Your face deserves attention—and keeping this delicate skin properly hydrated is a necessary part of a healthy beauty regime.
As the largest organ of the body, your skin faces daily challenges (extreme temperatures, wind and sun can lead to premature aging), which are made worse by lack of moisture. Skin is made up of 70 per cent water, and insuring it maintains this moisture level is done through hydration. So drinking water regularly is a must, as is eating well and yes, moisturizing.
If your face regularly feels tight or itchy, this is a sign your skin is dry. The solution? Moisturize more, or consider using a different product than you currently use. Even if you have adult acne, a moisturizer should be a daily part of your routine all year round.
Mornings should include a light moisturizer after cleansing. Take a look at the products you use every day to see if they have moisturizers built-in. Products like foundation and even lipsticks often perform double duty.
Your nighttime regimen can be slightly more intense than the a.m. version. Consider this evening ritual: carefully remove makeup, use a gentle exfoliator to encourage cell turn over, and apply a moisturizer formulated for overnight use (it will probably be more substantial than your daytime option).
No matter your age or skin issues (acne, rosacea, lack of firmness, etc.), there’s a moisturizer for you. If the options seem overwhelming, speak with a Shoppers Drug Mart Professional Beauty Expert. She can recommend a moisturizer that should be used every morning, a night cream to help skin repair itself while you sleep and possibly additional treatments, such as creams specifically designed to protect the delicate eye area, or a serum to target specific skin conditions.
Diet, sleep and environment can affect skin hydration as well. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (found in strawberries and blueberries), essential fatty acids (salmon, flax seed) and polyphenols (green tea) will fight off dehydrating free radicals.
Sleep also helps skin repair itself and allows moisturizers to penetrate when the body is at rest. Melatonin, produced by the body’s pineal gland during sleep, is an antioxidant that aids in keeping skin healthy.
