Hydrated skin is healthy skin. The outermost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum (SC), plays a big role in keeping moisture in and protecting us from harsh environmental conditions. The SC has a unique structure made up of cells called corneocytes that work together with natural moisturizing factors and lipids to maintain the right level of hydration. Here’s a breakdown of how these components work and some effective skincare products that help keep your skin moisturized and have hydrated skin.
The Importance of Lipids
Think of lipids as the glue that holds your skin cells together. These lipids, arranged in a protective layer, stop water from escaping and keep the skin hydrated. When supported skin is dewy, less flaky and visibly plumper. They form a barrier that water must pass through, slowing down water loss. Without enough lipids, this barrier weakens, leading to dry and irritated skin.
Recommended Products for Lipid Support:
– Alastin Restorative Skin Complex: This serum helps restore your skin’s natural protective barrier, keeping it supple and hydrated.
– SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: Contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin and helps to maintain lipid balance.
Creating a “Longer Path” for Water Loss
The SC has multiple layers that water must travel through to escape. This layered structure slows down moisture loss. The more “tortuous” or complicated this path, the better our skin retains water. Keeping this layered structure healthy means better hydrated skin that looks up to 3 years younger.
Recommended Products to Support SC Layers:
– Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum: A lightweight serum that strengthens the skin’s layers, making it harder for water to escape.
– Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer: This rich moisturizer supports your skin’s structure, ensuring it stays hydrated longer.
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)
NMF is a complex of compounds that are naturally present in the skin to help retain water. NMF is formed in the corneocytes and is essential for maintaining hydration. It includes compounds like amino acids, which attract water and keep the skin from drying out. Healthy NMF levels mean smoother, softer skin.
Recommended NMF Boosters:
– SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: This serum supports NMF production, helping your skin stay plump and hydrated.
– Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum: Boosts the skin’s natural hydration with ingredients that mimic NMF for a soft, healthy look.
Exfoliation and Skin Renewal
When the skin is dry, it often leads to flaky patches. The SC goes through a natural process of shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones, known as corneodesmolysis. Proper hydration helps this process run smoothly, keeping skin refreshed and smooth. Regular, gentle exfoliation combined with good hydration promotes a fresh, dewy complexion.
Recommended Gentle Exfoliators:
– Alastin Renewal Retinol: Encourages cell turnover while being gentle on the skin, ideal for rejuvenating dry skin.
– SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: Combines gentle acids that exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
The New Kid on the Moisturization Block
The SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst is formulated to support skin’s natural regeneration and repair processes, which are crucial for maintaining a well-hydrated and healthy outer skin barrier (stratum corneum, or SC). It thus helps the SC maintain a stable, effective barrier against wat loss and environmental challenges. This improvement in barrier function helps keep moisture within the skin layers, ensuring that it stays hydrated and protected. Encouraging healthy cell turnover and renewal, the Cell Cycle Catalyst promotes an optimal SC structure. This layered structure creates a “longer path” for water to travel before it leaves the skin, helping to lock in moisture. Healthy cell renewal supported by the catalyst strengthens this multilayered design, allowing for better water retention over time. SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst aids in the natural production of compounds within the skin, like amino acids and humectants, which contribute to NMF and speeding corneodesmolysis.
Maintaining Hydration Amid Environmental Stress
Environmental factors like dry air and sun exposure can disrupt your skin’s hydration. Make sure you’re using products that replenish the skin barrier and provide the needed support to keep it from drying out. With the right combination of skincare products from Revision, Alastin, and SkinMedica, you can maintain a healthy, with advice at Hata Cosmetic Medicine you can have hydrated skin barrier that will keep you looking and feeling your best.
