Simple home remedies to keep dry skin moisturized

How to hydrate your skin from the inside

According to Cureus, skin needs hydration to look and stay healthy. Moisturizing the skin often starts with what you eat and drink. Water is essential for skin health and hydration.

How much you need to drink daily to hydrate your skin and improve its appearance depends on your age and the climate. For example, in cold weather, a lack of internal moisture can deplete water reserves. Conversely, in a hot climate, sweating can increase, leading to water loss.

Here are some ways to hydrate your skin from the inside:

• Drink plenty of water. Consuming more water throughout the day improves skin health. It can be as effective as applying a moisturizer.
• Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. They can enhance the skin's barrier function, helping it retain moisture. Include omega-3-rich foods such as salmon and tuna, as well as foods high in omega-6, like pumpkin seeds, to hydrate and protect the skin.
• Get enough zinc. The body needs zinc to support skin hydration, protect the skin barrier, and produce collagen.

How to moisturize your skin with products

Look for daily skincare products designed for moisturizing and retaining moisture. If you have dry areas caused by dehydration, you may need to include a more intensive moisturizer in your routine.

The American Dermatological Association recommends testing new products on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions.

Here are several topical ways to moisturize your skin:

• Use hyaluronic acid because it binds water and slows down evaporation from the skin.
• Use a cream with ceramides. They mimic the skin's natural barrier function, helping absorb more moisture. Ceramides can also reduce water loss, specifically in dry skin conditions such as eczema.
• Apply coconut oil to dry areas. It penetrates the skin quickly and can help soothe dry, irritated skin. It can also increase hydration, improve skin elasticity, and reduce itching.

Other tips for skin hydration

Often, the most effective way to keep your skin hydrated is a holistic approach that combines internal and external care along with adjustments to your environment. For example:

• Use a humidifier. It can help moisturize your skin and make it less susceptible to airborne irritants.
• Take a cool shower. Limit showers to no longer than 10 minutes using warm water and a gentle cleanser. Long, hot showers and harsh soaps can strip the skin of oils, leading to dryness.
• Choose pillowcase material wisely. Pick silk or satin pillowcases. These materials draw out less moisture from the skin and create less friction, minimizing irritation.
• Get enough sleep. When you don't get sufficient rest, your body can deplete the water reserves needed to maintain alertness and proper skin function. Aim for the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep to maintain skin health.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.