Skin hydration is key to skin health. To kick off with, the number one thing to do is drinking loads of water daily. Why? Because about 60 percent of the human body consists of water. Our bodies’ biochemical and cellular processes require water to function. Not only that, but water acts as a carrier of nutrients and a medium for eliminating toxins.
Because the skin contains about 64 percent water, you’ll understand that water is a key component. A skin that lacks sufficient water supply can be dry, tight, itchy, and flaky. Plus, it may also feel rough and lack visible radiance.
The downside
Of course the downside is that a cracked skin is more prone to infections. And horror of horrors, a dehydrated skin may also have an increased risk of developing wrinkles.
Apart from that, a dehydrated skin is more prone to acne & breakouts, more noticeable dark circles, redness and inflammation.
Why does skin become
dehydrated?
According
to research, skin can become dehydrated as a result of insufficient water
intake and excessive water loss.
Yes,
drinking water is an important part of healthy skin, but it won’t solve the
problem on its own. An inadequate skin barrier will increase trans-epidermal
water loss.
The answer
So,
as we all know by now, moisturising the skin daily is all-important. But moisturisers
should include a humectant, emollients and an occlusive.
Humectants
bind water to the outermost layer of the skin. These ingredients draw moisture
from the environment, but also carry it from the deeper layers of the skin to
the surface. Examples of humectants are sodium PCA, butylene glycol, glycerine
and hyaluronic acid.
Emollients
such as lipids and oils give skin that soft, pliable feel. They remain on the
skin’s surface: lubricating it and improving the overall appearance. Examples
of emollients are shea butter, algae extract and phosphatidylcholine.
Occlusive
ingredients slow down evaporation by helping to hold water in the skin. And these
products also remain on the surface to help block water loss. Commonly used as occlusive
are silicones such as dimethicone and cyclomethicone.
Selecting products
Therefore,
do choose your moisturising products carefully, ensuring that they contain a mix
of humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients.
A
moisturised skin just looks way more youthful! So yes, skin hydration is key to
strutting your stuff with confidence.
