We're constantly told to apply cream to your face morning and night, especially during the winter, but how do these treatments actually work on our skin?
Why does our skin need hydration?
If a good daily diet is necessary for the proper functioning of our body, the same is true for our skin which also needs to be nourished and hydrated properly to stay healthy.
By understanding how the hydration mechanism works, it will be easier to find the best product for it. How does it work? Our epidermis is composed of 80% water , a rate that must be maintained at the maximum to keep the skin healthy, smooth and plump . Too easy? Not so much since this water evaporates naturally through perspiration, both summer and winter.
The hydrolipidic film is the protective barrier that prevents dehydration , so it is on this that skincare products act to keep it intact against external aggressions such as the cold or pollution . As you will have understood, more than a need for hydration, it is the balance between water loss and intake that allows the skin to remain beautiful and young-looking for as long as possible.
How does my cream moisturize my skin?
Splashing water all day to maintain the optimal moisture content on our skin would be far too simple! Droplets barely penetrate the skin barrier, and on the contrary, we must avoid over-wetting it to avoid damaging it.
Face creams and treatments therefore play an important role in maintaining skin hydration , and to work effectively they are scientifically formulated to reproduce the skin's natural functions thanks to three categories of ingredients.
In the formulation we first find humectants (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin ) which will have the role of attracting and retaining water within the epidermis, like sponges. But to effectively slow the evaporation of this water it is necessary to add film-forming agents (polymers) which do not penetrate the skin but prevent its dehydration . Finally to complete the whole thing we must not forget the emollients (all vegetable or mineral oils ) which will smooth and restructure the skin while protecting it.
One detail for optimal product effectiveness: Regularity ! The skin must be cleansed, nourished and hydrated. morning and evening.
What treatments should you choose in winter?
There are treatments for every skin type; to find out yours, you can visit a PAYOT institute and leave with a complete diagnosis. However, in winter, we often encounter the same problems of dry and dehydrated skin. The reason? The cold, dry climate absorbs moisture from the skin, making it drier and more susceptible to redness.
And it doesn't end there, as fatigue and stress present at this time of year are also aggravating factors for a lack of hydration. To overcome this seasonal problem, you should therefore turn to hydrating and soothing treatments with an anti-redness action like the N°2 range. And for an extra dose of softness, regularly apply a mask once or twice a week to clean skin.
Also remember to protect it well by wearing a large scarf and avoid large indoor/outdoor temperature differences which encourage the appearance of redness.
