Is your skin feeling dry?
Often used interchangeably, moisture and hydration are two vastly different issues. Hydration refers to the amount of water in your skin, while moisture refers to your skin barrier and its ability to seal in the water. When healthy, our outer layer of skin looks like bricks filled in with mortar and it protects us by keeping bad things out and good things in. However, when there are cracks in the system, water escapes through the skin leaving cells to shrivel from lack of water. When skin is dry and dehydrated it often accentuates fine lines and wrinkles while also having a dull, sometimes crepey appearance. If you’re like me and love to soak in a hot bath you might think you’re helping hydrate your skin, however, the exact opposite is true. Long, hot showers or baths, and spending time in the cold (or heat) deplete our skin’s water content. I suppose we could limit showers to 5-10 min in lukewarm water, but I think life is too short for lukewarm showers…am I right? Instead, use a humidifier, drink plenty of water, and put on a moisturizer before bed. The best moisturizers support and repair the skin barrier while also infusing water into cells to giving that beautiful plump look. Moisturizers come in all different weights, from gels to lotions to creams. Be sure to choose one that is right for your skin type.