Feed your skin water, skin problems will go away more easily. When skin is hydrated, its defense system will be boost up naturally. Healthy skin will be within reach.

Everyone loves smooth and supple skin. Skin's ability to retain water will diminish as we age. Many people don't fully understand how to properly hydrate your skin. Regardless of how expensive your moisturizer is, if you've missed some of the small yet crucial steps, all your effort and money could be down the drain.

4 steps to keep your skin like water

Step 1: Do not let your cleanser stay on your face too long.

It is important to find a fine balance in cleansing. Keep in mind don't lather your face too long. 30-60 seconds is all you need to clean your face. Leaving the cleanser on skin too long will dry up your face.

Use lukewarm water when washing your face. Scalping hot water might feel good during winter, but will damage your skin's natural moisture.

Always put on your hydrating care immediately after face wash, preferable within 10 minutes. The 10 minutes is your golden period when your pores are open to take in moisture and nutrients.

Step 2: Continue hydrate at all time.

Using ingredients known to retain water such as Hyaluronic Acid or Ceramide to keep your skin hydrated at all time. Be in touch with your skin. If your skin feel uncomfortably tight 30 minutes after face wash and start to emit sebum, then your face is too dry. A well balance skin should feel comfortable, naturally luminance without any sign of dry lines or overabundant of sebum production.

Step 3: Use sheet masks strategically.

When using sheet mask, the face is in direct contact with the mask and the serum which creates a vacuum environment. The surface temperature will rise, opening up pores to take in nutrients and moisture. After short 20 minutes, your face will be soft and supple as if undergone an emergency facial. Use sheet masks 2-3 times a week or strategically before any important events or after debaucheries will restore the perfect balance back to your skin.

Step 4: Hydrate in air-conditioning or heated room.

Keep the temperature around 77℉ to avoid over-drying skin.

Use humidifier. If one is not available, leave a glass of water to increase the humidity of the room. Drink plenty of water to increase the moisture level in your body.

Using hydrating mist as much as possible. Spray them on, wait for 10-15 seconds. Use tissue paper to wipe away the excess water to avoid moisture in epidermis to vaporize along with the excess water on the surface of your face.

Don't let your makeup remover stay on your face too long! 
The act of removing makeup should be completed within 3 minutes from start to finish. After removing makeup, it is important to finish the job with facial cleanser. The biggest mistake will be removing makeup, go about doing your normal chores, forgetting to wash your face afterwards. Leaving cleansing products on your face for long period of time will burden and clog your pores.

The golden 10 minutes
The 10 minutes after makeup removing and cleansing is the golden period for your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients effectively. All your skincare routine should be done within this timeframe to achieve soft and supple skin.

A reminder from Joanna:

Avoid using hydrating mist that contains alcohol! That will only make your face dryer!