How to moisturize your skin: a complete guide to well-hydrated skin
Moisturizing the skin is one of the 3 essential steps in any skincare routine. facial careIt's a simple step, but more complex than it seems. However, when you consider the number of cosmetics available to moisturize the skin, it's easy to get lost. In this guide, I'll explain how to effectively moisturize your skin and give you my product recommendations.
Why is skin hydration so important?
Skin hydration is vital for maintaining a radiant and comfortable complexion. The outer layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, acts as a protective shield. Composed of dead cells (corneocytes) bound together by a lipid cement (a mixture of sebum and natural moisturizing components), it limits water evaporation and repels external aggressions. A lack of hydration weakens this barrier: the skin becomes dry, dull, and cracked, and more vulnerable to redness, itching, and other discomforts.
In addition, it is essential to differentiate between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a skin type that produces few lipids; it therefore lacks oil. Dehydrated skin can affect any skin type, including oily skin, when it lacks water. In all cases, providing water through appropriate skincare is crucial to preserving the skin's barrier function and improving its comfort.
How does skin hydration work? (The physiological basics)
To properly moisturize your skin, it is helpful to understand how the skin naturally maintains its moisture levels. Three main mechanisms are involved:
- Internal water intake Water comes from the bloodstream and arrives in the dermis, which acts as a reservoir for water. The dermis then diffuses this water to the epidermis. It is therefore important to stay hydrated from within (by drinking enough water) to replenish the skin's water reserves.
- Water retention in the epidermis The skin contains natural moisturizing factors (amino acids, urea, sugars, etc.) that are capable of retaining water. These hygroscopic molecules act like sponges, trapping moisture in the stratum corneum.
- Limitation of evaporation (skin barrier) A hydrolipidic film (composed of water and lipids) covers the surface of the skin. Combined with the lipid cement of the stratum corneum, it slows down trans-epidermal water loss. Keeping this protective film in good condition is essential to prevent dryness.
Moisturizing treatments are specifically designed to support these three mechanisms by supplying water, retaining it in the epidermis, and strengthening the lipid barrier.
Humectants, emollients, occlusives: what are the differences?
In cosmetics, there are three main families of moisturizing agents:
- Humectants
They attract water and increase the skin's moisture content. Acting like sponges, they help plump up the epidermis. Common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, aloe vera, and honey. - Emollients
They are mainly composed of lipids (oils, butters, waxes) and soften the skin. They fill the small spaces between the cells of the stratum corneum to soften and nourish. Vegetable oils, butters (shea, cocoa), ceramides, and silicones are among the most commonly used emollients. - Occlusives
They form a barrier on the skin's surface to retain water and reduce insensible water loss. Ingredients such as petroleum jelly, waxes (beeswax, candelilla wax) and certain vegetable butters create an impermeable film on the surface. Occlusives do not provide water but prevent it from evaporating.
Most moisturizers combine these three categories for an overall effect: humectants provide water, emollients nourish and repair, and occlusives retain moisture in the epidermis.
Humectants In cosmetics, as we've just seen, humectants are used to attract water temporarily to the surface of your skin, whether it's water present in the environment if you're in a country with high humidity, or water present in the dermis, which is our water reserve, or simply water present on the surface of our skin if we've just rinsed our face or applied an essence or lotion. There are many humectants, the best-known being glycerine, hyaluronic acid, sugars, amino acids, urea, lactic acid, aloe vera and many more... (The list is very long).
Emollients are fats whose main action is to fill the spaces between corneocytes in the stratum corneum. They repair our skin barrier and also have a small occlusive action.
Emollients include ceramides, an essential component of intercellular lipid cement. Thanks to their ability to repair our skin barrier, they improve water retention in the epidermis. Other well-known emollients include squalane, vegetable oils and triglycerides.
Occlusives achieve their effect by creating a hydrophobic barrier on the skin's surface, reducing insensible water loss through the epidermis. By creating an impermeable film on the skin's surface, occlusives hydrate the skin indirectly, so they should be applied to slightly damp skin. The best-known occlusives are mineral oils, vaseline and paraffin, but also butters such as shea butter, waxes such as beeswax and silicones. The most effective can reduce 98%'s insensible water loss by blocking water evaporation from the stratum corneum. Others, such as dimethicone, are occlusive, but only reduce water loss by 20 to 30%, making them an interesting occlusive for combination to oily skin if present in small quantities.
