To maintain skin’s elasticity and suppleness, hydration is essential. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination , let’s explore how to properly hydrate it.
What is skin hydration?
Skin hydration refers to its ability to maintain a sufficient amount of water in the superficial layers of the epidermis, which is essential for its comfort and suppleness.
Naturally, the skin loses water through a process called “transepidermal water loss” (1). This mechanism is physiological, but it can be exacerbated by cold, heat , wind, excessively hot showers, or the use of unsuitable skincare products. When this water loss is significant, the skin may show signs of dehydration.
Hydrating the skin through cosmetics therefore consists of limiting these water losses and promoting the maintenance of a good level of hydration of the epidermis.
Dry skin or dehydrated skin: what’s the difference?
Dehydrated skin , as the name suggests, is characterized by a lack of water. This can affect all skin types, including oily or combination skin.
Dry skin , on the other hand, refers to a skin type that naturally produces less lipids. This characteristic weakens the hydrolipidic film, whose role is, among other things, to limit water evaporation. Dry skin can therefore become dehydrated more easily, but these two concepts do not cover exactly the same needs.
Why moisturize your skin?
An essential step to preserve skin comfort
Hydrating your skin is essential for maintaining its comfort. When skin lacks moisture, it can become less supple and feel tighter more easily. These feelings of discomfort are often the first signs of insufficient hydration, even when the skin doesn’t show any visible dryness.
Properly hydrated skin has better elasticity and a smoother appearance.
Hydrating and nourishing the skin: two complementary steps
Hydrating and nourishing the skin are two actions often associated , but they don’t address exactly the same needs. Hydrating involves delivering or retaining water in the superficial layers of the skin, while nourishing aims to provide lipids to strengthen the hydrolipidic film and limit the evaporation of this water.
Dry skin, which naturally produces less lipids, may need both moisturizing and nourishing ingredients to maintain its comfort.
Understanding this complementarity helps to better choose skincare products and to build a routine that hydrates the skin while protecting it, without weighing it down.
Do you know why it’s important to moisturize your skin after donating blood ? We’ll explain everything.
How to hydrate your skin with cosmetic products?
Essential moisturizing agents in cosmetics
Humectant agents are able to attract and retain water on the skin’s surface. They thus contribute to improving the feeling of hydration and skin comfort. Among the most commonly used moisturizing agents in cosmetics are glycerin, known for its humectant properties (2), and hyaluronic acid, present in the epidermis and involved in maintaining the structure of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) (3).
Film-forming agents create a light protective film on the skin’s surface. This film helps limit water evaporation and preserve existing hydration, without preventing the skin from breathing.
Finally, emollients help to soften the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. By improving the cohesion of the skin’s surface layer, they indirectly contribute to reducing water loss and prolonging the effect of moisturizing treatments.
Adapt your moisturizing treatment to your skin type
To effectively hydrate the skin, it is essential to choose textures and formulas adapted to its specific needs.
- Dry skin : it generally requires rich care, combining moisturizing and nourishing active ingredients.
- Dehydrated skin : it requires skincare products containing humectants, combined with a texture capable of limiting water evaporation.
- Oily skin : a light, fluid or gel texture allows the skin to be moisturized without feeling heavy.
- Men’s skin : if exposed to shaving, it may need soothing, moisturizing care.
- Hands and body : more exposed to external aggressions, these areas often require richer, more enveloping moisturizing treatments, applied regularly
A closer look at organic aloe vera gel
Aloe Vera Gel helps retain water on the skin’s surface. Its fresh, light texture leaves a discreet protective film, helping to improve comfort, especially for dehydrated skin or skin exposed to external aggressors.
Precautions for use: This gel is for cosmetic use only and should not be swallowed. It is recommended to avoid direct contact between the bottle and your fingers.
A closer look at vegetable glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a humectant known for its ability to attract and retain water on the skin’s surface, thus helping to maintain skin hydration. Used in cosmetic products, it helps improve suppleness and comfort, particularly for dry or dehydrated skin.
Precautions for use: For cosmetic use only, do not swallow or apply undiluted to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes.
How to hydrate your skin from the inside out?
