Raise your hand if you never go anywhere without your emotional support water bottle (guilty!).
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated on the inside, but have you taken the time to make sure you’re hydrated on the outside, too? Welcome to the Clinique Hydration Station, where we’re breaking down everything you need to know about moisturizing your skin.
Just like your body needs hydration to function properly, your skin needs hydration to look and feel its best. A lack of moisture can interrupt your skin’s natural processes, leaving it prone to things like cracking and reduced elasticity (the skin’s ability to stretch and snap back to its original shape).* The bottom line? Hydration is the secret to healthy, glowing skin, no matter your skin type.
Why Is Skin Hydration Important?
(Source: Nursing Open)
Your skin feels tight.
Signs Your Skin Needs More Moisture
When your skin is too dry, it loses its elasticity,
which can leave it feeling tight and even lead to cracking.
The body has its own natural defense against dryness: the moisture barrier, or the skin’s outermost layer that helps it retain water. But exposure to things like pollution and extreme weather can weaken this barrier, leaving your skin looking dull and feeling parched. Here are just a few daily dehydrators to keep on your radar:
TOO MUCH SUN EXPOSURE
MASK WEARING
AIR TRAVEL
POLLUTION
BLUE LIGHT
AIR CONDITIONING
AND HEATING
EXTREME WEATHER
(THINK: FREEZING TEMPS
OR STRONG WINDS)
(FROM TECH DEVICES LIKE
YOUR SMARTPHONE OR LAPTOP)
Daily Dehydrators to Know About
How to Quench Your Skin’s Thirst
Now that you know what causes dry skin, it’s time to learn how to restore your glow. Whether you’re going for the glossy, glazed donut look or smooth, radiant glass skin, these tips will help you achieve your hydration goals.
Pick a moisturizer that locks in hydration.
Nothing is worse than putting on a moisturizer, only to feel dry again a few minutes later. Instead of constantly reapplying, choose a moisturizer like Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, which delivers intense hydration that lasts 100 hours (we call that a moisture marvel).
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Editor: Katy Gioeli • Designer: Addie Abujade
This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus. © Her Campus 2023.
Hydration
QUESTION ONE
You don’t need to moisturize if you have oily skin.
Fact or Fiction
Fact
Fiction
Answer: Fiction
It’s easy to mistake skin oil for skin hydration. But oily skin can still be dehydrated, and products you might use to reduce oil can promote moisture loss, too.
Your skin looks dull.
Has your skin lost its natural glow? Dryness can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can make your complexion look lackluster.
Your skin is flaky and has rough patches.
When your skin doesn’t have enough moisture, it can dry out. From there, it can become rough and even start to peel or fall off in flakes.
Try slugging.
Want an extra boost of hydration on top of your regular skincare routine? Try slugging (applying a layer of petroleum jelly on your skin as the last step in your PM skincare routine) to help your skin retain moisture while you sleep. If you’re not into the idea of slathering your face with a heavy, greasy product, Clinique’s Moisture Surge™ 100H is a lightweight alternative that locks in hydration for days.
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Shower with lukewarm water.
Okay, we get it: There’s nothing like a steaming hot shower to help you feel relaxed and refreshed. But unfortunately, the hotter the water, the more moisture and oil it pulls from your skin. Aim for lukewarm water instead — slightly warmer than your body temperature, but not hot enough to cause redness or discomfort.
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Moisturize twice a day.
If your morning and nighttime skincare routines don’t include a moisturizer, it’s time to add one. This simple step can go a long way in making sure your skin has the daily hydration it needs. Opt for a moisturizer that’s lightweight and oil-free — like Clinique’s Moisture Surge™ 100H — to help your skin glow.
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Answer: Fact
Cold temperatures can make dry skin worse, but that doesn’t mean you should skip your moisturizer in the summer. Dry or dehydrated skin is often caused by more than just the weather, which means it can happen at any time of year.
Answer: Fact
Don’t dry off completely after washing your face! Applying your moisturizer to slightly damp skin can help it seal in existing hydration.
Answer: Fiction
Worried that your moisture barrier is damaged beyond repair? Don’t be! There are plenty of ways to improve your skin’s barrier function, including moisturizing daily, using gentle skincare products, and more.
Answer: Fiction
Skincare isn’t one size fits all — and that applies to your moisturizer, too. While some people might benefit from a thicker moisturizer or ointment, lightweight products can be just as effective for hydrating your skin.
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Fact
Fiction
Fact
Fact
Fiction
Fiction
Dry skin can happen year round.
QUESTION TWO
Fact
Fact
Fiction
Fiction
You should apply moisturizer to damp skin.
QUESTION THREE
Fact
Fact
Fiction
Fiction
Once your moisture barrier is damaged, you can’t repair it.
QUESTION FOUR
Fact
Fact
Fiction
Fiction
Thicker moisturizers work better.
QUESTION FIVE
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Station