Skin hydration: characteristics

Skin hydration concerns all skin types. In addition to giving your skin a beautiful, radiant texture and a soft appearance, it also allows your body to be better protected from everyday dangers.

Our skin is made up of different layers, the most superficial of which is the epidermis. In addition to being the largest organ in our body, our skin is also what acts as our shield against the outside world.

This shield is made up of several layers of skin cells and on the surface of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, this layer is maintained by a hydrolipidic film made of water and fat which represents sweat and sebum respectively. If properly maintained, this layer will maintain moisture and prevent environmental contaminants and toxins from entering the body.

Dehydrated skin can manifest as rough and sometimes itchy skin. This is not the same as having naturally dry skin . Dry skin is due to a lack of lipids while dehydrated skin is due to a lack of water.

Several everyday elements harm the hydration of your skin. The weather can greatly affect your skin, whether it is dry wind or excessive heating in winter, as well as UV rays during summer.

Dehydration can also worsen existing skin conditions. If you have eczema, dehydration can trigger a flare-up. If you have acne, dehydration can make your skin oilier and increase the number of breakouts.

As you will have understood, we are faced with many elements that can slow down the hydration of our skin. There are also products that contain ingredients that should be avoided for proper hydration.

• Alcohols: certain alcohol derivatives have a drying effect on the skin. It causes skin irritation by altering the skin's hydrolipidic film, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Irritation may appear as redness, tingling or burning sensations. They also weaken the skin's natural ability to retain moisture. If you have skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, this can make them worse.
  

• Parabens: parabens, preservatives often present in cosmetic products, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin. If they are present in our cosmetic products, it is because of their antimicrobial properties. However, its components can potentially have a harmful impact on hormonal balance.

Fortunately, many products exist to facilitate healthy hydration. If you are hesitant about choosing your moisturizer, we simply advise you to target key ingredients present in many moisturizers.

• Hyaluronic acid : A substance naturally present in our body and mainly in our skin. It helps retain water, contributes to the hydration of the joints and makes the skin supple.
  

• Aloe vera : Aloe vera is initially a medicinal plant that has become an essential ingredient that is naturally soothing. Made up of 99% water, it is present in the form of gel, liquid or powder, used in various products such as creams and masks. Aloe vera hydrates and soothes the skin. It can help relieve skin irritation and protects against UV rays.

• Inulin : naturally present in chicory root, it acts as a prebiotic nourishing “good” bacteria, thus promoting their growth in the skin microbiome. At the same time, it helps retain moisture in the skin, helping to maintain its health and softness.

These key ingredients can significantly help your skin be hydrated. All three are present in the Neo by Nature shower gel.

Not counting moisturizing products, everyday actions can also help hydrate your skin:

• Drink enough water: Drinking water does not immediately hydrate the skin, but it helps preserve moisture inside the cells, making the skin appear firmer and plumper.

• Get enough sleep: The body does a lot of maintenance during rest and rebalances the skin's moisture by sweating more during sleep. It is essential to get a solid eight hours of sleep, allowing your body to benefit from these natural processes.

• Wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun: Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays. This can cause your skin to lose water when you sweat. It also damages your skin at the cellular level.

Tip: It is necessary to drink 2L of water per day.

Choose a balanced approach to skin care and lifestyle to preserve the vitality of your skin. By adopting simple daily actions, you promote radiant skin that is protected from external dangers.