“The best ingredient for dry or dehydrated skin is hyaluronic acid, due to its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in hydration,” she says. Lekus also suggests trying sheet masks as a quick, easy way to infuse a mega dose of moisture.
Unsurprisingly, drinking water is top of the list of things to do when it comes to hydrating the skin, but it's also important to combine it with a healthy dose of essential fatty acids.
It's estimated that this trendy humectant can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, SELF explained previously. It's present in all kinds of skin-care products, and dermatologists frequently recommend that basically all skin types look out for it when in need of hydration.
Hyaluronic acid is extremely effective in replenishing dehydrated skin. As a humectant, this miracle ingredient helps bind and retain moisture, keeping skin soft and pillowy.
“Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils including marula, hemp seed, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, argan, sweet almond, tea tree and jojoba may be good options for those with oily or acne-prone skin,” she explains.
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein for its effectiveness.
Polyglutamic Acid (PGA), a hydration powerhouse and water-soluble peptide, is FIVE times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. This cutting edge ingredient, derived from fermented soybean mucilage is a major game changer in the future of skincare.
Women in Korea have a long history of making their own rice water to wash their face because of the long-established skin benefits. "It's a natural moisturizer that helps slow aging, reduce dark circles, fade age spots, and brighten skin," says Kim.
If you moisturize your skin regularly but still notice lingering dryness, you may want to check your moisturizer for potentially dehydrating ingredients, such as isopropyl alcohol or sulfates. You may get better results with products containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
Cold water can be especially beneficial for dry or acne-prone skin, says Knapp. “If you have chronically dry skin, hot water can strip your sebum levels (oils) and exacerbate the issue, so cold water is a good alternative.”
Water is your best bet for everyday hydration, since it is free of sugar, calories, and caffeine. All of your daily food and beverages contribute to your daily fluid needs.
In general, however, it usually takes about two hours for your body to rehydrate fully after drinking a significant amount of water. As for how you should rehydrate, water is the best choice. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can be helpful for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
Since ancient times, Koreans have only used natural, harsh-free ingredients for their skincare routines: green tea, “snail slime”, bamboo extracts, propolis, and honey are just some examples of the elements they used and have passed through generations.
HA can actually make your skin DRIER. Why? Because compared to the environment around you, your skin contains more moisture. So, instead of sucking moisture from the air into your skin, HA pulls moisture from your skin into the air.
