There are many buzz words associated with skincare, including “hydration”, so it can be difficult to sort through the noise and determine what you should really be focusing on. Our goal at MBK Skincare is always to educate and inform and provide you with skin care products and beauty tools that are scientifically proven to deliver benefits. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to hydration.
Hydration Begins From Within
Let’s first begin with the role water plays in hydrating and nourishing our skin. When it comes to scientific research, there actually isn’t much that speaks to water consumption and beautiful skin. Where there is substantial research is in the role that water plays in flushing toxins from our body, hydrating our internal organs, maintaining proper internal function, and delivering nutrients to the skin by improving blood flow. While we don’t often consider the nutrient value of water, particularly spring and artisanal water, water contains electrolytes and a variety of essential minerals and nutrients.
If you are one of the 78% of Americans who don’t drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, you are contributing to the premature aging of your skin. Not to mention, depriving your cells and entire body of one of its most essential nutrients. This could be one of the reasons you are topically hydrating your skin, but your skin remains dry. You may also be low on your Omega fatty acids.
Internal Hydration Beyond Water
As mentioned above, water delivers essential nutrients to our skin, which means we must prioritize a nutrient-rich diet of primarily unprocessed whole foods. When it comes to your skin, you want to choose antioxidant-rich foods that help to prevent and repair cellular damage—internally and externally. This means lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Be particularly mindful of foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, avocado, and salmon. You can also take Omegas 3, 6, and 9 in supplement form. Aim for at least 3 servings a week. The benefits of Omegas include:
- Keeping your cell membranes healthy for soft, supple, and wrinkle-free skin
- Managing oil production to self-hydrate your skin
- Minimizing acne and breakouts
- Helping your body maintain collagen after sun exposure to minimize sun damage
Topically Nourishing And Hydrating Your Skin
It’s easy to forget, but our skin is an external organ. While food and water nourish and hydrate from within, we must also nourish, hydrate, and protect our skin externally. When it comes to our face, neck, and décolletage, we must use non-comedogenic products that are naturally-derived and designed specifically for the ultra-sensitive skin in this area.
Cleansers—cleansers should be oil or water-based, and gentle. They must never strip, burn, or irritate your skin.
Toner—toners help to restore the pH balance that can be thrown off balance by environmental toxins, makeup, and skincare products.
Serums—a serum will make your skin look instantly dewy, but its primary job is to deliver anti-aging antioxidants deep into your pores.
Moisturizers—your AM and PM moisturizer hydrate your skin so that it feels soft and smooth, opposed to dry and flakey. Your PM formula should be designed to both hydrate and repair.
Protective Barriers—you can apply a barrier cream and sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin from environmental toxins and UV rays. Always look for broad-spectrum UV protection to protect from the blue light of fluorescent lights and electronic devices.
To simplify your beauty routine MBK Skincare has created age and condition-specific product lines to help you address your individual needs. We empower you to age with grace, while taking a proactive and reactive approach to the visible signs of aging. Send us a message if you aren’t sure what products are right for you and we’ll suggest a personalized skincare routine.