Is your facial cream keeping your skin hydrated? Hydration is important for your appearance as well as skin health. Skin hydration can be facilitated through various methods. The outermost part of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, prevents dehydration through a pattern of securely-structured lipid molecules. This same layer also features hygroscopic molecules, which naturally absorb water. When the skin is well hydrated, its ability to bounce bank is greatly enhanced.
Dehydrated Skin
To find a long-lasting hydrating moisturizer, you need to concentrate on skincare products that work specifically at hydrating the skin. Scientific research shows that approximately 40% to 70% of consumers have dry facial skin or that their skin becomes dry during certain times of the year. The skin may become dehydrated in one of two ways.
Some people do not drink enough water during the day. Others do not use skin care products that absorb moisture and keep the skin supple and fresh-looking. Whilst drinking water is definitely helpful for combating dehydration, you still need to make sure that your skin care products support hydration. An insufficient skin barrier increases TEWL, or trans-epidermal water loss.
When TEWL occurs, water passes through the skin and is not absorbed. This type of occurrence is an indicator of how the barrier of the skin is functioning. For instance, someone who suffers from a dry-skin condition such as dermatitis will have an increased TEWL.
Keeping the Skin Moisturised
To make sure that you receive the proper hydration, it is necessary to use a daily moisturiser. Doing so is needed to keep the skin smooth, wrinkle-free, and vibrant. Moisturisers feature ingredients that promote hydration in the form of emollients, humectants, or an occlusive. Glycoproteins are also used to moisturise the skin.
Humectants are ingredients that are used to bind moisture to the stratum corneum. Humectants draw water from the environment and transport it to the deep layers of the skin and to the surface. Besides humectants, glycoproteins are used to smooth the skin.
Glycoproteins are proteins that feature a carbohydrate that attaches to a protein. This ingredient is essential in maintaining cellular protein health and plays an important role in cell communication. The proteins combine with sugars to ensure that the skin’s structure remains intact.
Emollients soften the skin and are therefore used to lubricate the tissues and reduce flaking. Lipids and oils are examples of emollients.
Occlusive ingredients hold water in skin tissues by slowing evaporation. The ingredients are much the same as emollients as they create a thin barrier that blocks moisture loss.
When choosing a facial moisturiser, make sure that it works for 24 hours and that it is well-balanced for harsh and inclement conditions. It should feature ingredients that reduce moisture loss while absorbing moisture from the air.
