As for hydrating products, look for ingredients that deliver water to the cells directly, like hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, alpha hydroxy acids, urea, glycerin (also labeled as glycerol), and aloe, says Dr. Feely.
Polyglutamic Acid (PGA), a hydration powerhouse and water-soluble peptide, is FIVE times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. This cutting edge ingredient, derived from fermented soybean mucilage is a major game changer in the future of skincare.
These substances help attract moisture. They include ceramides (pronounced ser-A-mids), glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and lecithin. Occlusives. These ingredients —including petrolatum (petroleum jelly), silicone, lanolin, and various oils—help seal moisture within the skin.
There's probably nothing more hydrating than water on earth. It's (relatively/usually) clean. It doesn't have any sugar, sodium or carbohydrates.
Hydration gives skin a soft and elastic feel — but it won't last long if the water is able to evaporate. On the other hand, slathering moisturizing creams and balms onto dry skin may temporarily make it feel smooth, but dehydrated skin will still look dull and feel uncomfortably tight.
Hyaluronic acid is much more efficient in keeping your skin hydrated than niacinamide. It can retain up to one thousand times its molecular weight in water.
From serums to moisturisers, heaps of products contain the star component but there may well be a new contender to knock it off the top spot: polyglutamic acid. With the ability to hold ten times more moisture than hyaluronic acid according to experts, polyglutamic acid (or PGA) sounds like a major game changer.
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein for its effectiveness.
Just hydrate by applying humectants like hyaluronic acid first, then follow up with an occlusive like plant oils to lock it in. Or, if you want to keep things simple, look for a product that does both. Face masks are a great option to get the one-two punch to hydrate and moisturize your skin with a single product.
If you moisturize your skin regularly but still notice lingering dryness, you may want to check your moisturizer for potentially dehydrating ingredients, such as isopropyl alcohol or sulfates. You may get better results with products containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
Moisturizer: Your dermatologist will select a moisturizer that contains the right amount of active ingredients, such as urea, ceramides, lactic acid, or glycerol, to heal your skin. The right mix will hydrate your skin and restore its outer layer. Some patients need a prescription moisturizer.
Coconut water is, undoubtedly, the best hydrating drink. It is low in calories and rich in potassium and is known to have better hydrating qualities than plain water.
Derms Say “Moisturizer Layering” Is the Fastest Way to Hydrate Skin That's Dry All the Time. Using a moisturizer is the most important step in any dry skin routine. It delivers hydration, seals important natural oils into the skin, and strengthens the barrier so that it can better defend itself from the (harsh! cold!)
Not as well-known as Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, commonly abbreviated as “PGA,” is believed to have 4x greater moisture retaining benefits than HA. If you have dull, dry, or dehydrated skin, you should consider incorporating Polyglutamic Acid Serum into your skincare recipe.
Alginate is an excellent direct alternative to hyaluronic acid because it can penetrate the stratum corneum and hydrate down to the dermis. Because it is so similar to hyaluronic acid, you can use it the same if you are using it in your skincare routine.