Hydration or nutrition? That is the question. We often confuse the two and don't always know which one our skin needs. However, dehydrated and dry skin have different needs and require their own specific care.
What is the difference between nourishing and moisturizing your skin?
Nourish or moisturize? This essential question highlights the dilemma many face when it comes to skin care. Understanding the distinction between dry skin, which lacks lipids, and dehydrated skin, which lacks water, is important for choosing the best skincare routine.
Nourish my skin
Skin that needs nourishment is dry skin. Dry skin is one of four skin types (the other three being normal, combination, or oily). It is the result of genetic inheritance and cannot be changed, although it is, of course, possible to limit its unpleasant effects. Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebum production. Its hydrolipidic film, the thin layer that covers the entire surface of the skin to protect it from external aggressions, does not contain enough lipids. This natural protective barrier is altered, and the face becomes subject to feelings of discomfort, tightness, and/or redness. The complexion loses its radiance and the texture its softness, becoming grainy and slightly rough.
To soothe dry skin, there is only one solution: nourish it by providing it with lipids and fat.
Moisturize my skin
Skin that needs water is dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin refers to a skin condition, something transient, temporary. It is the result of external factors, such as sudden changes in temperature or an unsuitable skincare routine, or internal factors, such as hormonal changes or an unbalanced diet. Dehydrated skin is therefore not inevitable, but can affect all skin types (sensitive and dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, and oily skin). It is characterized by a lack of water that evaporates in excessive quantities from the hydrolipidic film. This water retention dysfunction is often linked to the problem of dry skin, whose lack of fat can no longer retain water in the epidermis and its lower layers. This is why skin can be simultaneously dry and dehydrated.
Dehydrated skin is recognizable by its lack of suppleness, enlarged pores, and feelings of discomfort that often appear on localized areas of the face after removing makeup or spending time outdoors. To soothe dehydrated skin, there's only one solution: give it the water it craves. While all skin types need daily hydration, thirsty skin requires deep action with targeted active ingredients.
To sum up, we can say that when skin is dry, it is hungry and needs to be nourished; and when skin is dehydrated, it is thirsty and needs to be quenched. However, sometimes... it needs both.
How do I nourish my facial skin?
When dry skin needs an extra boost, once or twice a week, the Winter is Coming sheet mask is a great ally. Made with avocado oil, this product deeply nourishes and comforts skin in just 15 minutes.
How do I moisturize my facial skin?
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, prefers light, fluid textures that absorb instantly. As we have seen, the state of dehydration is largely linked to factors external to the epidermis. Based on this observation, the Source range is inspired by biomimicry to transfer and adapt to the skin mechanisms that flora and fauna have developed to survive in their natural habitat. It provides a new response to thirsty skin: adaptogenic hydration, directly inspired by the extraordinary powers of water self-regulation of marine algae and Reishi mushroom despite their hostile environments.
When the going gets tough, you can whip out the Water Power fabric face mask. As its name suggests, it immerses the skin in a life-saving bath of hydration. With water-rich bamboo extract, it restores comfort and soothes dehydrated skin.
Five tips for effective skin hydration
Perfectly hydrated skin is the foundation for a radiant complexion and optimal skin health. Correctly identifying your skin type and understanding its individual needs is the first step toward effective hydration that withstands daily and environmental challenges. Discover our tips for effective and long-lasting skin hydration.
1. Understand your skin's specific needs
Each skin type speaks its own unique language and requires special attention. Whether your skin is oily, combination, dry, or sensitive, identifying your skin type is the crucial first step in developing a personalized beauty routine. Only after this skin diagnosis can you select moisturizers specially formulated to meet your skin's needs, combining daily hydration and comfort.
2. Hydrate regularly for good internal hydration
Water is the vital source of inner and outer beauty. Regular water consumption throughout the day is essential for deep hydration. It's a simple gesture, but it plays a fundamental role in the skin's ability to care for itself and protect itself from external aggressions, such as pollution and cold.
3. Protect the skin from external factors
Sun protection is essential, even on cloudy days. Creams with SPF and antioxidants help preserve moisture and combat the loss of firmness due to the sun's UV rays and pollution.
4. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin regularly
The key to beautiful, well-hydrated skin also lies in its ability to effectively absorb moisturizers. Gentle but thorough cleansing, followed by proper exfoliation, helps remove dead skin cells and optimize product absorption. This prepares the skin to receive the moisture and active ingredients in masks and serums.
5. Adopt specific care for delicate areas
Areas like the eye area, lips, and hands require special formulas to prevent dryness and premature aging. Use a moisturizer specifically designed for these areas to ensure proper hydration that withstands the harsh cold and wind.