Skin hydration is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy, glowing skin. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is responsible for protecting the body from harmful external factors. Keeping the skin well-hydrated is crucial to ensure that it functions optimally. In this article, we will explore why skin hydration is so important and how humidifiers with essential oils can help improve skin hydration.
411 on Skin Hydration
First and foremost, skin hydration helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier function. The skin’s outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells and lipids. This layer acts as a barrier to protect the skin from external factors such as: bacteria, pollutants, and other environmental stressors. When the skin is dehydrated, the barrier function is compromised, leading to increased sensitivity and susceptibility to damage. This damage will be regretted in the long run. Not only is it painful and dry, it also rapidly speeds up aging and gives you a dull complexion.
Keeping Us Young
Proper skin hydration can help prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles. When the skin is hydrated, it appears plump and firm, keeping us looking our best for much longer than if we weren’t to be taking great care of our skin. Dehydrated skin can accentuate those fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable and unfortunately causing us to age quicker
.Avoiding Discoloration
In addition to preventing fine lines and wrinkles, skin hydration can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, making it more prone to dehydration. By keeping the skin in this area hydrated, those pesky dark circles and tired looking eyes can be minimized.
Okay, So How?
There are many ways in which we can implement a schedule of regular hydration of the skin to keep it looking plump, young, and glowy for years to come. Many claim that humidifiers are the easiest way to get in the habit of hydrating your skin and many actually recommend this method over any other! Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help hydrate the skin from the outside in. Adding essential oils to a humidifier can further enhance the skin’s hydration and provide additional benefits. The hardest part is choosing an oil that best suits your needs and your preferences! Here are a few to name:
- Lavender: Lavender oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, making it an excellent choice for use in a humidifier and one of the most popular. It can help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin, while also helping to keep the skin well-hydrated. An added bonus is that the scent is also a decompressant and will allow you to wind down whilst using it!
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and has been shown to help reduce acne and other skin irritations. When used in a humidifier, it can help keep the skin clear and free of blemishes. The smell of tea tree oil is delightful and will cleanse the air while you are using it as well! This is just an added benefit of using a humidifier when hydrating the skin-the aroma is great, too!
- Rose oil: This oil is another essential oil that can be used in a humidifier to improve skin hydration. Rose oil is known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for use in a humidifier. It can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation. It also gives off a wonderful aroma of sweet, fresh smelling flowers-thus, filling your home with a satisfying smell that will also hydrate and plump the skin for longer, fresher looking complexion!
Other Ways To Hydrate the Skin
Water Consumption
In addition to using a humidifier with essential oils, there are other steps you can take to improve skin hydration. One of the most important things you can do is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps to hydrate the body from the inside out, which can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Moisturizer
You can also use a moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which can help lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
Finally, you should avoid using products that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Harsh soaps and cleansers can dry out the skin, leading to dehydration and other skin issues. Instead, use a cleanser with natural ingredients such as lavender, tea tree, and/or rose oil, as mentioned above! You should also stay away from heavy scents and artificial ingredients as those are extremely harsh on your skin.
You should also watch out for an access use of scrubs and exfoliants. If you use these skin care items too often, your skin will become dry and dehydrated, thus doing the opposite of what is recommended for the longevity of your skin and its health.
