How to properly hydrate your skin?

Well-hydrated skin is key to a healthy, radiant appearance. Dehydration can not only cause discomfort but also lead to skin problems such as dryness, flaking, and even the premature appearance of signs of aging. In this article, we offer advice on how to care for your skin by providing it with the hydration it needs.

Why is it necessary to moisturize your skin?

Well-hydrated skin plays a vital role in our appearance, comfort, and health. Here's why maintaining good skin hydration is important:

• Maintaining fluid balance: the skin is the body's largest organ and plays a crucial role in regulating bodily hydration. Skin hydration helps maintain this fluid balance, which is essential for the proper functioning of our body;
• Preventing dry skin: Moisturizing the skin prevents dryness, which can lead to discomfort, itching, and tightness. Dry skin is also more prone to irritation and redness;
• Delaying skin aging: well-hydrated skin tends to show fewer signs of aging. It appears more supple, smoother, and less prone to wrinkles and fine lines;
• Protecting against external aggressions: well-hydrated skin has a more robust skin barrier that can better resist external aggressions, such as pollution, wind, cold and UV rays;
• Promoting healing: when the skin is hydrated, it tends to heal more quickly in case of injury, burn or cut.

How do I determine my skin type?

Knowing your skin type is an essential step in choosing the right skincare products and taking care of your skin effectively.

To determine your skin type, start by observing your skin after cleansing. Gently wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, and don't apply any products to your face. Wait about an hour, then observe how your skin reacts:

• If your skin becomes tight, strained, or shows signs of peeling, it is probably dry skin;
• If your skin feels comfortable and without problems, you probably have normal skin;
• If your skin is shiny or has oily areas, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), you probably have oily skin;
• If your skin is oily in some areas and dry in others, you probably have combination skin;
• If your skin is prone to redness, irritation, or sensations of heat, you probably have sensitive skin.

Finally, when trying new skincare products, such as a moisturizer , start with gentle formulas and observe how your skin reacts. Sensitive skin will react more easily to products by showing redness, irritation, or itching.

Tip #1: Drink enough water

Drinking enough water is a fundamental step in maintaining healthy, well-hydrated skin. Internal hydration plays a crucial role in the appearance and health of your skin, as it's the last organ to receive the water you drink. By consuming an adequate amount of water, you ensure your body maintains proper hydration levels, allowing your skin to remain supple and elastic.

In addition, sufficient hydration promotes blood circulation, thus providing your skin with essential nutrients and oxygen, which promotes better cell regeneration and healthier skin.

Water also plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins from your body. By removing waste and impurities, water helps maintain clear skin and prevent breakouts.

Finally, be aware that dehydration can accentuate the appearance of dark circles and bags under the eyes. Drinking enough water can therefore help alleviate these problems.

Tip #2: Use a gentle cleanser

Using a gentle cleanser is an essential step in your skincare routine. Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is crucial for maintaining clean skin without causing dryness or irritation.

Before adopting a new cleanser, perform a patch test by applying a small amount to your skin for a few days to check that it does not cause irritation.

Generally, it's recommended to cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and evening. However, if you have very dry skin, you might consider cleansing it only in the evening.

Dry skin

Opt for a gentle, moisturizing cleanser. Look for products containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin to retain moisture.

Avoid cleansers containing sulfates, as they can further dry out the skin.

Normal skin

You're in luck, because many types of cleansers are suitable for normal skin. Opt for a gentle cleanser that doesn't contain potentially irritating ingredients.

Oily skin

Choose a cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin. Look for formulations containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or activated charcoal to help control excess sebum.

Avoid oil-based cleansers, as they may worsen sebum production.

Sensitive skin

Choose a cleanser specifically designed for sensitive skin, preferably without perfume or dyes.

Opt for pH-balanced cleansers that do not disrupt the skin barrier.

Tip #3: Choose the right moisturizer

Choosing the right moisturizer is essential to maintaining well-hydrated and healthy skin.

If you have dry skin, opt for a rich, thick moisturizer. Look for products containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and natural oils (like argan or sweet almond oil).

Moisturizing creams based on shea butter or cocoa butter are also beneficial for deeply nourishing dry skin.

A light lotion or non-comedogenic moisturizer is usually sufficient for normal skin.

Look for products containing antioxidants such as vitamin C to help maintain healthy skin.

For oily skin, choose a light, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid aggravating excess sebum.

Look for formulations based on gentle exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid or succinic acid to control sebum production and prevent blemishes.

For combination skin, use a light moisturizer on normal or oily areas of the face and a richer cream on dry areas.

Gel-based moisturizing creams can be an excellent option for maintaining hydration without adding extra weight to the skin.

Finally, if you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer specifically formulated for sensitive skin, without perfume or colorants.

Opt for hypoallergenic and non-irritating products to soothe the skin and strengthen its protective barrier.

Tip #4: Use sunscreen

Using sunscreen is essential not only to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, but also to prevent skin dehydration.

Indeed, prolonged sun exposure can lead to a loss of skin hydration. UVB and UVA rays damage the skin barrier, causing increased evaporation of water from the skin. Therefore, using sunscreen helps maintain this hydration by creating a protective barrier against the sun's harmful rays.

Please note that regular application of sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine, even on cloudy days.

How to properly hydrate your skin using Garancia Laboratory skincare products?

Garancia Laboratories offers unique formulas designed to meet the specific needs of different skin types, whether you have combination, dry, sensitive, or other skin. You can therefore select products based on your skin type for customized hydration.

For optimal hydration and nourishment, the Garancia Mystérieuse facial care ritual can be an excellent option. This range includes products such as Mystérieux Repulpant, Mystérieux Mille et Un Jours, Mystérieux Mille et Un Jours Emulsion, and Mystérieux Mille et Une Nuits, offering firming anti-aging action for healthier-looking skin.

Once or twice a week, depending on your skin's needs, incorporate a Garancia facial scrub into your routine. This will help remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing a brighter complexion and promoting better absorption of moisturizing products.

Complete your beauty routine by occasionally applying a soothing face mask like the Wizards' Masquerade Mask . This will help soothe your skin, deeply nourish it, and give it a revitalized look.

Photo credit: @claire_b._photography