How to Hydrate Your Skin, According to AHC Skincare Expert

At a recent AHC’s Skinversations event, we connected with AHC’s master aesthetician Jay Kim, opens in a new window and gained some useful tips on how to hydrate the skin from the skincare expert. 

As a Korean skincare brand, AHC believes that hydrating skin is the solution to major skin concerns, including aging, dullness, dryness, and blemishes. In fact, it is the recommended step after cleansing in your K-beauty skincare regime, opens in a new window.

Jay Kim, AHC’s Master Aesthetician, is a fan of a simple routine that aids the skin’s moisture levels, supports a healthy skin barrier, and will help you look youthful and relaxed. Are you in need of a simple routine to keep your skin hydrated, as well as product recommendations? Read on to find out more.

Why is Hydrating Skin Essential?

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. This is especially so at present time where mask-wearing has become the norm. It’s even more important nowadays to maintain a well-hydrated skin because prolonged wear of a face mask can worsen existing skin issues or cause new ones, like mask acne, or “maskne”. In many cases, maskne is caused by clogged pores – when you wear a mask, sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells on your skin can build up and block your pores. The mask also traps humidity as you breathe, talk, and sweat, which create a favourable setting for bacteria and yeast, and increase the risk of acne. Friction from your mask can also promote acne and irritation as the material rubs against your skin.

As it is essential to keep wearing a face covering, even if you have developed maskne, it is crucial to adopt a skincare routine which includes cleansing, hydration, and sun protection. They are the basis of the Korean beauty regime where skin hydration is vital.

How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated?

Incorporating facial massage into your skincare routine increases the absorption of the products you are using.

A well-hydrated skin is skin that is healthy and glowing. Drinking at least two litres of water daily is key to maintaining hydrated skin from within. On top of this, you can also try a simple massage when applying your skincare products, to improve your skin’s appearance. This gentle massage encourages your lymphatic system to drain away toxins and deliver nutrients to your cells. And the result? Glowing complexion, plumpness, and firmness.

Hydrating is a significant step in your routine, and you should never skip it. This recommendation applies to all skin types. If you stop hydrating your skin, any condition you may have will worsen. What you might not know is that moisturising your skin once a day is insufficient. The goal is to give enough nourishment to your skin that it stays hydrated all day. Use a gentle facial cleanser before applying the AHC Premium Ex Hydra B5 Toner , opens in a new windowas the first-step hydration recharge to instantly boost your skin’s moisture. Then, apply the AHC Premium Ex Hydra B5 Cream, opens in a new window on your entire face. This water-gel cream will help moisturise the skin and improve skin tone without feeling heavy or greasy.

Sheet masks are another favourite item in Korean skin care routine. They come in many varieties and can be used two or three times a week, or even daily depending on skin type. The AHC Premium Hydra Gold Foil Mas, opens in a new windowk is a highly desirable product with every pack containing an entire bottle of serum containing ample amounts of hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and patented formula for deep hydration and firmness. Leave the mask on a clean face for 20 minutes and dab the remaining serum until it is fully absorbed by the skin. The ingredients provide lasting hydration as it nourishes the deep skin layers.

What are the Hydrating Ingredients We Should Find in Skincare Products?

Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, urea, and glycerin will help keep your skin plump and hydrated. These are called humectants; ingredients that draw moisture from your surroundings and lock it in the top layer of your skin – which makes them excellent ingredients for humid climates. Another vital ingredient is ceramides. They are waxy lipids that are part of the skin’s structure, found in the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of our skin and are essential in keeping it healthy and plump.

You can have intensive moisture care by applying the AHC Premium Ex Hydra B5 Soother, opens in a new window, which has been recognised as the best serum in Watsons Health Wellness and Beauty Awards. This award-winning serum is a mix of panthenol and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, balance, and soothe the skin. You can apply these products to your morning and night routines. After that, add AHC Aqualuronic Emulsion which provides optimal moisture balance, combining the essential ingredients for skin health. With triple hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and French sea water, this lightweight product absorbs into the skin to leave it supple and nourished.

How to Build a Skincare Routine to Make Sure Your Skin Stays Hydrated?

Cleansing, hydration, and protection (also known as “CHP”) are the necessary steps of a good skincare routine for the ultimate skin health. Often, applying many products on the face can result in dehydration and irritation, opens in a new window. In this case, ‘skip-care’ and CHP are the answer. Skip-care, the latest in Korean skin care trend, involves using fewer products in your routine while still achieving the same results, by using products that have multiple benefits. After cleansing, apply a hydrating moisturiser of your choice and massage in for a few minutes. It’s also important to be patient and give your routine time to work. Don’t expect overnight results!

How Do Weather Changes Affect My Skin’s Hydration?

Heat, humidity, and air conditioning can be a damaging combination to your skin’s hydration levels. Thus, it’s important to keep hydrating all day. The same principle applies if you happen to be in a cold climate, which will also dry out your skin and cause issues. You can use the AHC Aqualuronic Cream as it absorbs well and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, due to its gel cream texture. It’s also hydrating enough to protect your skin from harsh air conditioning that dries it out. The hydrating ingredients will keep your skin hydrated for longer, while protecting your skin barrier.

Another product worth keeping is the AHC The Pure Real Eye Cream For Face, opens in a new window which contains a mix of oleanolic acid to improve the skin’s resilience, as well as super-moisturising rice extract. These ingredients will keep the skin plump throughout the day, and its formula is designed with hot and humid climates in mind. You can apply a thick layer in the morning or use it as an overnight mask for a long-lasting hydration. For an extra boost of hydration, you can always carry a hydrating mist in your bag and apply a few spritzes to your face throughout the day.

How Does My Diet Affect Skin Hydration?

In terms of nutrition, drinking a vegetable juice in the morning and eating foods that support gut health can also benefit your skin’s appearance. Therefore, it’s good to consume fermented foods and foods high in essential fatty acids. Kimchi, Korea’s national and most beloved side dish, is one fermented food example. Drinking enough water during the day is also especially important to achieve dewy, hydrated skin.

Of all the skincare tips that are shared across various professionals and brands, it is a universal agreement that skin hydration is an important process that shouldn’t be skipped in your daily skincare routine. Boost your skin hydration with these simple but effective steps and let AHC help with a range of hydrating products, opens in a new window that are suitable for different skin types.

References:

- An Investigation of the Skin Barrier Restoring Effects of a Cream and Lotion Containing Ceramides in a Multi-vesicular Emulsion in People with Dry, Eczema-Prone, Skin: The RESTORE Study Phase 1 Dermatology and Therapy, opens in a new window

- Maskne – what’s the hype? The British Skin Foundation, opens in a new window

- Moisturizers for acne, The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, opens in a new window

- 10 Skin care habits that can worsen acne, The American Academy of Dermatology Association, opens in a new window