The magic of water: Achieving optimal hydration for all skin types

As we approach International Hydration Day on June 23, we’ve decided to discuss the crucial role water plays in our lives. In addition to drinking plenty of water and maintaining a fiber-rich and healthy diet, it's essential to nourish the skin externally with water. There are various methods in the world of cosmetics and skincare that can help us retain moisture in the skin, significantly delaying dehydration.

“Dehydrated skin can affect any skin type, from oily to sensitive, acne-prone, and dry skin,” explains Liat Peliser Halpert, Vice President of Training at Dermalogica. “Symptoms often include discomfort, flakiness, itching, a tight feeling, and a lackluster appearance. Prolonged dehydration can lead to increased sensitivity and irritation, making treatment more challenging. Early recognition and timely intervention are key.”

“Every season, dryness manifests on the skin. This year, the added stress from the ongoing conflicts has exacerbated these symptoms,” adds Dr. Sivan Mercer, a specialist in dermatology, aesthetics, and laser treatments.

What Causes Dehydrated Skin?

External factors contributing to dehydrated skin include excessive use of soaps and detergents, exfoliants, or products containing alcohol. Exposure to air pollutants and sunlight can also lead to dryness. Age is another factor; around the age of 40, the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain moisture balance, decreases.

Did You Know?

Throughout the day, our bodies lose fluids, and it’s our job to replenish moisture by drinking water. However, during hydration, water is supplied to all organs and only reaches the skin last. Since dehydrated skin is common, it’s essential to recognize and treat it promptly.

What to Do and How to Solve It?

At the first sign of dryness or if you notice dull and tired-looking skin in the mirror, seek professional advice. You might be prescribed a product for balancing skin moisture. A cosmetician can also guide you in using moisture-appropriate products for your skin. When choosing moisturizers for the face, lips, and other areas, look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid early in the ingredient list.

Additionally, reduce the use of soaps and detergents. Incorporate hydrating masks into your routine once or twice a week, and for overall health and skin vitality, avoid smoking, reduce caffeine intake, and increase water consumption and a diet rich in water-dense fruits and vegetables. It’s also recommended to undergo professional hydration treatments at a cosmetic clinic once or twice a year under a certified cosmetician’s supervision.

Looking for Intensive Treatments? Here are the Latest Hydration Therapies Available in Clinics:

BELOTERO REVIVE – A skin revitalization treatment containing hyaluronic acid and glycerol, enhancing skin quality and texture, providing optimal hydration, and reducing fine lines and scars. It improves skin elasticity and firmness. As part of the popular BELOTERO filler range, it offers preventative and maintenance care for facial skin rejuvenation, with results lasting about 36 weeks. BELOTERO REVIVE is injected superficially into sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, décolletage, and back of the hands, making it ideal for summer damage. In today’s Instagram and TikTok era, where women aim for a selfie-ready look, BELOTERO REVIVE helps achieve a flawless and radiant appearance in every picture.

Geneo HYDRATE – A facial treatment using the Geneo device based on the HYDRATE capsule containing blue spirulina. Spirulina is rich in quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Studies show immediate effects in soothing the skin and providing enhanced hydration for a healthy and radiant complexion. The treatment aims for hydration of dry skin and maintaining moisture.

STYLAGE HydroMax – This treatment involves multiple micro-injections, deeper or shallower depending on skin dehydration levels. Suitable for use on the face, neck, décolletage, and back of the hands. It combines hyaluronic acid with sorbitol, an antioxidant, significantly improving skin texture by providing moisture, flexibility, and vitality.

Prefer Home Treatments? Here Are Products for Quick and Effective Results:

Controlled use of aqueous phase products containing acids derived from both animal and plant sources helps restore skin by nourishing it with components and moisture. These include alpha hydroxy acids from fruits in gel or water-based cream formulations. Popular acids are glycolic, lactic, mandelic, tartaric, and citric acids. Glycolic acid-based products, known for their ability to remove dead skin cells and accumulated dirt, contribute more effectively to treatment.

Dermalogica's Daily Glycolic Cleanser – This cleansing gel also contains a blend of calendula and jojoba oils to protect the skin's natural barrier. It aims to cleanse the face without harsh soaps and detergents, without foaming, and without stripping the skin’s protective layer. It contains no artificial fragrances or colors and is suitable for all skin types.

Another effective cleansing and care series is Super-Pharm's FACE IT, which includes facial cleansers for all skin types, makeup removers, cleansing mousse, exfoliants, and moisturizing masks. FACE IT products are vegan, free of parabens and SLS, and rich in ingredients like green tea extracts, aloe vera, chamomile, and Dead Sea minerals.

Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics comes in two different molecules; one does not penetrate the skin but acts as a sponge, absorbing large amounts of water and giving the skin a plump, smooth appearance by reducing fine lines. This is why hyaluronic acid is often injected into wrinkles to fill them. The other is a smaller, more refined molecule that penetrates the skin layers and improves water retention. In a proper skincare routine, both types of molecules should be used. For example, Dermalogica's Circular Serum provides immediate hydration, saturates dehydrated skin, offers long-lasting moisture for over ten hours, renews internal moisture levels, and prevents evaporation.

If you seek a moisture boost, the New York-based skincare brand Kiehl's offers an anti-aging moisturizer from the "Super Multi-Corrective" line. The gel-textured, lightweight, oil-free moisturizer targets seven visible signs of aging for oily and combination skin. Key ingredients work to double support collagen, including ProxylaneGX, Adenosine, which strengthens collagen, and Capryloyl Glycine, which regulates oil for a matte finish.