Whether in winter or summer, our skin always needs care to stay hydrated and beautiful. Although many want an eye-catching complexion, few know what really needs to be done.
Let’s start by explaining why the skin needs to be moisturized, since no, it’s not just an aesthetic issue.
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The importance of moisturizing your skin
As the skin is the largest organ in our body, it is also our first protective barrier. However, if it is not properly hydrated, the skin is not able to protect us against the action of external agents, such as cold, wind and pollution.
In addition, it also protects the rest of the body from the action of microorganisms and irritating substances that can result in allergies.
And, when it comes to hydration, there are many questions we ask ourselves, right? So check out the answers you’ve always wanted to know!
Why does the skin dehydrate?
The skin can become dehydrated by a number of factors. In winter, for example, this happens because the air gets colder and drier, due to the low atmospheric humidity, in addition to the wind.
As the skin is constantly in contact with the environment, when it is drier or cooler, there is a loss of water, resulting in dehydration.
This can occur on two levels: epidermal dehydration, which occurs in the most superficial layer of the skin, and dermal, which is the layer responsible for supporting the dermis. It is also common to have dehydration in both, which causes a lot of discomfort in more mature or sensitive skin.
Meanwhile, in more humid and hot environments, there is a tendency for it to become more lubricated and perspire more.
Other causes for skin dehydration can be:
Genetic factors
Just as we inherit characteristics from our parents, such as eye color, the texture of our skin is also due to genetic factors. The hydration of our skin is the result of a mixture of genetic inheritance (about 60%) with habits and environment (40%).
Aging
Many people know the importance of sunscreen when it comes to premature aging. However, what many are unaware of is that a well-hydrated skin is also essential to disguise or even delay premature aging.
A skin that is dry acquires an opaque, rough appearance, with no elasticity and, often, with flaking. Thus, she appears to be older and worn out than she really is. In addition, when it is dry, wrinkles and small lines of expression may become more visible.
In addition, the aging process itself is associated with the loss of collagen and water from the skin.
Then, with the constant practice of hydration, the nutrients and water that the skin loses over time are replaced, which can delay aging or at least minimize its appearance.
Menopause
During menopause , most women experience a significant change in their skin, especially with regard to hydration and sagging.
In addition to the gradual decline in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone , there is also the loss of elastic and collagen fibers. With all this, the result is a more dry skin, in addition to loss of elasticity and tone.
Illnesses
Some diseases such as hypothyroidism , psoriasis , contact eczema , ichthyosis and neurodermatitis can also lead to drier than normal skin.
Why are elbows and knees more dry?
Both the elbows and the knees cover areas of great articulation of the body, since the arms and legs need a great range of movement. Because of this, the skin in these places is much more elastic, since only then can the movement be done.
Excessive elasticity means that the tissues do not produce enough sebaceous glands to hydrate the skin. Added to that, the knees and elbows are more susceptible to friction.
In addition, when these regions are extremely dry, there is a tendency for them to become more darkened and wrinkled.
Why does the skin peel?
Although flaking is associated, in most cases, with sun exposure, there are other factors for it to occur.
Excess sun is responsible for causing a skin burn. UVB rays cause some cells to die and come off, a process we call peeling.
However, diseases such as atopic dermatitis , psoriasis and ichthyosis, among others, can result in skin that peels more than normal, as it is also very dry.
In this case, it is even more important to consult a dermatologist so that he can identify the real cause of the peeling and what are the best treatment options.
How do I know if my skin is dehydrated?
When it comes to skin hydration, we always think it can improve, don’t we? However, sometimes it is not a matter of choice but of necessity.
So if you want to find out if your skin is really dehydrated, there is a small “method”.
With your thumb and forefinger, squeeze your skin for a few seconds so that it forms a scratch in the middle. Then, release it and keep an eye on the tight area. If the risk remains on the skin, this is an indication that it is dry.
The lack of vigor and luminosity, combined with the sensation of tightness, are also signs of dehydrated skin.
Caution: dry skin x dehydrated skin
Many people confuse or think that dry skin and dehydrated skin is the same condition as skin texture. However, although both have very similar symptoms, they are different situations.
As mentioned above, 60% of the skin’s texture is due to genetic inheritance. So, in this case, your skin may be dry , due to genetic factors, but still be dehydrated .
Likewise, a skin that is not dry can also become dehydrated. In short: dry skin is an immutable condition, while dehydrated skin is a condition.
The choice of the ideal moisturizer
For a moisturizer to work well on your body, the first step is to know your skin type . Once you know this, the search should be for moisturizing creams that are suitable for your type. It is worth remembering that only a dermatologist is the professional really qualified to provide you with such information.
