The Best Way to get Great Hydration

Hydration is the pinnacle point for obtaining that plump, dewy glow.

While moisturizers are important, the real magic behind hydrated, glowing skin starts with collagen. Yes. collagen plays a huge role in how hydrated your skin actually is. Collagen is a super-absorbent sponge inside your skin. It holds onto water and helps keep everything plump and firm. This sponge is made of tightly wound fibers spun like a ball of yarn. And when those fibers start to break down or unravel, your skin’s ability to stay hydrated becomes diminished. That’s why maintaining strong, healthy collagen is essential, not just for firmness but also for keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Collagen needs to stay well nourished, strong and structured to stay healthy and to endure the passage of time. It's important to know that you can actively support your skin’s collagen by choosing powerful skincare performance ingredients and by adopting smart habits.

1. Retinol

Retinol (a form of vitamin A) is a star performer for collagen production. It tells your skin cells to act younger, encourages new collagen synthesis, and even helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. By building a stronger collagen network, retinol also helps your skin retain more water - improving hydration.

2. Fat-Soluble Vitamin C

You’ve probably heard of Vitamin C but did you know that fat-soluble forms (like Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) are incredibly stable and penetrate deeper into the skin where it is most usable for fibroblasts (the cells that actually make collagen). Vitamin C also helps protect your existing collagen from damage as it supports the production of new collagen The result is skin that stays firmer and more hydrated over time.

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

These exfoliating acids (like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids) gently remove dead skin cells, giving you fresher looking skin and allowing your other products to absorb better. And while overdoing exfoliation can cause dryness, when used properly, alpha hydroxy acids support hydration by stimulating collagen production and refreshing the skin's surface. AHAs like glycolic acid are made up of a kind of sugar that's good for hydrating your skin - it's a great humectant.

4. Architectural Peptides

Cell signaling peptides (like matrixyl) send chemical signals that tell your skin to create more collagen. This is a necessary part of maintaining a strong dermis - the layer of skin where collagen fibers are located.

5. Ergothioneine and Niaminicide

These are energy boosters. They contribute to the manufacturer of Adenosine Triphosphate, the fuel that powers your cells to manufacture not only collagen but elastin and hyaluronic acid and all the metabolically derived components of the skin. This is not only useful for collagen production but for important keratinocytes on the surface of the skin. Keratinocytes protect the skin and hold onto water in the lower layers, via the skin's barrier layer.

5. In-Spa Cosmetic Peels

Cosmetic peels take exfoliation a step further, helping reveal smoother, more radiant skin. They may seem harsh, but when done correctly by your esthetician peels stimulate collagen production and increase your skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, which holds moisture in like a magnet. The right cosmetic peel requires no down time.

During a skin therapy treatment a cosmetic peel (chosen to fit your skin type) should be done at the beginning of the treatment. This way, the actives and procedures to follow get in deeper and are more effective. Visiting your esthetician is a way of obtaining valuable advice (like a personal trainer) who understands the unique qualities of your skin.

Hydrated, glowing skin isn’t just about what you put on it. It’s about how you care for your skin from the inside out. By supporting collagen production with smart skincare, nourishing ingredients, and healthy habits, you’re giving your skin the tools it needs to glow.

A holistic approach to hydration:

Boost collagen from within by eating a balanced diet rich in protein (collagen is made from the protein you eat). Vitamin C, Vitamin A, antioxidants and other nutrients talso support collagen formation. Look for them on brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

Mind your lifestyle:

Sleep, stress, nutrition, and even digestion affect how well your body produces collagen. A balanced lifestyle is part of your skincare routine too.

And yes — drink water throughout the day. Humectants and emollients in your products work by holding moisture in your skin. That water has to come from within, through circulation, and reaches your skin from the inside out.

Choosing the best serums for collagen production and super hydration:

Look for products with retinol like Longevity's Retinol Resurfacing Treatment.

Choose a Vitamin C Serum that contains fat-soluble Vitamin C like C & E Antioxidant Serum.

Include an alpha hydroxy acid serum a couple times a week like Getting Even.

Add architectural peptides to build a stronger and more hydrated like Ageless.

Rev up your skin's energy with Revitalize Cell Therapy.

Carry super humectants deep into the skin with Drench.

Elizabeth believes in "Longevity Skincare", the idea that beautiful skin can endure throughout one's lifetime when utilizing the best that science and nature has to offer. In her forty plus years as a master esthetician Elizabeth discovered what really works, what truly makes a difference in creating a beautiful complexion. Longevity by Elizabeth Renee is a science-based skincare line that appreciates skin of all ages. As skin changes throughout your life you can keep looking youthful and vibrant, no matter what your chronological age. Longevity by Elizabeth Renee is a line that provides hydration, nutrition and protection from environmental aging. Your skin will receive high performance ingredients to help energize and repair its cells, resulting in a healthy skin with an enduring, vital glow.