Drinking water can only do so much, but you can add electrolytes to water, which can actually plump up the skin and give it a nice, healthy glow. Chia seeds also give water a boost. Coconut water is a nice shortcut because it has minerals found in electrolytes, and it gives skin a pretty glow.
For mild cases of dehydrated skin, it may only take a few days of consistent moisturizing and drinking plenty of water to see a significant improvement. However, more severe cases of dehydrated skin may take several weeks of consistent treatment to see an improvement in hydration levels.
Whip up a cucumber cooler by adding sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, lemon, or lime to your next glass of water. Cucumber will keep you hydrated, tighten your skin, and flush out built-up toxins. It will also help you release excess water weight to help you look slimmer and leaner.
If nonfacial skin is very dry, you might want to use a thicker moisturizer (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others) or an oil, such as baby oil. Oil has more staying power than do lotions and prevents the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. Another possibility is a petrolatum-based product (Vaseline, Aquaphor, others).
Petroleum jelly is an oil-based product that forms an oily film over the surface of the skin. This oily film seals in moisture, helping keep skin hydrated and soft. According to a 2016 review article, Vaseline prevents more than 98% of water loss from the outer layer of the skin.
Milk is more hydrating than water.
Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion.
Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains one or more of the following ingredients: Jojoba oil. Dimethicone.
In general, the thicker and greasier a moisturizer, the more effective it will be. Some of the most effective (and least expensive) are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils (such as mineral oil). Because they contain no water, they're best used while the skin is still damp from bathing, to seal in the moisture.
Your moisturizer is too light
Frequently, the reason a moisturizer doesn't work is that it's the wrong product for your skin type. Light moisturizers and lotions typically contain a lot of water. That means they have less of the lipids (fats, oil) that lock in moisture.
Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea pull water from both the air and the deeper layers of skin into the stratum corneum to add moisture. Occlusives like beeswax, soybean oil, and lanolin form a barrier that prevents water from evaporating.
Coconut oil can hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture. It may also have antibacterial properties. Additionally, coconut oil may help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Researchers are looking at coconut oil as a possible topical treatment for chronic skin inflammation.
Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.
Keep a Humidifier Nearby
“When there's more moisture in the air, the water from our skin is less likely to evaporate.” You can keep a mini humidifier on your desk or bedside table while you sleep at night to help keep all skin types hydrated.
When skin loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. This can happen for many reasons. Everyday things, such as using deodorant soaps and harsh cleaning products, can strip oils and fats from our skin. Taking long, hot showers can also dry your skin.
Avocado oil. Top tip: How to tighten skin after weight loss naturally. Gently massage your arms lotion containing avocado oil just before bed to allow the benefits of the avocado oil time to sink in overnight.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E promotes collagen production, prevents its breakdown, increases water retention, and protects the skin from oxidative stress. Regular use of products with this vitamin helps tighten the skin and provides other rejuvenating effects.