The Connection between Beautiful Skin and Hydration

[Carolsue22]

Most people fail to realize just how important hydration is in maintaining a healthy body and beautiful skin. Maintaining the proper amount of fluid in the body at both the extra-cellular (outside a cell) and intra-cellular (inside a cell) is essential for cell health.

Proper hydration is critical; it helps the body assimilate essential nutrients and excrete toxins, assists in maintaining pH balances, and helps prevent kidney stones, constipation and urinary infections. Furthermore it reduces the signs of ages and keeps skin soft and elastic. Additionally the water content in skin helps it perform its protective functions.


Without proper hydration the skin looks dull, dry, and extra sensitive and it loses it suppleness. Additionally without sufficient hydration the rate of healing to damaged dermal layers are slowed, hair follicles can get blocked causing bacterial accumulation and even skin breakouts and acne take more time to heal. Additionally, when the skin is not adequately hydrated, it loses thickness, and offers less body protection from environmental factors.

Below are recommendations in which you can hydrate your body and skin:

Drink water - I know it has been said a lot but it is always worth repeating!
Moisturize - again worth repeating. A moisturizer can slow down the ageing process versus skin that is moisture deprived. While a moisturizer will not get rid of wrinkles, when your skin is not moisturized wrinkles will appear more pronounced. For those that suffer with acne or oily skin, hydration should also be in your skin care routine. Oily skin may not need moisture but it still needs hydration. For instance, I have seen friends with oily skin yet still have dry flaky skin patches on their face, this is due to lack of hydration.
Toner - optional although I am a faithful user and believe in the benefits it provides.
Exfoliate - exfoliation is a gentle method to slough off dead cells. It promotes new cell turnover and circulation.
Protect - in today's world the skin needs protection from environmental factors so be sure to use a sunscreen.
Hydrating masks - clay masks are wonderful! Be sure to select the right clay for your skin type. [URL under review]
Avoid products that are stripping your skin of its natural oils. Be gentle with your skin and it will reward you in the long run.

These are just a few ways to hydrate your skin. Additionally a good diet will keep you and your skin healthy.

[Msmag]

I agree Carol. Another misconception is that people with oily skin should not moisturize. That couldn't be further from the truth. A good moisturizer will not make oily skin worse. Best to go heavier on the dry areas of the skin and lighter on the oily sections.