When it comes to preparative cosmetics, the most popular marketing term is of course "deep hydration" - but what does that even mean?

Hydration is the process of moisturizing the skin, or providing water to the skin. We need water a lot not only because it makes up the majority of our body, but also because it allows the skin to remain elastic and firm. Skin that does not lack moisture looks healthy, rosy and radiant!

However, the skin is an extremely smart organ that knows how to self-renew and regulate itself and manages to retain water in the deeper layers with the help of the so-called skin barrier. It consists of lipids and ceramides, which firmly hold the living (and dead) skin cells on the principle of bricks and concrete - which creates an impermeable barrier. This wall allows the skin to protect itself and regenerate faster, but it does not always function as it should...

Namely, harmful external and internal factors can affect the quality of the skin barrier, causing it to become permeable. A poor skin barrier leads to a number of skin problems, the most common of which is dehydration, i.e. a lack of water in the skin. Also, some people are simply more prone to drying out the top layer of the skin, which can make it look dry and flaky - and this can only be the result of a lack of care for a certain skin type. Namely, dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN

At first glance, they may seem identical - dry and dehydrated skin have completely different needs and care methods. Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebaceous glands, whereby the skin cannot naturally “hydrate” itself properly, while dehydrated skin is any skin type lacking the necessary level of water. It is extremely important to distinguish between the two if we want to cure the problem quickly and successfully!

Characteristics of dry skin

• Itching
• Redness
• flaky skin
• Irritations
• Feeling of discomfort

Characteristics of dehydrated skin

• Lifeless/gray skin appearance
• More pronounced dark circles
• Itching
• More pronounced wrinkles
• Dry lips
• Swollen appearance of the eyes
• Increased sensitivity
• Feeling of tightness
• Increased sebum secretion

WHY DOES THE SKIN LOSE WATER?

A lack of lipids, which normally keep skin firm, is the most common cause of water loss in the skin. But sometimes, things we consciously do or choose not to do lead to dehydration.

• Spending too much time in extreme heat/cold
• Use of aggressive soaps
• Using rough sponges and exfoliating
• Taking too long showers or bathing in extremely hot water
• Using overly strong exfoliating/anti-aging products
• Lack of water intake in the body

Of course, the problem of dehydration cannot be solved overnight, so a few glasses of water a day and shorter showers will not be of much help if the problem is not solved with quality cosmetics to restore the skin barrier and for hydration. However, it should be noted that some skin problems may have similar symptoms, and at the same time, they cannot be solved independently at home, but require the help of dermatologists and other medical professionals;

• Thyroid diseases
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Poor diet

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING SKIN HYDRATION

1. Drink more water.

By getting more water into your body, you are working to hydrate your entire body, which ultimately improves the water levels in your skin cells.

2. Take a quick, short shower - and in lukewarm water.

While a long, hot shower can be a fantastic way to relax, hot water is extremely drying to the skin and damages the skin barrier, causing dehydration sooner than expected.

3. Invest in a humidifier

By purchasing a humidifier, you increase the amount of moisture in the air so that the mucous membranes of the throat and nose remain clean, which contributes to better health, and also saves the skin from moisture loss - since excess moisture already exists in the air. . This is especially useful during the winter when we constantly live with dry air due to heating, and it will also be useful in the summer, especially if you often use the air conditioner.

4. Eat foods rich in water and antioxidants.

Fruits and vegetables are great for your health, but they can also be great for your skin. Eat foods rich in water and antioxidants to hydrate your body, including your skin, and make it soft and shiny. Examples of such foods include cucumbers, beets, spinach, and mushrooms.

5. Avoid foods and drinks that dehydrate.

All foods high in sugar and salt contribute to dehydration, as do drinks like alcohol and coffee. But even foods we know to be healthy can contribute to dehydration if not consumed properly; for example, green tea can dehydrate the body extremely easily! Therefore, when consuming these foods, keep in mind that you are combining them with water-rich foods as well as increased water intake through drinks.

6. Eat more healthy fats

Healthy fats help rebuild the skin barrier. Namely, omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish like salmon, nuts, seeds, and olive oil – but you can also take them in capsules as a supplement. The difference they show in just a few months is truly amazing!

SKIN AWARD RULES

Use only gentle cleaning agents.

Whether it's facial cleansing or body, harsh soaps can damage the skin's barrier by stripping away too much of its natural oils. Look for moisturizing cleansers rich in butters and oils that will also nourish the skin's barrier while cleansing. A fantastic choice for damaged skin is Nourishing Cleanser.

Wash your face with the product only once a day.

Over-cleansing the skin barrier with cleansers like gels, foams, and oils can damage its quality. To that extent, sometimes washing your face with water is enough to get an equally good effect of cleansing and awakening the skin, while more specific facial cleansing should be done once a day, preferably at night before going to bed. Don't worry, it will be enough!

Apply the products to slightly damp skin.

Instead of completely drying your skin before applying a toner or serum, leave it slightly damp so the ingredients can better penetrate it. This is especially important for dehydrated skin that you want to quickly replenish!

Look for lots of moisturizing ingredients

A complete skincare routine requires moisturizers, emollients, and occlusives in products—in varying proportions. But with dehydration, it's important to focus on the quality of these moisturizers. Some of the best ingredients for combating dehydration include:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• urea
• Ceramics
• Panthenol

A fantastic addition to your skincare routine is the milk mist for skin renewal and deep hydration precisely because of its 2-in-1 effect - of course, we're talking about L'ADRIA Restorative mist.

Always wear sunscreen.

Free radicals from UV rays can damage the skin barrier, leading to irritation and dehydration. Applying SPF protects you not only from free radicals, but also from premature aging and skin cancer!

Don't forget to exfoliate.

While it’s not recommended to over-exfoliate your skin in the summer, it’s a crucial part of a quality skincare routine, even when your skin is dehydrated. By not removing the layer of dead skin cells, the serums, essences, and toners we use to repair our skin’s barrier and water content simply can’t work as effectively. Products penetrate best on clean, freshly exfoliated skin. Conclusion Well-hydrated skin isn’t just about applying body lotion, it’s about lifestyle adjustments and a more complex skincare routine. However, your skin will thank you in the end, so it’s worth going the extra mile!

CONCLUSION

High-quality body hydration doesn't just mean using body lotion, but also lifestyle adjustments and a more specific body care routine. However, your skin will thank you so much that it's worth going the extra mile!