Pharmacy Services

Buy from your local pharmacy

Nearby Locations

How to effectively moisturize the skin?

Hands rubbing Oilatum cream into the skin

Did you know that the human body is about 60% water? Water is therefore the basis of our body and is absolutely essential for our life.

Proper hydration of the body should be based not only on internal hydration in the form of sufficient drinking, but also on external hydration, which is based on moisturizing creams and other hydrating products.

Why is skin hydration important?

Skin hydration is crucial in several ways. First and foremost, it is important for the overall health and balance of the skin, which is the largest human organ. Adequate hydration is essential for the skin barrier to function as it should. Dehydrated skin can cause uncomfortable sensations such as tightness, peeling, or itching.

In addition to this, hydration of course has a big impact on the appearance of our skin. Dehydrated skin is greyish and lacks brightness, feels rough to the touch, and can peel off unsightly scales.

 

Why does dehydrated skin occur?

There can be many causes of dehydrated skin. Some of the most common include stress, fatigue, illness, drinking alcohol, smoking, improperly chosen body cosmetics, inadequate skin care, use of certain medications, bathing in chlorinated water, polluted air, or changes in temperature.

 

How do you know if your skin is dehydrated?

 

How do you know if your skin is crying out for hydration? Dehydrated skin is mainly manifested by persistent feelings of tightness, and loss of brightness. Skin tends to be most tight after washing when scales may appear.

It should also be said that dehydrated skin is not the same as dry skin. Dry and very dry skin is a type of skin that lacks water and lipids, and it is a permanent condition. Dehydrated skin on the other hand is a temporary condition, and it is possible to return it to its original state by giving it adequate care.

 

A woman applying cream to her face in the mirror.

What to use to hydrate your skin?

Whether your skin is dehydrated or dry, you need to take proper care of it. The basis of this care is the aforementioned adequate fluid intake, ideally in the form of pure water, and regular application of moisturizers and emollients that treat the skin barrier and reduce the feeling of tightness.

There is currently a range of lotions and moisturizers for dry skin on the market. Based on your problems and skin type, you can choose:

  • moisturizers for dry skin on the face
  • body moisturizers for dry skin
  • moisturizers for eczema or other skin diseases
  • moisturizers for very dry or extremely dry skin
  • moisturizers for sensitive skin on the body or on the face that can be oil-free or oil-based
  • moisturizers for dry skin tailored to men’s skin care

You should use these moisturizers on your skin ideally twice a day.

 

What are some other ways to relieve dehydrated and dry skin?

If you're suffering from dry skin, there are several precautions that dermatologists say help relieve the symptoms of dry skin. Which ones?

 

Avoid hot baths

Experts advise avoiding too hot showers and baths if you have dry skin problems. Hot water removes natural oils and can lead to dry and itchy skin. Ideally, you should bathe and shower in water that does not exceed human body temperature, which is about 37 degrees Celsius.

 

Apply moisturizers and lotions after showering or bathing

What is the ideal time to apply moisturizers to the skin? After a warm shower or bath, when the body's skin is well warmed and moist and is thus perfectly prepared to absorb the products. Such moisturizers stay in the skin longer and leave it nourished and protected from drying out.

 

Use gentle cosmetic products

It's good to think about moisturizing both after and during bathing and showering. Experts recommend using nourishing shower oils or gels with hypoallergenic ingredients instead of perfumed shower gels, which can contribute to dry skin.

 

 

 

Protect your skin in summer and winter

Protect your skin in summer and winter

Both too high and too low temperatures and sunlight can contribute to dry skin. Be sure to moisturize your skin properly after being in the sun and always protect it from the sun's harmful rays with sunscreen. Also pay extra attention to your skin in winter, when it becomes less oily, which reduces its defenses.