Why Hydration Matters More as You Age - And How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized. Glass of fresh water

Why Hydration Matters More as You Age - And How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Sandra Scott

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Keeping your skin hydrated becomes a whole new challenge as you get older. Dry patches, dullness, and that tight feeling can creep in, leaving you wondering where your youthful glow went.


The good news? You can fight back. Understanding why your skin changes with age and how to keep it properly hydrated is the first step to healthier, smoother, and younger-looking skin.


This guide breaks down why hydration matters more as you age, the science behind it, and an action plan to keep your skin moisturized and looking its best.


Ready to take control of your skin health? Let’s dive in.


Why Hydration Matters More as You Age - And How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized. Close up of man

Why Hydration Matters More As You Age


Hydration isn’t just about looking good – it’s essential for healthy, resilient skin. But as you age, your skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture. 

Here’s why:


  1. Decreased Natural Oils
    As you get older, your sebaceous (oil) glands produce less oil. This leads to a weakened skin barrier, which struggles to lock in hydration, leaving your skin feeling dry and looking dull.

  2. Loss of Hyaluronic Acid
    Hyaluronic acid, a natural molecule responsible for retaining moisture in your skin, decreases with age. Without it, your skin is more prone to dryness, fine lines, and a lack of elasticity.

  3. Thinner Skin
    Aging also causes the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) to thin, which reduces its ability to hold onto water.

  4. Environmental Factors
    Years of exposure to the sun, pollution, and harsh weather take their toll, further impairing your skin’s natural hydration mechanisms.

Backed by Science:

A study in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that aging skin experiences a significant reduction in lipid production and hyaluronic acid, making hydration-focused skincare essential.


Why Hydration Matters More as You Age - And How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized. Man applying moisturizer

ACTION PLAN: How to Boost Your Skin's Hydration


1. Start With the Right Cleanser


Prepping your skin is key. Harsh soaps and gritty facial scrubs strip away essential oils, leaving your skin even drier.

Solution: Use Otis Skincare’s DAILY FACE WASH, which gently exfoliates dead skin cells without over-drying. This helps your moisturizer absorb more effectively and work quicker.

2. Upgrade Your Moisturizer


Not all moisturizers are created equal, and as you age, you need one that delivers intense hydration.


Solution: Our HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER with hyaluronic acid is the gold standard. 

Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping your skin retain hydration and plumpness. 

This moisturizer also includes nourishing ingredients that rebuild your skin barrier, locking in moisture all day long.

3. Boost Hydration From the Inside Out


Skincare isn’t just topical – what you put in your body matters, too.


Solution: Add our ULTIMATE GLOW Multivitamin to your routine. It’s packed with hydration-boosting nutrients which promote healthy, hydrated skin from within.

4. Drink More Water


It might sound obvious, but staying hydrated is crucial. Aim for at least 2 liters of water a day to support your skin’s natural hydration process.


Pro tip: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water for extra flavor and antioxidant benefits.


5. Make Smart Lifestyle Choices


  • Use a humidifier: To combat dry indoor air, especially in winter.
  • Avoid hot showers: Opt for lukewarm water to prevent stripping your skin’s natural oils.
  • Protect your skin: Always use sunscreen to prevent dehydration caused by sun damage.

Why Hydration Matters More as You Age. Handsome black man drinking a glass of water

FAQs


Why does my skin feel drier as I age?
As you age, your skin produces less oil and hyaluronic acid, both of which are essential for retaining moisture.


Can drinking water really improve my skin?
Yes! Staying hydrated helps your body maintain moisture levels, improving your skin’s overall health and appearance.


How often should I moisturize my skin?
At least twice a day – morning and night – to ensure your skin stays hydrated around the clock.


What’s the best ingredient for hydrating skin?
Hyaluronic acid is the gold standard. It attracts water to your skin and helps lock in hydration.


Does diet affect skin hydration?
Absolutely. Foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins like E and C can boost your skin’s hydration levels.



The Takeaway


Hydration matters more than ever as you age – but with the right approach, you can keep your skin smooth, healthy, and glowing.


From hydrating skincare products - like our DAILY FACE WASH and HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER – to exceptional skin supplements – like our ULTIMATE GLOW Multivitamin - Otis Skincare has everything you need to restore and maintain optimal hydration. 

Add a few smart lifestyle changes, and you’ll see the difference in no time.


Take action today – your skin will thank you tomorrow.


elevate your skincare routine

RESPECT FOR YOUR SKIN



RELATED READING

This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. As always, please contact your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

References 


Tamara W Griffiths, Rachel E B Watson, Abigail K Langton, Skin ageing and topical rejuvenation strategiesBritish Journal of Dermatology, Volume 189, Issue Supplement_1, October 2023, Pages i17–i23


Lain E, Mariwalla K, Zeichner J, Kirchner F, Ruvolo E, Draelos Z. Clinical evaluation of next generation, multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid plus antioxidant complex-based topical formulations with targeted delivery to enhance skin rejuvenation , J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024;17(4):12–16.


Pu S-Y, Huang Y-L, Pu C-M, Kang Y-N, Hoang KD, Chen K-H, Chen C. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisNutrients. 2023; 15(9):2080.

 

Knaggs H, Lephart ED. Enhancing Skin Anti-Aging through Healthy Lifestyle FactorsCosmetics. 2023; 10(5):142.

 

Draelos, Z.D., Diaz, I., Namkoong, J. et al. Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging . Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 11, 1385–1394 (2021).