Chandigarh, Nov 16: Moisturising often seems like a small step — something we do quickly before heading out. But dermatologists and ancient wellness traditions agree on one thing: hydration is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin. Long before skincare aisles were lined with serums and creams, people relied on natural oils, herbal extracts and water-rich rituals to keep their skin supple. At the heart of those practices was a simple principle — moisturise, and everything else follows.
Human skin is constantly exposed to dust, sunlight, cold winds and pollution. All of these factors strip the skin of its natural moisture, weakening its protective barrier. When this barrier dries out, the pores become irritated and the skin struggles to heal or protect itself. Moisturising restores that balance. A good moisturiser creates a gentle shield on the surface, trapping water inside while soothing the pores from fatigue caused by environmental stress.
The pores in our skin are not just tiny openings; they are gateways for natural oils, sweat and the body’s cooling system. When the skin is dry, these pores tighten and sometimes become inflamed, leading to redness, irritation and even breakouts. Hydration relaxes the pores, softens the surrounding tissue and allows the skin to breathe. This calming effect is why moisturised skin often looks less tired and more even-toned — the pores are simply less stressed.
Skin hydration goes deeper than applying a cream. It is the actual water content present in the skin cells. Well-hydrated skin cells are plump, elastic and able to reflect light better, which creates that natural, almost ancient glow that traditional beauty texts have celebrated for centuries. When the skin retains water, it becomes firmer and smoother, while fine lines soften naturally. This is why in Ayurveda, Unani and other ancient systems, hydration was treated like nourishment — something the skin must drink, not just wear.
The secret to a timeless glow lies in consistency. Moisturising twice a day — on damp skin when possible — helps lock in hydration at the cellular level. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin or natural oils such as almond, coconut and olive oil enhance this process by mimicking the skin’s own moisture-retaining structure. But hydration is not only topical. Drinking enough water, eating fruits rich in natural electrolytes and maintaining a balanced diet helps the skin replenish itself from within.
Modern research now echoes what ancient beauty traditions always knew: hydrated skin heals faster, looks calmer and ages more gracefully. Moisturisation isn’t about luxury. It’s about supporting the body’s natural wisdom — soothing overworked pores, replenishing tired skin cells and restoring the glow that stress, pollution and time tend to dim.
In a world eager for instant results, the quiet ritual of moisturising remains one of the simplest and most powerful forms of self-care. It doesn’t just care for the skin; it encourages a moment of pause, a gentle touch and a reminder that glowing skin begins with nourishment, not perfection.
