Although hydrating the skin seems like a simple gesture, it is absolutely essential because well-hydrated skin is the secret to beautiful, healthy skin. The skin thus retains its luminosity, radiance and plumped appearance. To stay young as long as possible.

The characteristics of well-hydrated skin

Well-hydrated skin can be recognized by its radiance, luminosity, elasticity, bounce and comfort. Full of water, it is pulpy, smooth on the surface and very soft. When it lacks water, it wrinkles and tarnishes. Fine lines appear and marks of fatigue appear. The skin is less firm and its texture changes. It becomes rough with a feeling of discomfort and can be accompanied by redness, tightness, or even itching.

Why and how does the skin become dehydrated?

The skin becomes dehydrated when it lacks water, either because it has not received enough, or because it has lost too much through evaporation when the skin barrier is deficient. This is what we call natural transepidermal water loss, which is felt, for example, when you wake up by skin that feels tight and "flat". A modification of the hydro-lipid film which covers the skin on the surface. If its water and lipid composition is modified or even reduced, the skin sees its protective armor lower its guard and external aggressions attack it head-on, especially in winter.
The alteration of the stratum corneum composed of hard cells or corneocytes and intercellular lipid cement also explains the process of dehydration and therefore dryness. The stratum corneum, also called "stratum corneum", is the outermost layer of the skin, on the surface: it is the one which is in contact with the outside and which faces attacks thanks to the wall of dead cells (from corneocytes on the surface and more deeply keratinocytes (as for 90% of the epidermis), which make it up and make it waterproof. The intercellular cement, made up of lipids, is located between the cells to keep them welded together and to prevent any penetration of external agents.
All modifications of the mechanical and chemical structure, of the hydrolipidic film as well as of the stratum corneum, explain the weakening of the barrier function of the skin and the increase in its vulnerability to attacks. Beware of overly abrasive and poorly adapted treatments which accentuate these imbalances and modify the skin's pH and microbiota.

Causes of dehydration

The causes of skin dehydration are all phenomena that weaken, damage or destroy the protective hydro-lipid film which prevents water from evaporating. External causes attack the skin on the surface:

• The climate: too dry, too cold, too windy, it increases the evaporation of water from the skin.

• The sun and UV rays: not only do they increase the internal temperature of the skin but induce cellular and biological changes which weaken the barrier effect.

• Pollution: it deposits a pile of residues and toxic substances on the surface of the skin, day and night. Some manage to penetrate and alter certain skin cells. A process which is accompanied by an inflammatory phenomenon which increases dehydration.

• Hard water deposits mineral residues on the surface of the epidermis which alters it. Overly aggressive cleansers and unsuitable cosmetics damage the protective hydrolipidic film, modifying the pH and the skin microbiome so that the barrier effect is significantly weakened.

Internal causes also attack the skin: certain diseases and their treatments, such as cancer treatments or taking medications, particularly anti-acne medications, or even poor nutrition and of course, tobacco and cigarettes. All these factors have repercussions on the skin which loses its bounce and moisture. Please note: aging, menopause and certain skin conditions modify the normal functioning of the skin and lead to chronic dehydration.

Moisturizing or nourishing your skin, what is the difference?

Hydrating the skin means providing it with the water it needs to ensure its physiological functions. Nourishing means enriching its natural protective film with fats to give it flexibility and comfort. Water and fat make up the protective “hydrolipid” film located on the surface of the skin. Which explains why all skin needs to be hydrated and drier ones need to boost their nutrition to function properly. Because if this precious hydrolipidic film is modified, it no longer provides its barrier and cover function, the water in the skin evaporates and the cells dislocate from each other. The wall made up of dead cells (bricks) and lipids (cement) is thinner and less compact. Cracked and fragile, it is less effective. The skin quickly becomes damaged and suffers.

Moisturizing your skin, the best routine to follow

The skin is an organ that perspires but also absorbs through contact, like a blotter. We can therefore provide the skin with what it needs to meet its needs with appropriate cosmetic care.

• According to your skin type

If the serum formula based on water and components which activate hydration (hyaluronic acids) mainly can be sufficient to hydrate certain skin, such as normal to combination skin, dry skin needs a hydrating formula but also enriched with fatty, cream type. We also look for vitamins (niacinamide) in the formulas to revive radiance and pre- and post-biotics to respect the skin microbiome. On the other hand, we avoid overly perfumed treatments to guarantee the skin the greatest safety.

• Morning and evening

The ideal is to adopt a complete routine dedicated to your skin type but always prioritizing twice-daily hydration and cleansing.

• Depending on the season

The routine must also adapt to the season: with the cold comes dryness which requires richer formulas, both for the face and for the body. Also be careful of the drying effects of hard water and excessive hygiene in winter. In summer, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum so that formulas can be lighter in fat with moisturizing gels for example, and treatments with an SPF to protect against the sun's rays.

• according to the regions of the body

Finally, so-called rough areas such as elbows, legs and knees require special attention with rich, lipid-replenishing formulas to soften and restructure. Also, it is necessary to smooth these areas using a formula rich in chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin and thus boost the effectiveness of the emollient and nourishing treatment. We recommend the XERONACRE range from BLUE SKINCARE, the Emollient Kerato-Reducing Treatment which softens and soothes the skin and eliminates dead skin responsible for the rough appearance. Enriched with a duo of gentle exfoliating acids, gluconolactone and lactic acid, dead cells are eliminated leaving skin smooth and soft. Colloidal oatmeal known for its soothing properties reduces redness and itching. The body finally allows us to adopt sensory products adapted to each person's preferences: balm, milk, oil, moisturizing spray.

The importance of exfoliation and moisturizing masks

The scrub + mask duo is the basis for enhanced action to moisturize the skin. Exfoliation is used to eliminate dead cells accumulated on the surface of the epidermis which slow down or prevent the proper absorption of moisturizing care. This gesture prepares the skin for treatments by allowing it to breathe better, boost the penetration of active ingredients and stimulate cell renewal, the production of young cells by the skin. After the exfoliation, the application of a hydrating mask immediately and perfectly compensates for the loss of water and fat. Indeed, its highly concentrated formula restores water levels, rebalances and strengthens the skin.