Maintaining the skin's moisture is crucial in keeping the skin healthy and looking good. Most moisturizers contain ingredients that are designed to prevent water loss such as vegetable and petroleum-based oils, and even synthetic silicone oils similar to your furniture polish. By creating a barrier on the skin these ingredients are preventing the skin's normal respiration and function by not allowing the release of toxins and waste. This barrier traps water beneath it by preventing water loss by evaporation. Now causing dirt and bacteria to become trapped blocking pores and hair follicles encouraging blackheads and acne. These types of ingredients don't moisturize they just simply prevent moisture from being lost. Good moisturizers should contain humectants, which boost the skin's ability to hold moisture. Good natural humectants are aloe vera, marshmallow, cucumber, calendula, and red sea algae. Please read more about the importance of a natural skin care regime at Bath & Body and Facial Skin Care.

Dehydration is the most common skin condition. If your skin looks and feels dry, scaly and flaky you may be suffering from skin dehydration. Dehydrated skin can be caused by many things such as perspiration, poor metabolism and insufficient water intake. Dehydrated skin can be aggravated by the environment such as the wind or sun; not using sunscreen; using the wrong skin care products; using harsh soaps and cleansers; and not drinking enough water.

Dehydration is hard to diagnose. It is often confused with dry skin but both dry and oily skin can be dehydrated. Dry skin becomes dehydrated because thin skin has a hard time retaining moisture. Oily skin becomes dehydrated through the use of harsh cleansers and soaps. When oily skin becomes dehydrated the outer skin layers become hardened and blocks oil secretion.

To care for dehydrated skin use moisturizers that protect as well as moisturize the skin. The moisturizers you use should contain natural ingredients that help to keep moisture in without clogging your pores. Avoid using skin care products that contain mineral oils and other petroleum-based oils.

To keep your skin looking healthy and moisturized drink plenty of water. Most of us are chronically dehydrated and don't consume the amount of water we should. If your lifestyle includes in taking substances like coffee, alcohol or soda you need to be drinking even more water. If your lifestyle consists of exercise you should be drinking lots of water to replenish your body. The human body is about 70% water so drink up and give your body what it needs!