Skin Hydration

In this month’s journal, we look at the critical role that skin hydration plays in maintaining healthy and radiant skin. We’re deep diving into how to keep your complexion glowing as the season changes.

Adequate skin hydration is essential for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier, preventing dryness, irritation, and premature ageing. How can you tell that your skin is dehydrated? You may notice dry skin patches that might be rough, scaly, or itchy. You may also have more accentuated fine lines or a dull complexion or find that your skin is less elastic than usual.

There are many causes of poor skin hydration:

• Weather: exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as cold, dry air, and strong winds, can strip the skin of its moisture and lead to dryness and flakiness.
• Hot water: while a hot shower or bath may be relaxing, it can also be detrimental to your skin. Overexposure to hot water can remove the natural oils that help keep your skin hydrated.
• Dehydration: is a significant cause of poor skin hydration. When your body lacks sufficient water, it prioritises vital organs over the skin, leading to dryness.
• Aging: as we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases. The production of natural oils and lipids in the skin diminishes, making it more prone to dryness and wrinkles.
• Harsh cleansers: using harsh or abrasive cleansers can disrupt the skin’s natural lipid barrier, leading to moisture loss and skin irritation.
• Medications: some medications, such as diuretics and some acne treatments, can dehydrate the skin as a side effect.
• Sun damage: can weaken the skin’s natural barrier and lead to increased water loss, resulting in dehydrated and prematurely aged skin.
• Skin conditions: like eczema and psoriasis can impair the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: can negatively impact skin health.
• Hormonal fluctuations: such as those that occur during menopause or pregnancy, can affect the skin’s hydration levels and lead to dryness.

How can we keep our skin hydrated?

Good skin hydration starts from within. Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining overall skin health. Aim for at least eight glasses or about two litres of water a day, but this can fluctuate based on your size and activity level.

Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type. I love CeraVe Moisturising Cream. Apply immediately after bathing or showering when your skin is still damp to lock in moisture effectively.

Opt for lukewarm water when bathing or washing your face to preserve your skin’s natural moisture.

Choose mild, hydrating cleansers that maintain the skin’s pH balance while effectively removing dirt and impurities. I especially like Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturising Cleansing Milk, CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser, Natura Bisse Oxygen Mousse and Avene Cleansing Foam.

Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and prevent excessive water loss from your skin.

Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when outdoors and reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can significantly impact your skin’s hydration. Foods containing essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s found in fish and flaxseeds, can help maintain healthy skin.

Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake and compensate with extra water when drinking things like wine and coffee.

When it’s cold or windy wear appropriate clothing to prevent moisture loss and irritation.

If you’re thinking about a hydrating boost for your skin, prioritise these four treatments to give your skin a little TLC:

Light Eyes is an innovative mesotherapy treatment, combining ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid with antioxidants and botanical extracts. A sprinkle of this magical cocktail brightens and freshens the eye area while tackling puffiness and dark circles.

Ideal for those looking to brighten and improve the skin’s texture, Aquagold delivers a bespoke cocktail of ingredients through 20 hair-fine gold-tipped needles. The device can provide vitamins, hyaluronic acid, bioactive compounds and neurotoxins to treat enlarged pores, redness and pigmentation, and delivers a boost of hydration to the skin.

Hydrate from the inside out with skin boosters for the face, neck, decolletage, and hands, resulting in smoother, plumper, and more glowing skin. Options include Revive, Volite, Profhilo and Nucleofill to help create a subtly rejuvenated complexion.to help create a subtly rejuvenated complexion.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) harnesses the power of your own blood plasma to stimulate growth factors within the skin responsible for healing, hydration and collagen and elastin production. After drawing your blood, the richly nourishing plasma is separated and gently injected back into your skin based on individual areas of need which may include the face, lips, neck, hands and scalp.

Maintaining optimal moisture levels is essential for healthy, radiant skin. If you have persistent issues with you’re the hydration of your skin, consult a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment options tailored to your skin’s needs.