The skin needs constant hydration to maintain its protective barrier function and look healthy. Skin dehydration can manifest in various ways: tight skin, scales, accentuated expression lines, and a dull appearance. But, what does rehydrating the skin really mean and how can we achieve it?
What is skin hydration?
Skin hydration is the process by which water is supplied to skin cells, restoring their balance and improving their function. Well-hydrated skin is smoother, more flexible, and more resistant to external aggressions.
Our skin is covered by a protective layer, the skin barrier, composed mainly of lipids. This barrier prevents water loss and protects against external agents. When this barrier is damaged, the skin becomes dehydrated more easily.
What factors cause skin dehydration?
Skin dehydration is a common problem that affects people of all ages and skin types. There is no single culprit for this condition; rather, it is a combination of various internal and external factors that compromise the skin's ability to retain the necessary hydration. Some of these factors are:
- Environmental factors: The environment in which we live plays an important role in the health of our skin. Prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection not only causes burns, but also dehydrates by damaging the skin barrier that retains moisture. On the other hand, conditions such as strong wind, extreme cold, and environmental pollution weaken the skin's protective layer, promoting water loss. These elements especially affect people who spend a lot of time outdoors without the necessary precautions, such as using moisturizers and sunscreens.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Lifestyle has a direct impact on the state of the skin. Drinking little water daily makes it difficult for the body to maintain proper hydration, which is reflected in dry, lifeless skin. Excessive consumption of substances such as tobacco and alcohol also aggravates dehydration, as they alter circulation and damage collagen and elastin fibers. In addition, lack of sleep prevents the skin from regenerating correctly during the night, increasing the propensity for dryness.
- Inadequate products: Facial care must be thorough and adapted to each skin type. However, the use of harsh cleansers, excessive exfoliation, or products that contain high levels of alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving the skin barrier exposed and dehydrated. It is essential to opt for gentle products formulated specifically to hydrate and protect.
- Climatic conditions: Dry weather and extremely cold temperatures are natural enemies of skin hydration. In these conditions, air humidity decreases, causing the skin to lose water rapidly. This is especially noticeable indoors, where the use of heating or air conditioning dries out the environment even further, negatively affecting the skin.
- Aging: As we age, the skin gradually loses its ability to retain moisture. This is due to the decrease in the production of essential lipids and hyaluronic acid, key compounds for maintaining hydration. For this reason, it is common to see that older people have drier and more sensitive skin.
Key ingredients to hydrate the skin
But what do we do if our skin is already dry or poorly hydrated? The answer lies in which active ingredients are used. Knowing which ingredients are most effective at maintaining hydration and strengthening the skin barrier is paramount to improving the state of skin health.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a primary ingredient in hydration, and it is no coincidence. This compound, naturally present in our skin, acts as a magnet for water, attracting and retaining water molecules in the deeper layers of the skin. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful moisturizer for all skin types. Products containing hyaluronic acid help plump the skin, leaving it softer, firmer, and with a healthy appearance.
Ceramides
Ceramides are essential lipids that are part of the skin's natural barrier. They hold skin cells together, creating a protective barrier that prevents water loss. Strengthening this barrier is key to retaining hydration and protecting the skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multifunctional ingredient for all skin types that offers multiple benefits, including improving hydration. This ingredient stimulates the production of natural ceramides in the skin, which helps reinforce the skin barrier.
Panthenol
Panthenol, or provitamin B5, is an ingredient with hydrating and soothing properties. This active ingredient not only helps to retain moisture but also promotes skin regeneration.
How to rehydrate the skin?
Gentle cleansing
The first step in any skincare routine is proper cleansing. It is crucial to use gentle cleansers, as harsh ingredients can remove the natural oils that protect the skin, worsening hydration levels. During cleansing, it is advisable to use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as the latter can remove the skin's lipid barrier, leaving it more vulnerable. Sensitive Cleanser is the ideal facial cleansing gel to start a facial hydration routine as it is specially designed to respect and protect the most sensitive skin.
A gentle cleanse ensures that the skin is free of impurities and prepared to receive subsequent hydrating treatments without compromising its natural balance.
Constant hydration:
Hydration is the key to recovering and maintaining healthy skin. Incorporating hydrating products into your daily routine can make a big difference:
- Hydrating toners: These products balance the skin's pH after cleansing and prepare it to better absorb the active ingredients of subsequent treatments. It is essential to choose alcohol-free toners to avoid drying out the skin further. Aqua Defense from Soft Derm is a toner formulated with panthenol created specifically for skin that needs extra care due to its condition.
- Hydrating masks: Once or twice a week, use masks formulated specifically to provide extra hydration. Masks are ideal for times when the skin needs additional care, such as after prolonged sun exposure or in extreme climates. The Green Tea Mask facial mask with its green tea extract has tonic-stimulating, antioxidant, and softening effects, and the soy proteins have a regulatory effect on skin hydration, thus preventing water loss.
- Hydrating serums: Thanks to their high concentration of active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, serums penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, providing intense and long-lasting hydration. The Sublime Lift Night serum, thanks to the presence of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, provides hydration at the surface level and facial volume at a deep level.
- Moisturizers: Selecting a cream suitable for your skin type is essential. These create a barrier that helps retain moisture and protect against external factors. To maximize their effectiveness, apply them both morning and night. Formulated with baicalin and soy glycopeptides, Advance Repair is a cream that tackles skin aging from all points of view, thanks to its action at the cellular level and its close relationship with the skin regeneration process.
Sun protection
The sun is one of the greatest enemies of hydrated skin. UV rays not only damage the skin barrier but also accelerate water loss and premature aging. To protect yourself, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even in winter or on cloudy days. In addition, reapply the sunscreen every two hours if you are outdoors to maintain protection. Be Sun Light Emulsion SPF50+ is a sunscreen that features hyaluronic acid to give extra hydration to the skin while protecting it from sun damage.
Remember that skin hydration is a continuous process. With a proper care routine, adapted to your needs, and healthy habits such as staying well-hydrated from within, you will be able to enjoy radiant, smooth, and healthy skin every day. Investing time and attention in your skincare is a form of self-care that has a lasting impact on your well-being and confidence. Your skin deserves the best.
