Want fresh, dewy and hydrated skin? Look beyond your moisturiser

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Skin hydration goes beyond creams, lotions and potions. It requires a holistic approach that combines external care with internal nourishment. Whether you’re 16 or 60, moisture is crucial for glowing, glass-like skin. In today’s column, I’ll dive deep into the subject of hydration, and how to keep your skin fresh and dewy all day – and night – long.

Damp skin is happy skin

First things first: your skin is like a sponge. It absorbs everything better when it’s a little damp. So, here’s the golden rule—never apply your skincare products on dry skin. After you wash your face, pat it dry gently (and by gentle, I mean treat it like a bunny). Do not pull a Gabbar Singh and rub your face like a dacoit trying to scrub off a year’s worth of grime. Keep it soft, and keep it kind. Apply serum or lotion while your skin is still wet. This helps seal in moisture, resulting in a plump, hydrated look.

Hydrate from the inside out

You can’t talk about skin hydration without talking about water. And no, I’m not just talking about the eight-glasses-a-day rule. Depending on their sex, lifestyle and living location, adults should be drinking anywhere between three and five litres of water daily (that’s 10-17 cups, for any math-challenged readers out there). Water keeps your skin cells content.

And here’s a pro tip: if plain water bores you, jazz it up with some lemon, mint, or cucumber. Not only does it taste better, but the added antioxidants and vitamins will boost your glow.

All skin types need moisture

Think you can skip creams and lotions because your skin is oily? Think again. Everyone needs a moisturiser, no matter your skin type. Oily-skinned folks should look for a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores.

For those with drier skin, opt for a richer cream that will keep your skin soft and supple. And remember, consistency is key—morning and night, every day. Your skin doesn’t take days off, and neither should your skincare routine.

Eat your way to hydrated skin

Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about what you put in your body. Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are your skin’s best friends and can be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. These nutrients help keep your skin’s natural oils balanced.

So, the next time you’re snacking on junk, think about your skin. Opt for a handful of nuts or a smoothie with some added seeds. They’ll do wonders for you.

Hydration in winter months

Winter is coming, and so is the dry skin struggle. But don’t worry—I’ve got a fix for the days when your skin feels like the Sahara Desert. Before slathering on your moisturiser, slightly dampen your skin with a spritz of rose or plain water. This little trick gives it an extra boost of hydration. This works for all ages and skin types – young to mature, oily to dry.

Extra tips for keeping your skin hydrated

1. Crank up the humidity: If live in a dry area or always chill in an AC environment, grab a humidifier to keep the air (and your skin) from getting too dry.
2. Be gentle with your skin: Avoid skincare products loaded with denatured alcohol. Go for gentle, hydrating cleansers, and don’t overdo it with physical and chemical exfoliation. Your skin needs balance.
3. Slay with sunscreen: Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach—it’s a daily requirement, regardless of your location. UV rays can dry out your skin and speed up ageing, so slap on a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Your future self will thank you.
4. Shower with lukewarm water:  Lukewarm water is warm enough to feel comfortable but not so hot that it strips your skin of its natural moisture. Here’s the perfect shower routine:

• Keep it short and sweet: Aim for a five to 10-minute shower. The longer you stay in, the more moisture your skin loses.
• Gentle cleansers only: Avoid soaps with harsh surfactants; they’ll disrupt your skin’s pH balance. Opt for gentle, hydrating body and face washes with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sheep milk, glycerine, ceramides and oats.

Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you’ve been at it for years, the fundamentals never change. Hydration is one of them.

And, like I have told my patients time and again in my 13 years as a dermatologist, get your routine approved by a trusted skin specialist. Trust me, you will be saving yourself a lot of pain in the long run.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.

(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)