How to properly hydrate your skin daily?

Taking care of the skin can be difficult as there are many different skin types. The most important thing to remember is that hydration is the starting point to healthy skin.

Hydration is essential for the skin to look and feel healthy. Discover how to properly hydrate your skin and to keep it hydrated thanks to Bioderma experts' tips.

What is hydration?

Hydration consists of giving enough water to the skin and making sure it stays in.

The skin is made up of three layers, each one playing a role in hydration and protection:

• Epidermis is an outer layer which acts as the skin barrier. It regulates trans epidermal water loss and keeps moisture locked in with natural moisturizing factors, ceramides and lipids. If this layer is damaged, the skin loses water quickly leading to dryness, flacking and sensitivity. 

• Dermis is a middle layer rich in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. These components act like a sponge holding water and keeping the skin elastic and firm. 

• Hypodermis is the deepest layer, and it is made of fat cells which provide cushioning and insulation which help maintain water balance and store energy. 

Water is essential for the skin and represents about 64% of its composition. When the skin is well hydrated, it is protected against external aggressors and irritants. A well hydrated skin looks smooth and feels elastic. 

Why does skin lose hydration?

The moisture-locking system does not always work properly. Skin can get dehydrated if the cells underneath the epidermis lose too much water. A loss of the lipids that normally sheal in moisture can lead to dry skin.

Common skin conditions like atopic dermatitis leave the skin barrier more prone to lose its lipids and lead to dehydration.

Hydrating vs moisturizing: is it the same?

Moisturizing means preventing water loss by reinforcing the lipid barrier. Hydration means adding water to the skin.  When moisturizing only focuses on the skin barrier itself, hydration goes beneath the skin barrier and benefits the cells. The role of hydration is to give water whereas moisturizer is to lock in this water. 

Dry vs dehydrated skin: is it the same?

Dry skin is a skin type caused by a low level of sebum production because of genetics factors, aging, hormonal changes or skin conditions. For example, it is common for women to have dry skin during pregnancy. Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition where the skin lacks water, not oil. Find out more on what is the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.

How to properly hydrate my skin during the day?

Here is a daily skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated. 

Daily skincare routine 

Explore our Bioderma experts’ skincare routine to protect your skin barrier hydration. 
 

Limit contact with hot water and avoid long showers

Hot water strips natural oils from the skin and removes its protective lipids. Long hot showers or baths pull water out of deeper skin layers and disrupt the skin barrier. Limit your contact with hot water to protect your skin from dehydration. 

Use skincare products made for dehydrated skin

Hydrabio range is made for dehydrated skin and provides complete care to make your skin hydrated again. From hydrating cleansers to moisturizing serums, Bioderma skincare products provide intense hydration whatever daily challenges. 

Don’t forget sunscreen

Sunburn damages the skin’s protective barrier, increasing water loss and leading to dehydration. Apply sunscreen every day to help preserve hydration and to protect your skin against long-term skin damage.

Use key ingredients for dehydrated skin

By incorporating the right hydrating ingredients into your skincare routine, you can effectively prevent dehydration and support your skin's natural functions. Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, lipids and fatty acids in your skincare products. These ingredients are known for their actions to respect the skin barrier and maintain hydration.

Hydrate your skin overnight 

Nighttime is the best moment to restore skin hydration: the skin barrier naturally works harder to repair itself while you sleep. Apply a hydrating serum to pull water into the epidermis, then lock it in with a moisturizer to prevent water loss. 

Nutrition and internal hydration

In addition to the daily skincare routine provided above, it is important to nourish the skin from within. 

Sleep and environment

Good quality sleep and environment need to be considered for your skin health. 

Choose the right pillowcase

Choosing the right pillowcase is important to protect your skin. Silk fabric may absorb less moisture than cotton and be less abrasive. 

Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night

As we understood, nighttime is the best moment to restore skin hydration. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep to encourage skin healing process.  

Ensure quality, restorative sleep

Quality sleep is important to lower the stress level and help your skin repair its moisture barrier. 

Don’t hesitate to use a humidifier

The air in your environment can dry out your skin, especially during winter when it lacks humidity outside. Using a humidifier helps add moisture back into the air and benefit your skin. Discover why your skin gets dry in winter and how to keep it hydrated all season long. 

Mental well-being

Emotional balance is essential for healthy skin: stress weakens the skin barrier hydration, trigger inflammation and delays the healing process. Meditation reduces cortisol, calms redness, boosts hydration and helps skin look and feel healthier. 

Hydration is fundamental to keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. Adopting a good skincare routine and understanding how to hydrate the skin will help you maintain an optimal water level and create a protective skin barrier.