It's natural that when you hear the word "hydration," you think of water. And rightly so. Moisturizing your skin means increasing its water content. If your skin is dehydrated, it can become flaky, dull and dry.

Moisturized skin is smooth, radiant and has an even tone. To achieve this, you need to quench its thirst from time to time.

People often confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin. Although they are used as synonyms, there is a fundamental difference between the two.

Dehydrated skin vs. dry skin

Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks the right amount of sebum. Dry skin can also be the result of taking certain medications or experiencing certain diseases.

Factors such as climate, lifestyle, age and the products you use can all contribute to a change in skin type.

Symptoms of dry skin:

• Itching
• Redness
• Flaky skin
• Skin irritation

Symptoms of dehydrated skin

• Matte/dark leather
• Prominent dark circles and shadows around the eyes
• Itching
• Appearance of fine lines/wrinkles
• Dry mouth
• Puffy eyes

Skin hydration vs. skin hydration

While hydrating the skin involves adding water to the skin, moisturizing the skin means adding ingredients that lock water inside. Hydration and moisturization go hand in hand.

If you just hydrate your skin, it may temporarily look "juicy." However, water will "escape" from your skin if there is no layer to hold it in.

Moisturizing involves adding ingredients that retain moisture and repair the skin barrier. This prevents water loss and improves the texture and appearance of the skin.

How to moisturize your skin in simple 7 steps

Drink the right amount of water

The first step to properly hydrate the skin is to hydrate the body. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Your body may require more, depending on your lifestyle, weight and the latitude you live in.

Use moisturizing skin care products

Products that penetrate the skin and provide water are essential if you have dehydrated skin. We suggest our Aqua Performance Line.Look for the following moisturizing ingredients in cosmetics:

A. Hyaluronic acid

It plays an important role in moisturizing the skin and maintaining its elasticity. Hyaluronic acid's water-binding properties help replenish water in the skin and prevent early signs of aging.

B. Glycerin

A popular ingredient in the cosmetics industry, glycerin has moisturizing properties that can relieve skin from feeling dry and itchy. This is because glycerin is a humectant. Thus, it works by attracting moisture from the environment to the skin's surface (3).

C. Urea

Another widely used ingredient in the dermatological world, urea, loosens and breaks down hardened protein, soothing rough and itchy skin.

D. Ceramides

These are skin-renewing ingredients, like the cement that supports the bricks of a building. They create and repair the skin barrier, which prevents water loss and retains moisture inside.

E. Panthenol

Panthenol is an ingredient that penetrates the skin and moisturizes cells. It also prevents transepidermal water loss. This means that it improves the function of the skin barrier by stimulating the cells that strengthen it.

Avoid very hot and long showers

While it may sound ridiculous, but long hours of bathing can damage the skin barrier. They can cause a loss of moisture and loss of essential barrier substances, which can eventually cause dry skin. The ideal solution is to use lukewarm water when bathing.

Pamper yourself with masks / sheet masks

Face masks are packed to the brim with moisturizing ingredients. Including a moisturizing mask in your skin care routine will keep your skin firm and hydrated. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

Use a humidifier

The humidifier can be used when the humidity in the air around you is low. It can prove especially useful during the dry winter months.

Sunscreen with SPF is a must.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent UVA and UVB damage to your skin every time you leave the house. Sun exposure can dry out the skin, causing it to lose moisture and break down collagen and elastin, which are responsible for its strength and elasticity. This can cause premature signs of aging.

Eat foods rich in water

Fruits and vegetables are not only moisturizing, but also beneficial to the skin in many other ways. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for keeping skin perfectly smooth. Foods rich in vitamin A and B3 are also essential for improving the overall condition of the skin.

This entry is based on and the result of a translation: How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated Photo by Erik Dungan on Unsplash