The biggest secret to youthful-looking skin: Hydration

woman washing face, water, merlot skin care

At the beginning of every new year there’s a push to de-toxify and de-stress. One of the keys to de-toxifying is also one of the biggest secrets to youthful-looking skin: hydration.

Drink those eight glasses

While how much water we need depends on where we live and how active we are, the classic eight glasses a day is a good jumping off point. To make sure you get enough H20, keep a re-fillable water bottle on your desk and keep it filled throughout the day. Drink one bottle in the morning, one at lunch, and one in the afternoon.

Remix your diet

Certain foods can also help keep up our hydration levels. Spinach, watermelon, and other fruits and vegetables can be great sources of water. Easily add in a spinach salad to your lunch or dinner.

Hydrate while you sleep

Overnight, our bodies lose water through respiration (exhaling) and transpiration (sweating). To keep skin hydrated, consider adding a night cream into your daily routine. Dry, dehydrated skin can be more prone to show lines and wrinkles, while moisturized skin helps maintain your youthful look.

Raise a glass – of water!

My Daily Beauty Routine

my daily beauty, merlot skin care, MAC, Olay ProX, Mary KayHow would you describe your personal day-to-day look?:
I have enjoyed makeup since the age of 12.  I wear what some would consider a lot, but I try to wear it tastefully.  I look at my face as a blank canvas and each time enjoy creating a look for the day.

What’s your skin “type?”:
My skin is dry/combination.  It has a tendency to react to many cosmetics on the market so I have to be careful of what I use.

How do you cleanse your face?: 
I use (1) Mary Kay’s Timewise 3-in-1 Cleanser, and (2) Olay PROx exfoliating cleanser with a rotating scrubber.  I also use (3) Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Softening Lotion, and (4) Merlot Moonlight Radiance Night Cream all over my face, neck and chest.

What are your go-to color cosmetic products?:
I no longer work, so for around the house I use (5) Mary Kay tinted moisturizer sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 20 in Ivory 2 and (6) Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer in medium.  If I’m going out shopping or of anywhere of importance, I put on Estee Lauder Double Wear Light, Intensity 3.0 because it stays on all day – even through my hot flashes!  I use Mary Kay loose translucent powder Ivory 2.  I carry with me (7) MAC pressed powder NC37.  I wear MAC eye shadows and Revlon color stay eyeliner in dark brown.  I can only use (8) Almay mascara (due to allergic reactions to all others), and I use waterproof for the motorcycle, due to so much wind in my face.

What’s your favorite product in your daily routine?:
Merlot Moonlight Radiance Night Cream.

Do you have a favorite perfume?:
(9) Anais Anais by Cacharel

Favorite hair care products?:
I use Pantene products mostly with Shimmering Lights to maintain my blonde highlights.

How does getting yourself ready make you feel about yourself?:
It makes me feel younger, more confident, and prettier.

Jennifer Elkins is a photographer for Thunder Roads Magazine NorCal