KEEPING your skin hydrated is important for many reasons beyond looking healthy and well-rested.

“When the skin is properly hydrated, it’s able to carry out its innate function, which is to act as a natural barrier to any external and harsh elements,” says Michele Green, a New York-based cosmetic dermatologist. “If the structure and integrity of the skin is impaired, it’s more vulnerable to cracking and breaking, and therefore an easier entry point for environmental stressors and pathogens.”

Your skin becomes dehydrated when water is drawn out of the skin — by taking hot showers, eating salty foods, throwing back cocktails, turning up the heat, and not being diligent with the daily moisturizer, to name a few.

Nix hot showers.

The best kinds of showers are short, lukewarm showers, to ensure water stays within the skin. “To really lock in that water content, look for ingredients in body washes that will draw water in and amplify the affect of hydration,” says Green. “A great ingredient that does this is hyaluronic acid.”

Invest in a humidifier.

Running a humidifier in your bedroom, or any other rooms you spend a lot of time in, increases the humidity in the air, so less moisture will be lost from your skin, says Hadley King, a New York City-based dermatologist.

Steer clear of harsh cleansers.

Harsh cleansing agents strip the skin of natural moisturizing factors and oils and allow micro-cuts or cracks in the top layer of skin to take place. This can lead to drying, cracking, redness, and even eczema of the skin. “Look for gentle cleansers and avoid any that contain chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy, salicylic, or glycolic acid,” says Green.

Always wear sunscreen.

Free radicals from UV rays can damage the skin barrier, which can lead to dry, irritated skin. “Over time, UV rays break down the extracellular matrix (the fibers within your skin) and the skin won’t be able to stay as hydrated,” says Dr. King.

Exfoliate weekly.

By periodically sloughing off dead skin cells, you help to ensure the moisturizers you use absorb better—once or twice a week should suffice.

Also eat more water- and antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats.(SD-Agencies)