Skin hydration mechanism
When choosing your moisturizer, it is also important to know the different mechanisms that these moisturizers can have:
Hydration by occlusion
In this process, the active ingredients present in the cosmetic are able to reduce the evaporation of water in the stratum corneum, an outer layer of the skin, composed of flattened and dead cells, which act as a protective barrier.
In addition, it is able to maintain moisture in the deeper layers, thanks to the presence of oils, and also has the ability to slow the evaporation of water.
Thus dehydration of the skin is prevented, as it further slows down the water evaporation process. Products that use this mechanism form a protective barrier, based on lipids because, just like water and oil do not mix, neither does lipid and water.
So, in this way, the water is installed between the skin and the lipid layer, failing to evaporate.
Therefore, cosmetics with creamy emulsions and vegetable oils in the composition promote hydration by occlusion.
This method is indicated for people with dry skin.
Moisturizing
In moisturizing hydration, the product’s substances retain moisture in the air and thus can be used to hydrate the skin, thus promoting the skin’s natural emulsion.
In these cosmetics, the most common substances are glycerols and D-panthenol. In addition to these, collagen is also a very recurrent ingredient in the composition of such products.
It is very important, because in its chain there are many radicals of proline and hydroxyproline, which form a macromolecular structure, are not absorbed by the skin, that is, it continues to hydrate the epithelial tissue.
In addition, this process can occur in two ways, acting at different levels, on the skin surface or through intracellular mechanisms.
This process is indicated for people with oily skin.
Active hydration
Emulsions mix the two previous mechanisms. This process has a lipid phase, responsible for promoting occlusion, and an aqueous phase with hygroscopic ingredients, capable of providing hydration.
In the composition of these cosmetics, amino acids, urea and hyaluronic acid are found, which are considered biological moisturizers.
The skins that benefit most from this type of action are normal and dry.
What are the main moisturizing assets
Many people are curious to know what are the main actives in moisturizing lotions and creams, so we separate the most common ones:
- Ceramide;
- Esqualeno;
- Olesterol;
- PCA;
- ADN;
- NMF;
- Ammonia Lactate;
- Urea;
- Alpha-hydroxy acid (glycolic acid and lactic acid);
- Trace elements;
- Phospholipids;
- Hyaluronic acid.
How to apply moisturizer
Another very important step when hydrating your skin is the moment of applying the moisturizer. It must be spread with circular, firm and constant movements, but without applying excessive force.
In regions such as the butt and legs, the application should be from the bottom up, and on the arms from the inside out.
It is also important that the moisturizer is applied when the skin is already dry, so that it will absorb the product much better. In addition, it is essential to massage the skin until the moisturizer is fully absorbed.
Other ways to achieve a well-hydrated skin
There are some habits that must be acquired if you want to have a well-hydrated skin. Once these habits are incorporated into the routine, the benefits have already begun to appear.
Sweating
Believe it or not, sweating contributes to skin hydration. This is because, there are many mineral salts in the sweat, which when mixed with the sebum, form a natural epicutaneous emulsion of hydration.
In addition, sweat is still able to potentiate the action of moisturizing lotions.
In spite of this, it is always good to be aware of excess sweat, because with it there is a lot of water loss that can only be replaced by drinking fluids, preferably the water itself.
Hydroxy acid products
Because it is a component with numerous properties that favor the skin, the search for products that have this ingredient in the composition is very important.
It is able to promote the stimulation of the epidermis renewal rate, for example. With it, the skin barrier is strengthened and this prevents water from evaporating or excessive loss.
Hydration at the right times
If you want to have a well hydrated skin, know that it is useless to use the moisturizer at any time of the day.
The ideal is that your body receives the moisturizer right after the end of the bath, so that your skin is balanced, because, as already explained above, the very hot bath can dry out the skin.
Another alternative is to moisturize the skin during the bath, with creams or oils. The absorption can be even greater, because the soap removes the cutaneous lipids, opening even more channels for the penetration of the moisturizer.
The hydration of the face, on the other hand, must occur during the night, also after bathing. And, if the skin is very dry, it should also be applied in the morning, before sunscreen.
The darling vitamin C
You have certainly come across a series of cosmetics, or rather, dermocosmetics, which have vitamin C, right?
It is recurrent in dermocosmetics because it is a real asset. Its antioxidant properties and the ability to maintain preserved both the structures and the functionalities of the skin also help in hydration.
Bet on nutricosmetics
Most nutricosmetics have in their formula components such as vitamin E , marine collagen, lycopene and beta-carotene, which can help both in hydration and in strengthening the skin barrier.
