We instinctively reach for the water bottle when we feel thirsty because we know that it is our body telling us we need to hydrate more. What about your skin, though? It’s important to keep your skin hydrated, just as it is important to drink enough water every day. It turns out that the key to having hydrated skin is using a moisturizer formulated with humectants. We’ll cover the basics of skin hydration.

What are humectants?

Why is it important to use humectant skin moisturizers

What is the best way to use a humectant moisturizer?

What is the best humectant moisturizer for your skin?

What are humectants?

Humectants, active ingredients in skin care products, are essential for hydrating dehydrated skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger, CEO of LovelySkin, says that humectants are like magnets that attract moisture. Humectants draw water from the air, or the product, and bind it to the top layer of your skin, similar to a sponge.

Why is it important to use humectant moisturizers for the skin?

Winter is a time when it’s especially important to keep skin moisturized with humectants. Combining cold weather with drier air may dehydrate the skin and make it feel itchy and irritated. Dehydrated skin can look dull, and fine lines may be more visible. The humectant moisturizing creams attract water and plump the skin’s top layer. The result? The result?

How do you use a humectant moisturizer?

What you may not know is that a humectant moisturizer should never be applied to skin that feels bone dry. Apply your humectant moisturizer to the skin while it is still damp after cleansing. Dr. Schlessinger advises that this will give the humectant moisturizer a reservoir of moisture from which to draw and not pull the water from your lower layers of skin. If you don’t live in an area with high humidity, make sure that your humectant moisturizer also contains occlusive agents to lock in moisture and prevent it from escaping into the air.

SkinMedica H5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

This hydrating product contains five different types of hyaluronic acids, which are one of the strongest humectants available. Combining different types of hyaluronic acids provides immediate and lasting hydration. The Vitis flower stem cell extract provides antioxidant protection, and the peptide complex helps to firm up and rejuvenate skin.

SkinCeuticals Anti-Aging Cream Triple Lipid Restore 2 4 2

This humectant moisturizer boosts the skin’s moisture levels by using ceramides and fatty acids. The patented ratio of 2% natural cholesterol, 4% ceramides, and 2% fatty acids makes this treatment so effective in restoring the moisture barrier of your skin and correcting signs of aging. Vitamin E is also included to support the skin’s natural repair process. It acts as an occlusive, helping to lock in moisture.

PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator

This humectant moisturizer is perfect for mature skin. It will help to keep it hydrated and smooth. A fleet of effective humectant ingredients–collagen, aloe vera, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid)–all work together to help infuse much-needed hydration into the skin. Shea butter acts as an occlusive, preventing moisture from evaporating. Regular use will result in plumper and smoother skin.

Linden Calendula Treatment

This multi-tasking moisturizer is the ultimate humectant. The cream is formulated with honey, aloe, and glycerin to hydrate the skin. It also contains antioxidant-rich calendula oil that helps reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Beeswax, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are also included to maintain the skin’s hydration.

LovelySkin Lipid Drops

These soothing facial drops will provide a layer of moisture to your skin, thanks to lecithin – a humectant. This facial serum contains phospholipids, which are essential for the skin’s membrane function. Dr. Schlessinger explains. Dimethicone and glycolipids also work together to prevent moisture loss. Your skin will feel smooth, healthy, and hydrated.

Skin Inc Ceramide Serum

This facial serum contains four different ceramides, glycerin, and other humectants to help you achieve hydrated skin. This formula delivers its active ingredients to your skin using proprietary Japanese seaweed technology – those tiny bubbles that you can see in the bottle. This serum is free from fragrance, parabens, and sulfates. It’s also great for those with sensitive skin or eczema.

Pro Tip: After boosting your skin’s water content, you’ll need to use an occlusive moisturizer to retain the moisture.

Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops

This daily serum is a great humectant because it contains betaine and an amino acid that improves your skin’s moisture retention. This serum also contains vitamin B3, which is also known by the name niacinamide. It has many skin benefits, including helping to boost elasticity, reduce redness, and smooth out wrinkles. Meadowfoam oil is an occlusive that helps seal in moisture while strengthening the skin barrier.