Your skin is your largest organ, and many people start to pay attention to taking care of it only when a problem arises. Whether it is acne, dry skin, blotches, or wrinkles, there are things that should be done regularly to take care of your skin, starting with making sure to keep it well hydrated. Keeping the skin hydrated will go a long way toward helping to have healthy-looking skin that glows and feels great. “Skin needs to be well hydrated, and most people are just not doing enough to make sure that happens,” explains Katherine Goldman, celebrity esthetician/waxologist and owner of the Stript Wax Bar. Hydration is important for having healthy, clear skin because dehydrated skin lacks water, making it appear dull and dry. While hydrated skin appears soft, it will not stay that way without having natural oils in balance to protect the skin and keep it hydrated by reducing evaporation and water loss. Here are tips for keeping your skin hydrated:

Drink water. Getting enough water is a good way to help with keeping skin hydrated from the inside out. Drink eight glasses of water per day so that your largest organ gets the fluids that it needs to stay soft and supple, and keep from being dry and rough.

Moisturize properly. Dry skin lacks oil and needs to be moisturized. Hydration can come externally through products that act as “humectants.” Humectants are products that draw and attract water molecules to the skin. A wonderful ingredient to look for in products is hyaluronic acid. This draws and attracts water molecules 1000 times its weight and infuses it into the skin. Moisturizing the skin typically comes in the form of a cream, serum, or lotion and adds needed moisture, vitamins, oils and nutrients to the skin.

Add fruits and herbs. Foods can make a difference in the amount of moisture that gets into the skin. Add some fruits and herbs to your water for an added hydration boost, and a bit of flavor. Try such options as lemon and rosemary or strawberry, mint, and cucumber.

Stript Wax Bar has locations throughout California, including in Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Lafayette, Oakland, Pacifica, and San Jose. For more information, visit the website at: www.striptwaxbar.com.