Internal hydration
It is clear that when it comes to hydration, water intake could not be missing. All the other tips mentioned above are of little or no use if you are not hydrated from the inside out.
food
A balanced diet is also very important so that your body is balanced and can absorb hydrations. In addition, eating fruit, for example, can be a great alternative to drink even more water and make your skin more beautiful.
How to moisturize your skin at home?
Many people ask themselves “what is good for moisturizing the skin?”. Well, in addition to all the tips and possibilities on how to send dehydration out of your life once and for all, we are still going to give you some tips on homemade products that can make your life even easier.
Your kitchen can be full of ingredients that will help to have a bright and well-lit skin, such as papaya, cucumber, oats and honey.
However, what will make their potency well exploited is the way in which they will be prepared and mixed with other hydrants.
Mask for oily skin
- Remove the pulp from the pomegranate;
- In a blender, beat the pulp of the pomegranate with the natural yogurt (it cannot be flavored), until the mixture is homogeneous;
- Apply with brush all over the face;
- Leave to act for 10 minutes;
- Remove the entire mixture with water and soap.
Hydration Mask
- Remove all the pulp from a green coconut;
- In a blender, beat the pulp with coconut water until a homogeneous mixture is formed (it will have a pasty appearance);
- Leave to act for 10 minutes;
- Remove the entire mixture with water and soap.
We don’t always need to use only fruit on the face for the homemade recipe to work. There are other ingredients that we also have at home, like Hipoglós , that can help.
Intense Hydration Mask
- Mix 2 scoops of your favorite moisturizer (the one that best suits your skin type) and 2 scoops of Hipoglós;
- Distribute the mixture on clean skin and at night;
- Wait 20 minutes;
- Clean the entire face and rinse well, then apply a sunscreen that should only be removed in the morning.
Make this hydration 3 times a week, always at night.
Can I put any fruit on the skin?
In general, it is important to avoid citrus fruits, such as lemon and orange. Although these fruits also have compounds beneficial to the skin, such as vitamin C, their use is not recommended.
Because if there is not an adequate rinse and there is sun exposure, there is a great risk of the skin being burnt and blemished.
Obviously, if you are allergic to any fruit, it is also not recommended that you make any kind of mixture to apply to the skin.
Attention!
NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to tell which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for his specific case. The information contained in this website is only intended to inform, not in any way intended to replace the guidance of a specialist or serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.
Year-round hydration
As already mentioned above, the skin requires care, both in summer and in winter. However, these precautions, although similar, are not exactly the same. Check out their differences:
In the summer
As the natural tendency in summer is for higher temperatures, in addition to the constant presence of the sun, skin hydration must be redoubled.
This means that hydration must be done both internally and externally, that is, the intake of water and also other liquids is essential at that time.
Choosing to consume foods that have a high water content can also be a good alternative to keep your body and skin hydrated. In addition, it is clear that using a good moisturizer on the skin is also indispensable.
In the winter
With colder temperatures, the humidity of the air drops and with that, there is a decrease in the body perspiration.
At the same time, people usually take hotter showers. Hot water is able to remove the natural oil from the skin in an intense way, so the lipid mantle that retains the skin’s moisture also decreases.
With all these actions, the skin is getting more and more dry. That is why, as in the summer, it is important to use and abuse the moisturizer, but with the proviso that this must be done right after the bath, as the skin’s absorptive power is better at that time.
In addition, as hot water can be a great villain when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, it is recommended that bathing in winter is not at such high temperatures, or at least that it is shorter.
It is also important not to use an excessive amount of soap, as it helps to further remove the lipid layer from the skin. So, the ideal is to use it only in the essential areas, such as: armpits, genitals and feet.
What are the benefits of having a well-hydrated skin
Much more than just a more pleasant and soft touch, a well-hydrated skin can also bring several benefits, mostly aesthetic. Check here what they are:
Say goodbye to stretch marks
When your skin is well nourished and hydrated, it has more elasticity, in addition to the collagen fibers being stronger and not breaking easily. Thus, the likelihood that stretch marks will appear is much less.
Protection against pollution
The pollution of large cities is full of elements that are harmful to the skin, and that have an oxidative effect. If your skin is well hydrated, the lipid layer becomes thicker, thus preventing these toxic substances from damaging both the skin and even the body.
Stain prevention
The sun’s rays cannot cause blemishes so easily when your skin is well hydrated. But, of course, the use of sunscreen is also essential and essential for this to occur and to protect your skin in general from solar radiation.
