Extrinsic factors such as: UV radiation from the sun, pollution, smoking and our lifestyle choices impact our skin health. Environmental factors, such as dry air and cold weather, can have a negative impact on the skin’s hydration levels too.
But just how is the skin kept hydrated?
Hydration relates to the water content of the uppermost layer of the epidermis – the stratum corneum. In effect, our skin forms a water gradient from the bottom of the epidermis to this outer, protective layer that is in contact with the external environment. The deepest layers of our skin contain around 70% water, and when in a healthy, hydrated state, the stratum corneum comprises around 20-30% water. Less than this, and our skin may appear dull, dry, and flaky, and its barrier function will be impaired.
-
If you have very dry skin, using only a moisturizer may not be enough because your skin’s water content is already depleted. So, you need to hydrate the skin in addition to moisturizing it. A hydrating product with active water-binding and -attracting ingredients may be more appropriate, as it will help also to increase the skin’s overall hydration levels beyond what is possible with a regular moisturizer. Hydration becomes more important in skincare aimed at mature or excessively dry skin.
-
You can have anhydrous moisturizing products containing only emollients, and these botanical oils and butters will be effective in preventing greater transepidermal water loss.
-
A BEST SOLUTION – a product that can repair the skin barrier, provide hydration and help keep water there. This is why emulsions are usually good moisturizing products, as they can cover all bases by helping not only maintain and retain but also boost the skin’s water content by attracting more water to the epidermis and helping the skin retain it.
Februarius Purity | Beauty RenewMyFace and Supreme Facial Serum are two products that repair, hydrate and keep water in the skin.
