How to Hydrate Your Skin? 9 Top Tips and Products

June 17, 2025

Lori Bray-Levinsohn, CHHC

Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the main ways to keep it healthy and looking good. When your skin has enough moisture, it stays elastic and smooth, giving you a fresh, radiant look. On the other hand, if your skin gets too dry, it can become flaky and lose its softness, making it look dull and aged. Dry skin is a common problem for many people, especially during certain seasons. Whether it’s due to the weather, your lifestyle, or getting older, it’s important to address dry skin as thoroughly as possible. This means using the right skin care products and ensuring you stay hydrated from the inside by drinking water and eating hydrating foods. A good hydration routine includes drinking plenty of water, eating foods that help keep you hydrated, and using the right products on your skin. By combining these methods, you can achieve the best moisture levels for your skin, keeping it healthy and glowing.

Why It’s Necessary to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Keeping your skin hydrated helps it stay elastic and smooth, making you look more youthful and radiant. When your skin has enough moisture, it can do its job better, like protecting you from environmental damage and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrated skin is also less likely to become dry and irritated. Moisture helps balance your skin, preventing it from producing too much oil, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Plus, maintaining moisture levels can help prevent your skin from aging prematurely, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant. When your skin is well-hydrated, it can repair itself more effectively. This means it can heal faster from damage caused by the sun, harsh weather, or skincare products. By focusing on hydration, you’re helping your skin stay healthy and look its best.

Why Does Skin Lose Hydration?

Skin loses hydration for various reasons, and understanding these can help you keep your skin moisturized. Environmental factors like sun exposure, wind, and low humidity can dry out your skin. Spending a lot of time in air-conditioned or heated environments can also strip your skin of its natural moisture. Lifestyle choices also play a big role. Not drinking enough water, consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, and not getting enough sleep can all contribute to dehydrated skin. Using harsh skincare products or over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture. As we age, our skin naturally loses its ability to hold onto moisture. Hormonal changes can also affect skin hydration levels. By being aware of these factors, you can take steps to protect your skin and keep it hydrated. In the summer especially, remember that sunburns damage your skin in many ways – including by causing skin dehydration. Be vigilant about protecting your skin against harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen whenever you’re going outside (and, if you’re swimming, sweating, or out for long periods of time, be sure to reapply every few hours). Hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas can provide further protection on especially sunny days. While prevention is key, if you do get a sunburn, aloe vera can soothe and promote the skin’s natural healing process.

How to Test Your Skin’s Hydration Level

Checking your skin’s hydration level can help you understand how much moisture your skin needs. There are a few simple methods you can use to test it. First, take a look at your skin. If you notice dryness, flakiness, or a tight feeling, especially in areas like your cheeks or around your mouth, your skin might be dehydrated. Another easy test is the pinch test. Gently pinch a small area of your skin, like the back of your hand, and then release it. If your skin snaps back quickly, it’s well-hydrated. If it takes a moment to return to normal, your skin could use more moisture. For a more precise measurement, you can use hydration monitor devices, like skin hydration meters. These gadgets give you a quantitative reading of your skin’s moisture levels. Some online resources and smartphone apps also offer hydration assessment tools, which can help you gauge your skin’s hydration based on a series of questions and observations. For the most accurate assessment, consider consulting a dermatologist who can provide professional skin analysis and personalized advice.

Top Tips for Hydrating Your Skin This Summer

Keeping your skin hydrated during the summer can be a bit challenging, but with the right strategies, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin. Here are nine top tips to help you out:

Understand Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type helps you choose the right hydrating products and routines. For example, lightweight gels may work better for oily skin, while richer creams are often better for dry skin.

Hydrate Internally

Drinking plenty of water and eating hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges can help keep your skin moisturized from the inside out. Staying hydrated internally is crucial for overall skin health.

Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid

Adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine can attract and retain moisture in your skin. This ingredient is excellent for keeping your skin plump and hydrated.

Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier at home can help maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, which benefits your skin. This is especially useful in dry climates or during the winter months.

Apply Moisturizer Daily

Daily moisturizer, especially after showering, helps lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type for the best results.

