UNDERSTANDING SKIN HYDRATION
The appearance of the skin is linked to hydration at the level of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Hydration is therefore the secret to glowing and plump skin. To better hydrate your skin, you must first understand how the skin hydrates naturally to know how to support it in this process.
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF): Magical Ingredients for Natural Skin Hydration
The skin is a very intelligent organ that has set up a whole system to maintain its hydration. The first of these systems is the diffusion of water from the dermis to the epidermis (transepidermal flow). Indeed, the stratum corneum naturally has a low hydration rate of around 15% for the superficial layers unlike the deeper layers of the skin called basal layers which have a rate of around 70% and 30% between the granular layer and the lowest part of the stratum corneum.
In order to increase water capture within the cornea (link to article on skin structure), corneocytes produce natural moisturizing factors or NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factors) which can capture water.
They are composed mainly of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, urea and mineral salts and are found mainly in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. They play a crucial role in maintaining hydrated skin because they attract and retain water in the upper layers of the skin. These substances bind strongly to the corneum and open a passage to allow water to pass through and allow perfect hydration.
In other words, their role is to maintain skin hydration by capturing moisture from the environment, such as humidity. On the other hand, when the surrounding humidity is high, they help regulate the water level in the skin to prevent overhydration.
We designed our SMRC-5 complex to support the skin in its natural hydration by mimicking it and using some of its natural moisturizing factors.
Result: when the skin is well hydrated, fine lines are not visible. And when there is no more hydration, everything reappears.
Humectants to hydrate your skin
Humectants are natural ingredients that play an indispensable role in skin hydration as they act as powerful moisturizing agents. Indeed, their chemical compounds are able to attract and retain water, which helps maintain skin hydration and improve the suppleness and overall appearance of the skin.
One of their main recognized qualities is that they act like real natural sponges! They attract moisture from their environment or from the inner layers of the skin. In other words, they help maintain an optimal level of hydration, even when the skin is exposed to dehydrating factors.
Some of the most commonly used humectants in skin care products include glycerol (or glycerin), hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, panthenol (provitamin B5), and many more. Their small molecular size allows them to easily penetrate the upper layers of the skin to provide deep hydration!
They are also helpful for oily or acne-prone skin, as they provide lightweight hydration without clogging pores!
Our Skin Revive facial serum is boosted by numerous humectants (Glycerin, Oligosaccharides, Amino Acids, Minerals, etc.) for perfect hydration and smoothed, lifted and illuminated skin.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of humectants depends partly on the environment in which they are used. In a very dry climate, the humidity in the air may be insufficient for humectants to work fully.
Emollients to nourish your skin
To maintain constant skin hydration, you simply need to prevent the water present in the skin from evaporating. Indeed, our stratum corneum acts as insulation, but if it is cracked or even flakes, then there will be a leak, which will logically lead to drying out of the stratum corneum.
To avoid this, we need to provide our skin with emollients. These are fatty substances that will create a kind of dressing to prevent water evaporation. In other words, they act as softening and protective agents. This is why they are often used in many cosmetic products.
The main purpose of emollients is to smooth and soften the skin by forming a protective film on the surface. This film acts as a barrier that seals in moisture, thereby preventing water from evaporating too quickly. Therefore, emollients help restore the skin's natural moisture and prevent dryness, discomfort, and itching.
Interesting Fact! Emollients are especially beneficial for dry or damaged skin. They can also be used to soothe irritated skin or skin prone to skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. And yes, emollients are able to form a protective barrier that helps reduce inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
While emollients are beneficial for dry, damaged skin, that doesn't mean they won't have anything to offer oily skin. They can, in fact, help balance oil production and prevent overproduction.
They are also essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing signs of premature aging. Indeed, as we explained previously, well-hydrated skin tends to appear more supple, smoother and brighter. In addition, by preserving the integrity of the skin barrier, emollients help protect the skin from external aggressions!
There are many different emollients available, ranging from natural oils to synthetic ingredients. It is important to note that each emollient has its own unique properties and benefits, making it easy to choose the one that best suits your skin type and preferences.
Our Skin Booster facial oil is a concentrate of natural emollients (such as sweet almond oil or plum oil) for nourished, smoothed and illuminated skin.
Properly hydrate your skin: a combination of humectants and emollients
The surface of your skin is what will seal in moisture and help maintain the skin barrier, so you need to give it moisture!
So, is a moisturizing serum enough to hydrate your skin? Here too, the skin will not be sufficiently hydrated because, without a protective film, the hydration we provide evaporates during the day and night. This is what is called the phenomenon of transepidermal water loss.
You may have already understood that to properly hydrate your skin, you must therefore combine humectant products with emollient products. Humectant products will hydrate the skin by attracting water from the outside, inside the skin. Emollient products will serve to form a protective barrier, to keep the hydration provided to the skin.
That’s why the order in which you apply your skincare products matters. For perfectly hydrated and nourished skin, start with Skin Revive (boosted with humectants to hydrate), then Skin Restore (combination of humectants and emollients) and finally Skin Booster (concentrated in emollients).
The secret to hydrating your skin is to use products that contain humectants and emollients.
