If not now, then when? With autumn fast approaching, w&h beauty editor Martinique Stevens says that now’s the best time to hydrate yourself better than ever, both inside and out.
“A hydrated skin is a healthy, glowing skin” says facialist Abigail James, “and since our skin is 70% water, surely the quality of the water we drink, as well as bathe in, could very well have an impact on cell hydration. After all, chlorine is known to have a drying effect on the surface of our skin and hair, so it makes sense that tap water, full of chlorine, is going to do the same inside and out!”
ALSO SEE: Hydration Tips For Your Skin While You Sleep
But how does it work?
It’s the osmotic effect: basic high school biology. “The more water you have within your skin, the better your skincare will work.” says skin expert Lou Rigby. “We forget that water acts as a transport system that will increase the benefits of all other products used on the skin.”
Try This: We’re fans of nourishing skin from the inside with a ready-made well-being cocktail. Try Collagen Lift Red Carpet, R1 050 for a month’s supply of drinkable ampoules, with up collagen-rich marine seaweed, vitamin c and hyaluronic acid.
My skin feels super dry!
Sounds like you? Word has it we’re using too much moisturiser. “Only 10-15% of people worldwide have true genetically dry skin, the rest of us are overdoing it,” says celebrity facialist Kate Kerr. Moisturising also prevents the skin’s natural exfoliation by smoothing cells and stopping them from sloughing off. Stop moisturising and it actually stimulates cell turnover and encourages desquamation.”
How to hydrate your skin properly
1. For one week
Lighten up on cleansing, avoid face wipes containing MI (methylisothiazolinone), which overly strips skin, and instead choose a gentle micellar water such as the softening Garnier Skinactive Micellar Oil-infused Cleansing Water, R89,95 for 400ml.
ALSO SEE: 3 Ways To Look Luminous
2. Choose a lightweight face serum
Such as new Huxley Secret of the Sahara Essence: Grab Water, R700 for 30ml, or Kalahari PhytoFlora Serum R252 for 15ml, that is just as efficient, but extremely cost effective.
3. Avoid using a moisturiser
Instead of using a moisturiser, opt for a weightless gel-based lotion, like Payot Hydra 24+ Gel-creme Sorbet, R589 for 50ml. If you’re feeling brave, try going cold turkey and rate how your skin looks and feels.
ALSO SEE: 12 Easy Steps to Flawless Skin, Eyes, Lips and Nails
4. Spritz on a face mist
We love Avene Thermal Spring Water, R 149,95 for 150ml. Do this as often as you feel necessary and make sure to drink volumes of water.
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Try this: If you’re post-menopausal and are feeling super dry but find that most moisturisers just don’t seem to absorb very well? It’s because lipid production declines with age, so skin surface is left more vulnerable. We suggesting choosing a cream that helps increase elasticity in the skin, like this fabulous Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, R2 780 for 48ml. It sure is an investment, but it truly does wonders if you’re really struggling.
ALSO SEE: Your Best Ever Menopause Beauty Kit