Diet and lifestyle
Skin hydration doesn’t depend solely on surface-applied skincare products. Lifestyle habits also play a role in the body’s moisture balance and can influence the skin’s appearance.
Drinking regularly throughout the day helps maintain adequate overall hydration. Needs can vary depending on lifestyle, physical activity, or weather conditions, which is why it’s beneficial to hydrate evenly throughout the day rather than concentrating your intake at a single time.
Diet can also support skin hydration. Fruits and vegetables rich in water, such as cucumber, tomato, watermelon, and citrus fruits, provide both water and micronutrients beneficial for healthy skin function. In a holistic approach, they help create an environment conducive to maintaining skin comfort.
Finally, a balanced lifestyle, with sufficient sleep and good stress management, contributes to the proper functioning of the skin and indirectly supports its ability to maintain good hydration.
Dietary supplements
When it comes to skin hydration, cosmetic products applied to the surface play an important role, but they aren’t the only factors to consider. In a more holistic approach, certain dietary supplements can also be incorporated into a beauty routine, working from within.
Some active ingredients are now available as dietary supplements specifically designed for the skin. This is particularly true of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the body and valued for its ability to retain water. Taken orally, it is often used in treatments aimed at supporting skin elasticity and hydration, especially when the skin tends to be dehydrated.
Other formulas, such as collagen boosters, are more part of a holistic approach to skin quality. Collagen contributes to skin structure, elasticity, and maintaining good hydration, particularly for dry or mature skin.
Finally, the skin’s moisture balance also depends on the body’s overall hydration. In this context, electrolytes play a key role in fluid exchange and mineral balance. Their intake can be beneficial on a daily basis, particularly during periods of high heat, physical activity, or fatigue, to support proper hydration, which is also reflected in the skin’s appearance and comfort.
A closer look at hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid contributes to skin hydration from within. Naturally present in the epidermis, it is known for its ability to retain water, thus helping to maintain skin suppleness and comfort, particularly in cases of dehydrated skin.
Precautions for use: This food supplement is for adults only. It is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
A closer look at marine collagen
Marine collagen supports skin comfort and suppleness as part of a body hydration routine. Naturally present in the skin, collagen contributes to the cohesion of skin tissues and can be incorporated into an “in & out” routine, especially when skin lacks comfort or suppleness.
Precautions for use: This food supplement is for adults only and should be consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Not recommended for individuals with kidney failure or hypercalcemia without medical advice.
A Closer Look at Electrolytes
Electrolytes support the body’s hydration, especially during periods of high heat, physical activity, or temporary fatigue. Enriched with minerals (Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Zinc) and coconut water, they help maintain electrolyte balance, a key element of good daily hydration, which can indirectly support skin comfort.
Precautions for use: This food supplement is for adults only and should be consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people with kidney disease.
What routine should I adopt to promote skin hydration?
To support daily skin hydration, it can be helpful to adopt a simple, consistent routine tailored to your needs. The goal isn’t to multiply the number of steps, but to prioritize regularity and carefully selected skincare products.
- Cleanse the skin gently : using a cleanser adapted to your skin type allows you to remove impurities without altering the hydrolipidic film.
- Apply a moisturizer : apply a moisturizer immediately after cleansing.
- Adapt the texture to the area and the season : a light texture may suffice for the face or in summer, while the body, hands or exposed areas may require more enveloping care, especially in winter.
- Regularly moisturize exposed areas : hands, neck, and legs are particularly vulnerable to external aggressors. Regular application of moisturizing products helps reduce feelings of dryness and tightness.
- Incorporate complementary techniques : gently massaging the skin while applying skincare products can promote their distribution and improve the perception of comfort. Taking the time for these techniques also contributes to overall well-being.
This routine can be adjusted according to skin needs, age, lifestyle or seasons, in order to support hydration in a sustainable way and respectful of the skin’s balance.
Precautions
Moisturizing your skin remains a beneficial practice, provided you use products suited to your skin type and needs. Formulas that are too rich or applied excessively can sometimes cause discomfort or promote the appearance of blemishes, especially on the face. It is therefore recommended to adjust the texture, quantity, and frequency of application according to your skin’s reaction.