Protection against foreign bodies
As the skin is our largest organ and the one that is in direct contact with the external environment, it is responsible for making the first protection of our organism. If she is hydrated, she is able to defend us against microorganisms that can cause some type of infection.
Makeup appearance
The more well-hydrated a skin is, the more balanced it will be and balance is essential when doing makeup. The balanced skin has the ideal hydration, being neither oily nor dry. Thus, it is easier not only the choice of products that can be used, but also the application itself.
What are the biggest myths about skin hydration
Like almost every subject in the aesthetic wing, skin hydration is also full of myths that are reproduced by many people. So, stay tuned to find out what they are and don’t fall into traps again:
Oily skin does not need hydration
Perhaps the most widespread myth is that oily skin dispenses with the need to be hydrated, but that statement is not true. All skin types need hydration, what differs is the amount and frequency of this.
What happens is that people who have oily skin usually pay attention only to soaps that promise to reduce the oiliness and amount of blackheads and pimples, which are quite common in this type of skin.
However, most of these soaps are so aggressive that they completely remove the healthy oil from your face. In order to try to return this oiliness to the skin, the body produces even more sebum, giving rise to the rebound effect.
And that is precisely why hydration is so important in oily skin. This action of the body is just a response that tries to restore the oiliness and hydration that were requested.
So, if you do the skin hygiene and incorporate the use of moisturizer in your care routine, your body will understand that there is no need to produce even more sebum. Thus, your skin will be balanced.
Hydration is the same throughout the body
Many people disseminate the information that the face and the rest of the body must be hydrated in the same way, both in terms of quantity and the type of product. However, this does not make sense.
The skin of the face is usually more oily and hydrated than the skin of other regions of the body. This is because, on the face, we have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands.
In addition, the texture is also quite different: while the body has a thicker skin, the face is thinner and more sensitive.
Thermal water hydrates a lot
Although many bet all the chips on the power of thermal water in terms of hydration, it does not make that much difference. Even the sweat, which we explained above, is able to hydrate the skin more than the thermal water.
The reason this happens is because sweat is much more salty than thermal water, which is largely responsible for promoting hydration.
Perhaps what confuses people and helps to spread this myth is the fact that the thermal water helps a lot in the feeling of freshness, which can be confused with the feeling of hydrated skin.
What are the enemies of hydrated skin
Like everything in life, if you have a series of habits that you need to incorporate if you want to have a very hydrated skin, there are also those that you should avoid as much as possible.
The hot bath is certainly the great villain, but along with it there is also the excessive use of soap. It does not stop there! Understand:
Climatic factors
This is a topic that cannot be avoided, however, it is good to know that wind, sun, cold and other conditions can increase skin dehydration. It is important to protect yourself to minimize its effects.
Chemical substances
Not only can soaps be harmful to the skin, but even soaps and detergents that are used on a daily basis can be very damaging to the skin of the hands, in this case.
This is because, like the soap, they remove the lipid layer of the skin, so the loss of water is much easier, favoring dehydration.
Sun exposure
The many hours of exposure to the sun can also trigger dehydration. But with the sun, the problem can be greater, as it is able to promote a process of dehydration of the body in general, triggering fatigue , dizziness , headache among other things.
Parabens and mineral oil
These two substances are so harmful that they have gained a topic just for them. First of all, paraben is proven to be carcinogenic. Meanwhile, the mineral oil is very aggressive and ends up leaving the skin more sensitive. In addition, it may also be contaminated with substances that are suspected of being carcinogenic.
As if all this was not enough, it is still comedogenic, which means that mineral oil clogs pores, which can result in the appearance of cysts, blackheads and pimples ( acne ).
Product suggestion
Now that you already know that you need to moisturize your skin regardless of its type, we have separated some moisturizing suggestions. You can find these and hundreds of other perfumery products on our price comparison website, Consulta Remédios .
Facial
Oily Skins
- Effaclar M UV La Roche-Posay
- Epidrat Mat Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Nivea Facial Moisturizing Protector Shine Control
Dry Skin
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer Galderma
- Eucerin AQUAporin Active Facial
- Hidracare Antiox Dermage Normal and Dry Skin
Sensitive Skin
- Pro-Calm Creme RoC
- Nutratopic Pro-AMP Facial Creams
Corporal
- Emoderm TheraSkin Moisturizing Cream
- Atoderm Bioderma Moisturizers
- Nivea Moisturizing Bath Lotion Soft Milk
Although you are now an expert on skin hydration and why it is so important, a visit to a dermatologist is always essential.
The dermatologist is the only professional really qualified to indicate which is the best product, always according to your skin type and your needs.