Exfoliate Gently

Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing hydrating products to penetrate more effectively. Avoid harsh scrubs, and opt for gentle exfoliants to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

Eat Hydrating Foods

Eating foods rich in water content, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, supports overall skin health. These foods help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Consider Hydrating Masks

Incorporating hydrating masks into your skincare routine can boost moisture levels and revitalize your skin. Use them regularly for an extra dose of hydration.

Avoid Hot Showers

Hot showers can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dehydration. Opt for lukewarm water instead to help maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.

9 of the Best Skin Hydration Products You Should Try

Here are some top-rated hydrating skincare products available through the NHC store that can help keep your skin moisturized and healthy. NutriDyn Hydrate: The Hydrate formula by NutriDyn is designed to replenish moisture and support overall skin health. It’s perfect for daily use to keep your skin hydrated. Andalou Naturals CannaCell Hydrating Toner: Infused with hemp stem cells and nourishing botanicals, CannaCell Hydrating Toner by Andalou Naturals refreshes and hydrates your skin after cleansing. Sibu Beauty Hydrating Face Serum: Enriched with sea buckthorn oil and other natural ingredients, this Hydrating Face Serum by Sibu Beauty helps improve your skin’s texture and moisture levels. Jane Iredale Pommist Hydration Spray: The versatile Pommist Hydration Spray by Jane Iredale is great for refreshing your skin throughout the day and setting makeup. It’s suitable for all skin types. Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Hydrating Facial Splash: The Rosewater & Glycerin Hydrating Facial Splash by Heritage Store combines rosewater and glycerin to soothe and hydrate your skin, making it perfect for a quick pick-me-up. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum: The Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum by MyChelle Dermaceuticals features hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump your skin, making it an excellent choice for combatting dryness. Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Reviva Labs is a professional-strength, natural hydrator that helps plump skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and lessen dryness and flaking. Enriched with green tea extract for added antioxidant protection, it delivers deep moisture even in dry climates and can be used alone or under other creams. Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrating Eye Cream Hyaluronic Acid by Derma E is a deeply moisturizing, vegan formula that helps firm and tone the delicate skin around the eyes while reducing the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet. Enriched with antioxidants like Pycnogenol® and green tea, plus vitamins A, C, and E, it delivers powerful hydration and nourishment without parabens, sulfates, or artificial ingredients. Source Naturals Skin Eternal Hyaluronic Serum: Skin Eternal Hyaluronic Serum by Source Naturals is a natural, fast-absorbing formula made with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and leave skin feeling soft and replenished. Designed to help maintain youthful-looking skin, it supports moisture retention and skin repair as natural hyaluronic acid levels decline with age.

Bottom Line

Keeping your skin hydrated is key to maintaining its health and natural glow. Regular hydration helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and premature aging while keeping your skin smooth and elastic. A consistent skincare routine that includes internal hydration through drinking water, eating hydrating foods, and using the right topical products is essential for optimal skin health. Browse our selection of hair, skin & nails products from NHC.com. Understanding your skin’s specific needs and selecting appropriate products and routines can improve your skin’s moisture levels. By staying attentive to your skin’s hydration, you can enjoy a radiant and healthy complexion all year round.

FAQ Section

Why is skin hydration important for overall skin health?

Hydrating your skin is important because it keeps it smooth, elastic, and youthful-looking. Proper hydration helps your skin perform its protective functions better and prevents dryness and irritation.

How does dehydration affect different skin types?

Dehydration can make dry skin even drier and more prone to flakiness and irritation. For oily skin, dehydration can increase oil production, causing breakouts. Balanced hydration is crucial for all skin types to maintain healthy skin.

What factors contribute to skin dehydration?

Several factors can lead to skin dehydration, including environmental elements like sun exposure and low humidity, lifestyle choices such as not drinking enough water or consuming too much caffeine and alcohol, and using harsh skincare products. Aging and hormonal changes can also reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

How often should I moisturize to keep my skin hydrated?

It’s generally recommended to moisturize at least twice daily, in the morning and at night. However, depending on your skin type and environmental factors, you might need to moisturize more frequently, especially during dry or harsh weather conditions.

What are the risks of neglecting skin hydration?

Neglecting skin hydration can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Over time, this can cause premature aging, with more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, dehydrated skin is more prone to breakouts and can feel uncomfortable and tight.

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