Do you ever feel like your skin is just not getting enough moisture? Maybe your skin feels tight or looks dull. Those are signs that your skin might be thirsty.
Fortunately, there are plenty of exceptional ingredients out there can help quench your skin’s thirst and leave it looking plump and healthy.
This article covers all the best hydrating ingredients in modern beauty potions like PCA skincare products and how you can use each one based on your skin’s unique needs.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is like a tall glass of water for your skin. It’s naturally found throughout your body and can hold water up to 1,000 times its weight. That means it’s incredibly effective at delivering deep hydration to your thirsty skin.
Hyaluronic acid is not just hydrating; it’s also a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a youthful appearance. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect your skin from environmental stressors and free radicals.
Usage
You can find hyaluronic acid in serums, moisturizers, and masks.
To add this ingredient to your skincare routine, apply a few drops of serum or a pea-sized amount of moisturizer onto your clean and dry skin. Massage it into your skin gently, focusing on areas that are dry or more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. After that, follow up with your usual skincare routine.
Skin Type
Hyaluronic acid is that it is suitable for all skin types. It’s light and non-greasy and won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Whether you have dry, mature, oily, or acne-prone skin, hyaluronic acid is a great choice for keeping your skin hydrated and looking its best.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common ingredient in skincare products because it has been proven to soothe and hydrate the skin. It is extracted from the succulent aloe vera plant and contains antioxidants that help keep your skin radiant and youthful.
Experts also discovered that it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
Usage
Many skincare products contain aloe vera extract or aloe vera gel. This includes toners, moisturizers, and masks.
To use it, apply a generous amount onto your skin and allow it to be absorbed completely before moving on to the next step of your skincare routine.
Skin Type
Aloe vera is suitable for all skin types. However, it is beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Glycerin
As a humectant, glycerin draws water to your skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. It’s a popular ingredient in moisturizers because it reduces dryness and flakiness. Plus, it has a cooling effect and can effectively soothe irritation.
Usage
Glycerin is one of the main ingredients in most moisturizers, serums, and even facial mists.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the product to your skin. Like other moisturizers, it is best used after cleansing. Just remember to let it sit long enough to get absorbed before moving on with your usual skincare steps.
Skin Type
Glycerin is suitable for all skin types. However, it is quite beneficial for those with mature skin. It is also considered the best hydrating option for people with oily skin because of its non-greasy consistency.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin’s barrier. They help maintain skin hydration and protect against external stressors.
Aging can cause the skin’s natural ceramide levels to decline, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier. This is exactly why the best skin care products contain ceramide—to help restore the skin barrier’s function.
Usage
Make sure ceramides are among the main ingredients of your skincare products. You can find it in moisturizers, serums, and even cleansers.
Pro Tip: The first ingredient listed on the package label represents the largest percentage of the product. When ceramide is mentioned at the bottom of the list, then that means there isn’t enough of this ingredient in your skincare product.
Once you find the right product, apply it as directed. Ensure it’s fully absorbed before following up with your other skincare products.
Skin Type
Although ceramides can be used for all skin types, those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin will enjoy the most benefits from this hydrating ingredient.
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that brightens the skin, evens out discolorations, and prevents premature signs of skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent skincare ingredient to reduce skin redness and irritation.
Niacinamide can lessen trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and promote hydration for the outermost layer of the skin.
Usage
To avoid irritation, experts recommend sticking to products with no more than 5 percent niacinamide concentration. Some serums contain twice that amount, so be sure to read the label or product description before buying.
Experts also recommend looking for skin care products containing both niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHA promotes exfoliation, making it easier for niacinamide to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Apply the product to your skin as indicated on the label to achieve the optimum effect. Also, make sure you let it fully absorb before moving on to your next skincare step.
Niacinamide can be found in serums, sunscreen, moisturizers, and even night creams. Some cleansers also contain this ingredient, but there isn’t enough evidence to show its effectiveness after only brief contact with the skin.
Skin Type
Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, but it’s particularly helpful for those with oily or acne-prone skin as it regulates sebum production. It also reduces the frequency of breakouts thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Stay Hydrated, Skin and All
Whatever the weather, make sure you keep yourself hydrated, skin and all. Drink plenty of water, stay cool, and protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays.
Maintaining hydrated skin is crucial to achieving a healthy, radiant complexion. The next time you buy items from your favorite skin care products distributor, be on the lookout for hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin, ceramide, and niacinamide. Your skin will thank you for it!