Some emollients are also occlusives, so you may find ingredients in different categories depending on the type of classification.
In what order should you apply your moisturizing products?
- We use humectant-rich products such as lotions or moisturizing serums to draw water into the epidermis.
- We seal this water to the surface of our skin with emollients and occlusives, using a moisturizing cream in the evening or a sun cream in the morning.
In what order should moisturizing products be applied?
To maximize the effectiveness of your skincare products, apply them from the lightest to the richest in texture:
- Cleaner
Skincare products penetrate better on clean skin. Choose a gentle product that is suitable for your skin type. - Toner or mist (optional)
This step can provide an initial layer of moisture and prepare the skin to receive other products. Avoid alcohol-based lotions. - Moisturizing serum
Formulated to penetrate quickly, it often contains humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Apply it to slightly damp skin. - Moisturizing cream
Choose a cream that suits your skin type (light texture for oily skin, richer for dry skin). It seals in moisture and provides nourishing lipids. - Oil or balm (last if necessary)
For very dry skin or at night, this final layer creates an occlusive film and protects against nighttime dryness. - Sun protection (in the morning)
Finish with a suitable sunscreen if the moisturizer does not already contain one. Protecting the skin from UV rays is essential for maintaining its radiance and preventing dehydration caused by sun exposure.
How to moisturize your skin according to your skin type?
Dry skin
Dry skin lacks sebum and easily becomes dehydrated. It often has rough patches, feels tight, and causes general discomfort. To moisturize it:
- Choose rich formulas in butters (shea, cocoa), vegetable oils (avocado, sweet almond) and ceramides, which provide lipids and promote good hydration.
- Layer your skincare products : moisturizing serum + rich cream + possibly a balm or oil if the skin is very dry.
- Mild cleaner : Avoid harsh cleansers and excessively hot water, which remove the skin's protective film.
Combination skin
Combination skin is oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry or normal on the cheeks:
- Use a light cream., non-comedogenic, to moisturize without weighing down the skin.
- Adjust the quantity Apply more cream to dry areas and less to the T-zone, possibly using a mattifying fluid.
- Clean gently to avoid drying out the dry areas.
Oily skin
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin can also be dehydrated and therefore needs moisturizing:
- Opt for light textures (gels, moisturizing fluids), rich in humectants and non-comedogenic.
- Avoid products that are too fatty. but also stripping cleaners, which cause a rebound effect.
- Moisturize morning and night to help the skin regulate sebum production.
Adapt your moisturizing routine according to your age, the season, and specific areas.
- Age The older we get, the drier our skin becomes. Formulas rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants are recommended for mature skin, while a light gel is often sufficient for young adults.
- Season In winter, skin is exposed to cold temperatures and dry air from heating systems; opt for richer creams. In summer, choose lighter textures to avoid the «suffocating skin» effect.
- Specific areas : The lips and eye area are very sensitive. Apply a protective balm to your lips several times a day. For the eye area, use a specific product (fragrance-free, ophthalmologically tested) to prevent fine lines and nourish the area.
- 1- How to moisturize dry skin
- 2- How do I moisturize normal to combination skin?
- 3- How to moisturize oily skin
- 4- How to moisturize sensitive skin
Properly hydrated skin is more resilient, softer, and more radiant. It better tolerates powerful cosmetic ingredients (retinol, exfoliating acids, vitamin C) which, without adequate hydration, can irritate or sensitize the skin. Combining a hydrating serum and/or nourishing cream allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of these ingredients without damaging the skin barrier.
In short, to maintain healthy skin and look radiant every day, it is essential to focus on hydration. Suitable moisturizing products are available in pharmacies or online, with the option of affiliate links if you wish to support certain specialist sources. In any case, the important thing is to opt for a consistent routine: gently cleanse, moisturize daily, protect from the sun, and adapt your cream according to the season and your age. This simple but effective strategy will allow you to keep your skin glowing and supple in the long term.
Don't hesitate to layer different products: moisturizing lotionserum, cream.
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