How to keep your skin hydrated with facials & from home...

A comprehensive guide from the team at Dr Ana The Skin.

Our skin is a remarkable organ, serving as the first line of defence against the harsh elements of the outside world. But maintaining its health and vitality requires more than just washing it with soap and water. Hydration is key to achieving that coveted youthful glow and preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best strategies to keep your skin hydrated, no matter the season or skin type with the use of home measures or for instance with facials in a.

Drink Plenty of Water:

It's no secret that hydration starts from within. Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for overall health and plays a significant role in maintaining skin hydration. The recommended guide is to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, and adjust your intake based on your activity level and climate. With that said, drinking water has a smaller effect than we may think as although it contributes to overall hydration levels, the skin is the last organ prioritised by the body which is why topical application of hydration is so much more important. We only notice general body dehydration in the skin once it’s become quite severe. It is recommended to consume water rich foods rather than just drinking water as cucumber and watermelon is thought to get digested slowly throughout the day which contributes to a more steady and valuable level of hydration.

Hydration vs Moisture Levels – What’s the Difference?

Hydration refers to the water content in the skin, whereas moisture levels are to do with the lipids in the skin barrier which is why dehydration (being a temporary skin condition) is targeted with hydrating hyaluronic acid HA serums whereas moisture levels (dry skin being a relatively long-term skin type) is targeted with moisturisers. Ideally, we would layer the two and we will tell you more about dry skin types and moisturisers as another blog post topic in future.

Choosing the Right Skincare Products:

Having a good skincare routine is key for maintaining healthy, hydrated and glowing skin. As a rule of thumb, you should be aiming to double cleanse, tone and moisturise twice daily (morning/night) followed by a gentle exfoliation twice a week. Dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of the skin, making it look dull and preventing moisturisers from penetrating effectively. Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Serums are also essential in helping to maintain hydrated skin. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling plump and supple.

Our top picks for skin hydration include:

·      For mature or dry skin types: SkinCeuticals H..A. Intensifier

·      For oily or combination skin types: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5

·      For sensitive and redness-prone skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto corrective serum

Protect Your Skin from the Sun:

UV rays can damage the skin's natural barrier, leading to dehydration and premature aging. Apply sunscreen as the last step in your daily skincare routine and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF factor 50 every day, even on cloudy days or during the winter months. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors. We recommend using SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50.

Regular Bespoke Facial Treatments:

Regular facial treatments are important for maintaining the health, appearance, and youthfulness of your skin, as well as for promoting relaxation and overall well-being. We recommend booking in for our popular Hydrafacial treatment every 4-6 weeks (prices start from just £140). This 3-step treatment removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturising serums. To secure a booking, please contact 0121 7167150, via WhatsApp on 07469017279 or via email at info@DrAna.co.uk

Avoid Hot Showers:

While a hot shower may feel relaxing, it can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Opt for lukewarm water instead to help open the pores and limit your shower time to no more than 10 minutes. After showering, pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing, and apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp to seal in hydration.

Invest in a Humidifier:

Especially during the dry winter months or in arid climates, a humidifier can be a game-changer for skin hydration. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, preventing the skin from becoming parched and irritated.

Eat a Balanced Diet:

Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that support skin health. Incorporate foods high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and strawberries, alongside foods which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, which help to maintain the skin's lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Intake:

Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, meaning they can increase urine production and lead to dehydration. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks, and balance them with plenty of water and hydrating foods.

Listen to your skin:

Lastly, pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. If you notice any signs of dryness or irritation, switch to gentler products or consult your skincare specialist for personalised recommendations. We offer in-depth skin consultations and Visia Digital Skin Analysis at our doctor-led skin clinic in Edgbaston, Birmingham. To secure a booking, please contact us on 0121 716 7150, via WhatsApp on 07469017279 or via email at info@DrAna.co.uk, or

Take-home message:

Achieving and maintaining hydrated, healthy skin requires a combination of internal and external factors. By following these tips and adopting a consistent skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking radiant and youthful year-round. Remember, hydration is not just a trend, it's a vital step in nurturing your skin and preserving its natural beauty for years to come.