When it comes to preparative cosmetics, the most popular marketing term is certainly "deep hydration" - but what does it even mean?

Hydration is the process of moisturizing the skin, i.e. giving water to the skin. We need water very much not only because it makes up most of our body, but also because it allows the skin to remain elastic and firm. Skin that does not lack moisture looks healthy, rosy and shiny!

However, the skin is an extremely smart organ that knows how to self-renew and regulate itself, and manages to retain water in deeper layers with the help of the so-called skin barriers. It consists of lipids and ceramides, which firmly hold living (and dead) skin cells on the principle of brick and concrete - which creates an impermeable barrier. This wall allows the skin to protect itself and regenerate faster, but it doesn't always work as it should...

Namely, harmful external and internal factors can affect the quality of the skin barrier, causing it to become permeable. A poor skin barrier leads to numerous skin problems, the most common of which is dehydration, i.e. lack of water in the skin. Also, some people are simply more prone to drying the top layer of the skin, which can make them look dry and scaly - and the same can be just a result of a lack of care for a particular skin type. Namely, dry skin and dehydrated skin they are not the same thing.

THE DIFFERENCES OF DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN

At first glance, they can act identically - dry and dehydrated skin they have completely different needs and methods of care. Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebaceous glands, whereby the skin naturally cannot adequately "moisturize", while dehydrated skin is any skin type with a lack of the necessary water level. It is extremely important to distinguish between them if we want to quickly and successfully heal the problem!

Characteristics of dry skin

• Itching
• Redness
• Flaky skin
• Irritations
• A feeling of discomfort

Characteristics of dehydrated skin

• Lifeless/grey skin appearance
• More pronounced dark circles
• Itching
• More pronounced wrinkles
• Dry lips
• Swollen appearance of the eyes
• Increased sensitivity
• A feeling of tightness
• Increased secretion of sebum

WHY DOES THE SKIN LOSE WATER?

Lack of lipids, which normally keep the skin firm, is the most common reason for skin water loss. But sometimes the things we consciously do or choose not to do lead to dehydration.

• Spending too long in extreme heat/cold
• Using aggressive soaps
• Using rough sponges and scrubs
• Taking too long a shower or bathing in extremely hot water
• Using too strong exfoliation/anti-aging products
• Lack of water intake in the body

Of course, the problem of dehydration cannot be solved overnight, so a few glasses of water a day and shorter showers will not be of much help if the problem is not addressed with quality cosmetics to restore the skin barrier and for hydration. However, it should be noted that some skin problems can have similar symptoms, and at the same time, they cannot be solved independently at home, but require the help of dermatologists and other medical professionals;

• Thyroid disease
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Sjögren's syndrome
• Bad nutrition

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING SKIN HYDRATION

1. Drink more water

By taking more water into the body, you work on hydrating the whole body, which ultimately improves the water level in the skin cells.

2. Take a quick, short shower - and in lukewarm water

Although long, hot showers can be a fantastic way to relax, hot water is extremely drying to the skin and damages the skin barrier, causing dehydration sooner than expected.

3. Invest in a humidifier

By buying a humidifier, you increase the amount of moisture in the air so that the mucous membranes of the throat and nose remain clean, which contributes to better health, and also saves the skin from moisture loss - as excess moisture already exists in the air. This is especially useful during the winter when we constantly live with dry air for the sake of heating, and it will also be useful in the summer, especially if you often use the air conditioner.

4. Eat foods rich in water and antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables are great for your health, but they can also be great for your skin. Eat foods rich in water and antioxidants to hydrate the body, including the skin, and make it soft and shiny. Such foods are, for example, cucumber, beets, spinach and mushrooms.

5. Avoid foods and drinks that dehydrate

All foods rich in sugar and salt contribute to dehydration of the body, as well as drinks such as alcohol and coffee. But even foods we know as healthy can contribute to dehydration if they are not consumed correctly; for example, green tea can dehydrate the body extremely easily! That's why, when you consume these foods, keep in mind that you combine them with food rich in water as well as with increased intake of water through drinks.

6. Eat more healthy fats

Healthy fats help restore the skin barrier. Namely, omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, nuts, seeds and olive oil - but you can also take them in capsules as a supplement. The difference they show in a few months is really amazing!

RULES OF SKIN MOISTURIZATION

Use only gentle cleaners

Whether it's about facial cleansing or body, heavy soaps can damage the skin's barrier by stripping too much of the natural oils. Look for moisturizing cleansers rich in butters and oils that will also nourish the skin barrier during cleansing. A fantastic choice for damaged skin is the Nourishing cleanser.

Wash your face with the product only once a day

Excessive cleaning of the skin barrier with cleaning products such as gels, foams and oils can damage its quality. To that extent, sometimes it is enough to wash your face with water to get an equally good effect of cleansing and awakening the skin, while you should do a more specific facial cleansing once a day, preferably in the evening before going to bed. Don't worry, it will be enough!

Apply the products to slightly damp skin

Instead of drying the skin completely before applying a toner or serum, leave it slightly damp so that the ingredients can penetrate it as best as possible. This is especially important for dehydrated skin that you want to quickly fill with water!

Look for highly moisturizing ingredients

A complete care routine requires humectants, emollients and occlusives in products - in different proportions. But with dehydration, it is important to focus on the quality of these humectants. Some of the best ingredients for dealing with dehydration are:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerine
• Urea
• Ceramides
• Panthenol

A fantastic addition to your skincare routine is i milk mist to restore the skin barrier and deep hydration precisely because of its 2-in-1 effect - of course, we are talking about L'ADRIA Restorative mist.

Always wear a protective factor

Free radicals from UV rays can damage the skin barrier, leading to irritation and dehydration. Wearing SPF protects you not only from free radicals, but also from premature aging and skin cancer!

Don't forget to exfoliate

Although it is not recommended to exfoliate the skin too much in the summer, it is a key part of a quality skin care routine even when the skin is dehydrated. By not removing the layer of dead skin cells, the serums, essences and toners we use to repair the skin barrier and the water content of the skin - simply cannot work as effectively. Products penetrate best into clean, freshly exfoliated skin. Conclusion A well-hydrated skin does not mean only applying body lotion, but lifestyle adjustment and a more complex care routine. However, your skin will thank you in the end, so it's worth going a step further!

CONCLUSION

High-quality body hydration does not only mean using body lotion, but also lifestyle adjustment and a more specific body care routine. However, your skin will thank you so much that it will be worth going a step further!