When it comes to healthy, balanced skin that glows with radiance, there’s one aspect of skin care that’s crucial to get right – hydration! A skin that lacks adequate levels of moisture (both oil and water components) will not function well. We chatted to Dermalogica’s Education Manager Victoria to find out why hydration is so critical to healthy skin and how ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides are ideal to restore your glow.
Why is hydration important for healthy skin?
Our skin is at constant risk of dehydration from our lifestyle and environmental factors such as climate and heating or air con. Moisture from the skin travels in one direction, from the deeper layers through to the surface where it’s readily evaporated into the atmosphere. Skin is also easily compromised, and we often see the protective moisture barrier becoming impaired. This allows essential moisture to escape and irritants to enter triggering sensitivity.
Signs you have a damaged barrier include feeling tight, flakiness, increased sensitivity, dullness and an increase in oil and breakouts. Every skin type is negatively impacted by a damaged barrier and requires hydration support daily to restore balance.
What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides and are they suitable for all skins?
Hyaluronic Acid is a skin-moisturising powerhouse. Also known as Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (sugar) that’s present in skin as well as the connective tissue throughout our bodies. A single Hyaluronic Acid molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, which is gradually released into the skin – so it plays a crucial role in helping skin stay plump and hydrated.
There are a number of different types of Hyaluronic Acid and they have a variety of molecular weights which have different benefits in the skin. The differences lie in the molecular weight or size of the molecule. Larger Hyaluronic Acid molecules sit closer to the skin’s surface whilst the smaller ones penetrate deeper into the epidermis.
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that naturally occur in the skin, comprising up to 50% of skin’s natural moisture barrier. To restore skin’s barrier, we need skin care ingredients that can mimic its function. Ceramides are an excellent choice for this because they are long-chain fatty acids that work like building blocks to help support skin’s barrier. This gives them the ability to help keep irritants out and hydration in.
All skins benefit from the water-based hydration Hyaluronic Acid delivers. Using a serum with Hyaluronic Acid daily will help keep skin hydrated and prevent the array of symptoms discussed above. Ceramides help support barrier function and including them in your regimen will help with drier, rough skin, irritation and visible signs of dehydration.
What formulas should I include in my regimen to hydrate and restore my skin?
If your skin is dry or dehydrated, these are my top daily use products to maximise hydration and restore skin’s barrier for soft, smooth, glowing skin.
1. PREP Cleanse with the nourishing Intensive Moisture Cleanser. A creamy cleanser enhanced with BioReplenish Complex removes impurities while actively nourishing dry, depleted skin. This emollient, lipid-enriched formula cleanses skin while helping to minimise damage of vital proteins and lipids that defend against dryness.
2. TREAT Spritz skin with Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist. A hydrating mist with 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid plus Ceramides to strengthen skin’s barrier and antioxidant Rose Water to revive and refresh.
Follow with Circular Hydration Serum to kick-start skin’s hydration cycle. With Hyaluronic Acid plus Polyglutamic Acid and Hydrolysed Rice Protein to flood the skin with hydration for immediate relief. These actives also seal in moisture to prevent evaporation and replenish skins moisture levels from within.
3. GLOW Complete your regimen with Skin Smoothing Cream. Active HydraMesh Technology infuses skin with 48 hours of continuous hydration and helps protect against environmental stress. This best-selling moisturiser also helps shield skin’s natural microbiome from environmental stress. A dynamic Hyaluronic Acid Complex with Mallow, Cucumber and Arnica distributes hydration throughout the skin, helping to lock in moisture for lasting hydration.
Any additional tips to keep skin hydrated throughout the day?
Keep your hydrating mist with you and spritz skin every few hours to top up hydration and refresh your skin. All Dermalogica toners and mists can be used over makeup throughout the day.
Hydrate from within. We can support our skin’s moisture barrier through a water-rich diet. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and include water-rich foods (fruit and veggies) daily.
Combat the dehydrating effects of aircon and central heating in the home or work place by allowing fresh air to circulate or by placing a bowl of water near radiators/heaters.
