How to Aquire Hydrated Skin

Winter is upon us (although the lack of snow here in Utah says otherwise), which means your skin is about to live it's worst nightmare: dry skin. For someone who has naturally dry skin, I think I could probably create another person with the amount of dead skin I have already shlepped off (gross, but true). This year, I decided to do something out of the ordinary and actually take care of my skin. I've been seeing lots of improvement so far. Not only is my skin not as dry as it usually is, but it's also not covered in acne spots. After noticing these improvements, I began to think of all the other people that may also be having trouble with their skin during the winter. So, without further a due, here are my tips!

DISCLAIMERS: 1) This is mostly centered for people with normal/dry skin. If you have oily skin, this may not be for you, but I hope you enjoy the read either way. 2) These are just the tips that I know have made a huge impact on my skin. Confirm with your dermatologist if you are nervous about trying any of these ideas. 3) If you have skin-related medical conditions, such as eczema, these products may not improve your skin, and may even cause irritation. Check with your dermatologist if you're considering using these products.

1. Wash your face at least twice a day. This should kind of be a given. I say "at least" because I have this obsession with having a perfectly clean face, so when I get the chance, I will wash it right when I get home from school, along with washing it in the morning and at night before bed. You can wash it with whatever you want to, just make sure it fits your skin type (oily, dry, combo, normal, spotty, etc). Lately, I've been loving Solrov-Tval Swedish Dream Sunflower Facial Soap. It smells absolutely lovely and doesn't dry out my face. Also, when washing your face, don't scrub it raw. This will just irritate your skin and make it red. Gently rub with a warm, damp wash cloth, then pat it dry with a towel.
2. Add oil to your lotion. I got this idea when I read Alexa Chung's interview with Into The Gloss. She combined her Cetaphil facial cream (probably the best thing to happen to my skin other than Acutain) with some Decléor oil. I don't have the luxury of buying expensive oils just yet, so I usually apply a dime-sized amount of coconut oil with some Cetaphil. If you're nervous about your makeup melting off with all of the oil, put the oil on your face at night so it can soak into your skin while you sleep. 
3. Aquaphor and non water-based lotions are your friends. Seriously. You cannot have enough oil or petroleum jelly in your life for people who have bone-dry skin. When purchasing lotion, it's easy to tell the thickness of it without even feeling it. Lotions that come in bottles with pumps usually have a higher concentrate of water. Lotions that come in jars are too thick to come out of pumps, which means they have a lower concentrate of water. But just because they come in a jar doesn't mean that they are mostly water. Check the ingredients list: if the first ingredient is water, than it may not be thick enough for your skin. For every day lotion, I prefer to use Jo Malone Body Crème in Peony & Blush Suede. When I've just stepped out of a bath, and have scrubbed my skin to perfection, I'll either use the Jo Malone Body Crème for when I'm feeling fancy, or Eucerin for when I'm having a pamper evening. For the times I need to apply something stronger to really dry, irritated skin, I like Aquaphor. I find it to be a lot nicer to rub on than Vaseline.
4. Apply masks and exfoliate when necessary. Get rid of dead skin by exfoliating it every once in a while, or when it really looks like it needs help. If you have the time and can afford it, I highly recommend exfoliating your skin at least once a month to maintain soft, hydrated skin. Same goes for facial masks. I promise, nothing feels better than applying a nice mask on your face, then rinsing it off and finding gorgeous, healthy-looking skin underneath.  
5. Use liquid-based makeup. I absolutely hate applying powder to my face. I don't like to spend a long time putting makeup on, and I feel like it only takes a second if I only use liquid based makeup. Plus, you never really need a brush when applying cream makeup, unless you want a more finished look. Applying cream formulated products to your skin will make your face look dewy and hydrated. 
6. Drink water. LOTS. Not only does drinking water help with losing weight, but it will help hydrate your skin (obviously). One of the most common responses celebrities give when they are asked how they have achieved god-like skin is because they drink water. Not only will it make your skin look a hell of a lot softer, but it will also reduce the appearance of wrinkles. I recommend drinking 2 liters of water a day, or about 8 cups.
7. Take fish oil pills. I've heard that these help a lot, not only with dry skin, but also with getting rid of unwanted fat on your body. Taking fish oil pills will make your skin shiny and healthier (which is something people with naturally dry skin love to hear). Taking it regularly will help reduce moisture loss in the skin. It can also help with acne, and has plenty of other health benefits. You can either buy these at your local grocery store or drug store, or get a prescription from your dermatologist or doctor.

I hope these tips have been to your advantage. Let me know in the comments if there are other great products or suggestions you have. 

Sources: wikiHow, Mayo Clinic