Water is essential for life. Our bodies are composed mostly of water, and we can't go more than a few days without drinking. While water plays a key role in maintaining good health, it also exerts its power over the beauty of our skin. Here are five examples.
1. The skin's hydrating power
First beneficial effect: water helps hydrate the skin. This mechanism seems obvious, even anecdotal, yet it is fundamental to preserving the skin's natural beauty. The entire surface of the epidermis is covered with an invisible film called the hydrolipidic film. Made up of water (hydro) and fat (lipid), this thin layer's mission is to protect the skin from external aggressions. The mixture of the two aqueous and oily phases constitutes an emulsion with a fragile balance. Inappropriate care, advancing age, and an unbalanced lifestyle can quickly disrupt its composition and weaken its protective shield.
To function optimally and ensure skin is in top condition, the hydrolipidic film needs to maintain its hydric stability by regularly replenishing its water reserves. Water is supplied internally, by drinking still water regularly and daily, and externally using targeted cosmetic products. A benchmark hydrating active ingredient, hyaluronic acid has exceptional thirst-quenching properties. Capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this veritable sponge provides suppleness, support, and resilience to the skin. Breton marine algae maintains a constant level of hydration despite the drying conditions of the tides. These two ingredients enrich the Source formulas (except the spray cream, which does not contain hyaluronic acid), the new Payot range specially designed for customized skin hydration.
2. The power of activating blood circulation
While it's tempting to shower with hot water, cold water is actually full of benefits. It improves blood circulation. To protect itself from the cold, the body tries to expose as little blood as possible to its surface. The muscles that make up the walls of blood vessels contract, thus reducing their diameter. This vasoconstriction phenomenon accelerates cutaneous microcirculation. The skin is better irrigated and its delivery of oxygen and nutrients is improved. It is stronger, more resilient, and visibly more beautiful. Furthermore, moderate exposure to cold water boosts the secretion of endorphins, the feel-good hormones. It produces a feeling of bliss and promotes good sleep.
Be careful, however, a cold shower must be taken according to the rules. Lower the temperature gradually and first expose the areas of the body furthest from the heart, such as the feet and legs, to the cold. Two to three minutes is enough, and it is recommended not to exceed 10 minutes.
3. The detoxifying power of the skin
Hot steam helps detoxify the skin. Steam baths, one of the oldest beauty rituals, gently open pores to remove impurities and excess sebum. It cleanses the epidermis, prevents blemishes, and contributes to long-lasting, clear skin. A true facial sauna, steam baths boost the complexion's radiance and improve skin quality. By widening pores, they make the face fully receptive to skincare ingredients.
This micro-sauna is simple and inexpensive to perform. Simply place your face over a bowl of boiling water and let the steam deeply purify your skin. You can add a few drops of essential oils or plant extracts to the water.
4. The remineralizing power of the skin
Skin needs minerals to regenerate and function properly. An insufficient intake can dry out, irritate, and make it uncomfortable. Seawater and thermal water are rich in minerals, and their benefits for the epidermis have been known since ancient times. The mineral and trace element composition of seawater is similar to that of a physiological serum. It stimulates the skin's barrier function, rebalances skin pH, promotes healing, and reduces inflammation.
Thermal water, on the other hand, comes from a deep source and has waited many years, even decades, before being extracted. As it travels through the rock, it stores minerals, nutrients, and trace elements. Thermal water is refreshing, restorative, and soothing. Ideal for soothing sunburn or razor burn irritation, it helps rebalance and heal the skin. Thermal water and seawater can be a useful addition to a skincare routine.
5. The power of calming
Water has the power to influence our emotional state. It is one of the predominant characteristics of so-called restorative landscapes. The sight of the ocean, a river, or a lake can soothe the nervous system. The sound of waves and flowing water, the changing colors reflected in the sun, and getting your feet wet all promote relaxation and a sense of serenity. With this in mind, Meiso spaces have made floating their core business. The principle: a cabin filled with highly salty water allows the body to float effortlessly. Once freed from gravity and external stimuli, the body relaxes, and the level of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, decreases, giving way to a state of well-being.
The beauty of the skin is intimately linked to our emotions. Feeling a certain inner calm helps relax facial features, loosen the jaw, and loosen facial muscles. The harmony between body and mind is reflected in the face, which is also soothed, serene, and full of radiance.