10 Strategies for a Soft, Hydrated Complexion

10 Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

1. Hydrate With Water

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Use a humidifier at home especially in the winter to help keep your skin from drying out.

2. Use Gentle Cleansers

Don’t use harsh soaps. Instead try cleansers that are mild, fragrance-free, and ph-balanced that won’t strip the oils from your skin. Try a cleansing oil or cleansing balm which can clean your skin but also provide moisture.

3. Moisturize Regularly

Use moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, or ceramides help keep your skin moisturized. When you apply your moisturizer, do it right after washing your face while your skin is still slightly damp to help seal in the moisture.

4. Incorporate Hydrating Serums

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants and draw moisture to the skin. Try this glycerin serum recipe. Niacinamide, a form of B3 in a serum can also increase hydration. It can also improve the skin’s barrier function which can help reduce water loss.

5. Exfoliate Gently

Don’t over exfoliate. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. This will remove dead skin cells without being too irritating. Some DIY exfoliants you can try are ground oats or sugar mixed with honey or oil.

I love to use rice flour with rose powder (rose petals ground in my coffee grinder). Rice flour is slightly course and leaves the skin smooth and glowing. Rice is anti-inflammatory and is a good option for those with sensitive or irritated skin and it helps with redness and inflammation. It is also high in antioxidants which help combat free radicals, environmental damage and improves elasticity. But the best part for those with dry skin is that rice flour helps your skin to retain moisture. Using rice powder on your skin will create a healthy skin barrier and you will have less dryness.

Try a mask made of 2 tablespoons of rice flour and 1 tablespoon of honey or yogurt. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing off with cool water.

6. Protect Your Skin Barrier

To protect your skin barrier, avoid long and hot showers and try a barrier cream. A barrier cream supports your skin’s natural moisture barrier and prevents moisture loss. They are heavier than many moisturizers and provide intense moisturization.

Barrier Cream Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax (or candelilla wax )
• 2 tablespoons shea butter (or cocoa or mango butter)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or almond oil)
• 1 teaspoon zinc oxide
• 5 to 10 drops essential oils (optional)

Directions: Melt the wax, butter, zinc, and oils in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add essential oils. Pour the mixture into your glass jar or tin. Let it cool at room temperature until it solidifies. You can also place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once the cream has solidified, it’s ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place. The cream should last for several months.

7. Seal in Moisture with Oils

There are many ways you can add oils into your skincare routine. You can create a facial oil, do oil cleansing, use a cleansing balm, or put them in your moisturizers. See my facial oil recipes below.

8. Sun Protection

UV damage can aggravate dry skin, so be sure to wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun.

9. Dietary Considerations

Eating foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts that are rich in omega-3s supports the health of your skin. Fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants also support your skin by protecting it from environmental stressors that lead to dry skin.

10. Avoid Irritants

opt for fragrance- and alcohol-free products as they can be drying and irritate skin. Wear soft fabrics and avoid wool and other rough and itchy fabrics as they can irritate dry skin.

5 Facial Oils for Dry Skin

Try one of these 5 facial oil blends to help nourish and hydrate dry skin and get the soft, smooth, and radiant skin you want.

Directions: Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a small glass bottle. To mix, shake the bottle gently. Apply 3 to 4 drops to clean, damp skin. Massage it in a gentle, upward motion. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place.

1. Nourishing Facial Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Argan Oil
• 2 drops Rose Essential Oil
• 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 1 drop Geranium Essential Oil

2. Hydrating Facial Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
• 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 2 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
• 1 drop Helichrysum Essential Oil

3. Rejuvenating Facial Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Rosehip Seed Oil
• 2 drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil
• 2 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
• 1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil

4. Calming Facial Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil
• 3 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 drop Chamomile Essential Oil

5. Soothing Facial Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
• 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 2 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil

For more skincare tips and recipes, follow me on substack. Download my free self-care planner printables or sign up for my email list and you will be alerted when my new course (Glow up Naturally: DIY Skincare for Women 40+) becomes available.