. Watch for any hiccups in your routine and follow the tips above to boost moisture. With the right changes, you can have soft and supple skin quickly.

Author: Beth Rush