Dewy skin is one of the biggest skincare trends of 2023. It seems like every influencer is sharing their glowing skincare routine and tips on getting dewy skin. But what is dewy skin, exactly?
“Dewy” skin looks fresh and clean like it’s sparkling with morning dew. It’s not just a metaphor, either. According to dermatologists, dewy skin catches and reflects the light because it’s well-hydrated and healthy.1
Sound glamorous? Here are six science-based tips that show how to get dewy skin naturally — no foundation required.
1. Drink Water
Want to know how to get dewy skin without makeup? Look no further than your water bottle.
A 2015 study proved that drinking more water improves skin hydration at all levels, from the surface to the deeper layers.2 Drinking water also increases elasticity and plasticity, both of which are characteristics of younger and healthier skin.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Moisturizer doesn’t replace healthy water intake, but it helps skin retain more moisture. It provides extra hydration to the top layer of skin and helps surface cells to absorb more available water. It also forms a protective barrier so the skin loses less moisture.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Ingredients
Moisturizers assist your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which consists of fatty molecules called lipids. These molecules work like glue, maintaining the smooth surface of your skin and protecting it against moisture loss.
Harsh chemicals can strip away the lipids in your skin and dry it out. Alcohol and fragrances are particularly drying.3
4. Eat a Balanced Diet With Healthy Fats
Eating healthy is another way to boost your skin’s moisture. Healthy fats in foods like fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help skin cells retain moisture and build healthy barriers against dryness.4 As a bonus, these “good fats” may also fight signs of aging.
5. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Sugar zaps dewiness from your skin — literally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that when blood sugar is too high, the body draws fluid out of the cells to flush out the excess sugar.5 Limit your indulgence in sweet treats to keep your skin looking its best.
6. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Your mother was right — getting enough sleep does make you look fresher and healthier.
While you sleep, your body produces a growth hormone called somatotropin, which repairs damaged cells. Deficiencies in this hormone can lead to dry, dull-looking skin.6
Sleep also helps your body produce more collagen, which keeps your skin smooth and minimizes fine lines.
Start Adopting Healthy Skin Habits
Healthy food, good sleep, and lots of water are the best dewy skin tips. They’re great for your skin and body as a whole, and they don’t require buying any products.
Enjoy feeling great as you add them to your routine, and keep reading up on science-backed methods to look your best.
SOURCES:
- Women’s Health: “A Dermatologist Debunks Four Myths on the Journey to Glowing Skin.”
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology: “Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics.”
- Northwestern Medicine: “Why Is My Skin So Dry and Itchy?“
- Medical News Today: “What are some skin-friendly foods?“
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Diabetes and Your Skin.”
- Patient: “Does getting good sleep really improve your skin?“