A woman applying moisturiser to her face

Apothecary Skincare Glossary - H is for HYDRATION

Written by: Raven Botanicals

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Time to read 4 min

Did you know hydration is the foundation of great skin? Here's why!


Hydration is not just a skincare buzzword; it's a fundamental necessity for achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. The role of your skin is as a barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution, bacteria, and UV rays, so how can we look after it so it's able to do its job?

How does Dehydration affect the skin?

💧  DRYNESS & FLAKING Dehydrated skin appears dry, rough, and flaky. Not only does this look unsightly, it can make us feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.


💧 INCREASED SENSITIVITY
Lack of moisture can lead to the skin becoming more sensitive and prone to irritation. Reactive skin can appear red and become sore more easilly.

💧  PREMATURE AGEING Dehydrated skin tends to develop fine lines and wrinkles more quickly and easily, making us look older and more stressed than we really are.

💧  BREAKOUTS
When the skin is dehydrated, it can overproduce oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and acne. Hydrating skincare can help us minimise and avoid breakouts.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Our tips for keeping skin thoroughly quenched.

Achieving and maintaining hydrated skin is a key factor in a successful skincare routine. At Raven Botanicals, we understand the importance of hydration from within and have curated some essential tips to help you achieve a healthy and radiant complexion.


1. Hydrate from Within

Hydration starts with what you put into your body. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining hydrated skin. Water helps to flush out toxins and keep your skin cells plump and supple. In addition to water, incorporating water-rich foods into your diet can further boost your hydration levels. Cucumbers and watermelons, for example, are not only delicious but also excellent sources of hydration. These refreshing fruits are packed with water, vitamins, and antioxidants, providing a hydrating and nourishing boost to your skin.


2. Don’t Over-Exfoliate

Gentle Exfoliation: Exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion. However, it's important not to overdo it. Over-exfoliating can disrupt your skin's natural barrier, leading to dehydration and sensitivity. To maintain a healthy balance, we recommend exfoliating your skin 1-2 times a week. Choose a gentle exfoliator that suits your skin type and avoid harsh scrubbing. This will help to promote cell turnover and maintain a smooth and hydrated complexion.


3. Lock in Moisture

After cleansing, it's crucial to replenish and lock in moisture to keep your skin hydrated and supple. One effective way to achieve this is by incorporating a Hyaluronic Acid Serum into your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, providing intense hydration to your skin. Apply the serum on damp skin to maximize absorption and follow up with a moisturizer or a barrier-protecting oil to seal in the hydration. This extra layer helps to prevent moisture loss and gives your skin a healthy, luminous glow.



A woman is looking at a natural skincare product

Natural skincare for hydration focuses on using plant-based ingredients that deeply moisturize and nourish the skin. These ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, help replenish the skin's moisture barrier and retain hydration. Natural skincare also avoids harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Regular use of naturally hydrating products promotes a healthy, glowing complexion and helps combat dryness and dehydration.

Must Have Products for Hydration

💧 HUMECTANTS


Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid attract water from the deeper layers of the skin bringing it to the surface to create a plumped healthy dermis.


Our recommendation: Ultra Hydrating Serum (our new improved formulation is BACK IN JULY!)



💧 EMOLLIENTS


Emollients, like ceramides and fatty acids in avocado and borage oil fill in the gaps between skin cells, making the skin feel smooth and soft.


Our recommendation: Spellbind Serum



💧 OCCLUSIVES


Occlusives, such as argan and hemp butter, form a protective layer on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss.


Our recommendation: Skin Saviour Night Balm

Water for Natural Skincare

Water is crucial in achieving and maintaining a healthy skincare routine. It hydrates, nourishes, and detoxifies, providing the foundation for a radiant complexion.


When our skin is well-hydrated, it appears plump, supple, and youthful. Water helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, preventing dryness, flakiness, and dullness. It also helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.


In addition to hydration, water also aids in detoxification. It helps to flush out toxins from the body, which can have a positive impact on the skin. When our body is properly hydrated, it can efficiently eliminate waste products, preventing them from accumulating and causing skin issues such as acne and inflammation.

A droplet of water in a forest

"Pure water is the world's first and foremost medicine.”

Slovakian Proverb

Conclusion

At Raven Botanicals, we believe in the power of natural ingredients to nourish and hydrate your skin. Our products are carefully formulated with vitamin-rich botanical extracts, phyto-nutrients, and antioxidants to provide optimal hydration and promote a radiant complexion. We understand that each individual skin is unique, and our range of products caters to a variety of skin types and concerns.


Embrace our hydration tips and let the botanical magic of Raven Botanicals transform your skincare routine! With consistent hydration and nourishment, you can achieve healthy, radiant skin that glows from within. Take care of your skin, inside and out, and let your natural beauty shine.


Further Readings

→ Ocean Friendly Skincare

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I apply my Hyaluronic Acid?

Apply HA, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its own molecular weight in water, after cleansing.

How can my facial oil help with hydrating the skin?

A facial oil forms a protective seal over the surface of the skin. Not only does this help guard against free radical damage, it also prevents. trans-epidermal water loss, sealing moisture in and helping keep your skin hydrated.