How To Get that #SummerGlow: Tips For Hydrating Your Skin

Did you know that your skin naturally loses moisture every day? It’s true! Most women don’t drink enough water to compensate, and as a result, their skin becomes dry and dull-looking over time. If you want your skin to look its healthiest, firmest, and most glowy this summer, follow these tips on how to get that #summerglow by hydrating your skin properly.

Drink Plenty of Water

While it's difficult to think of your skin as a sponge, it actually is. It's one of our bodies' largest organs, accounting for up to 15 percent of body weight. Water not only keeps our skin hydrated and elastic but also helps prevent signs of aging, like wrinkles and crow's feet. An easy way to tell if you're getting enough water is by looking at your urine color: If it's light yellow or clear, then you are well-hydrated. If it's darker yellow or tea-colored, drink more water! A great tip is to keep a glass near every chair in your house and keep drinking all day long—that way, you can stay well-hydrated without having to make an effort when you notice yourself starting to get thirsty.

Use a Mask

The quickest and easiest way to give your skin a boost of hydration is by using a hydrating mask. Choose a moisturizing mask made with hyaluronic acid, which will attract and retain moisture, or opt for one made with seaweed extract, which will help lock in moisture and prevent it from escaping your skin. Try Shiseido's new Intensive Hydrating Mask or REN's Brightening Mask With Seaweed Extract. The best part? You can use these masks while you're doing something else--they're multitasking masks! Instead of enjoying a bubble bath, make your bathroom time more productive by using products that offer multiple benefits at once.

Use an Exfoliator

Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis is one of the best ways to hydrate and nourish it. Exfoliating helps clear out any dead skin cells that have built up over time and smooths out your complexion. It also helps moisturizers penetrate into deeper layers of your skin by creating a smoother, softer surface. If you don’t already exfoliate, now is a great time to start! Use a scrub or face wash once or twice per week, depending on your skin type, avoiding sensitive areas like around your eyes. Make sure you pick an exfoliator made specifically for the face; traditional body scrubs are usually too rough for delicate facial skin.

Moisturize Your Body

Keeping your skin hydrated is one of best ways to keep it healthy, clear and glowing. Summer’s extreme temperatures can cause dryness and irritation on your skin, so investing in a moisturizer is important. Use it after you shower every day or even twice a day. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for products with words like moisturizing or hydrating listed as an ingredient. We love CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion because it contains ceramides, which help protect against moisture loss and heal damaged skin cells. It also has hyaluronic acid, which draws water into your skin cells so they retain moisture better—and then releases it back into your skin when needed.

Eat Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only delicious in smoothies, but it’s also a great way to keep your skin looking plump and healthy. Topical aloe vera gel can reduce redness caused by irritation or inflammation, and it can provide relief from minor burns, scrapes, and rashes. Just make sure you don’t overdo it—keep those fresh flowers for aesthetic purposes only! Aloe is a natural diuretic and can cause dehydration if consumed in large quantities; consume no more than three leaves per day.

Try Infrared Saunas

Coconut oil and hemp oil are two oils known for their great moisturizing effects. They’re both stable in heat, so they work well when you’re cooking or going to be out in direct sunlight. Coconut oil is particularly good because it helps lock in moisture, keeping your skin supple. Plus, unlike mineral or vegetable oils, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind—just smooth, soft skin.

Use Coconut Oil or Hemp Oil

Coconut oil is not only beneficial in cooking, but it’s also great for skin. Using coconut oil can help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals (atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons). One study even found that topical application of coconut oil could significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve dryness, scaling and roughness. The same study noted that hemp seed oil also helped improve skin appearance, specifically regarding acne scarring. If you're in a rush to get your glow on, try using warm water mixed with a few drops of coconut or hemp oil after washing your face in the morning and evening before bed.