As summer has firmly arrived and the temperature is soaring, it is very easy to confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin. Whilst hot weather increases water loss from the body, leading to dehydration, you don't need to have dry skin to have dehydrated skin. Dry skin has a lack of oil, or lipids, whilst dehydrated skin lacks water.
If your skin is dehydrated, look for products that have a good blend of humectants to attract & hold water (eg. glycerol, hyaluronic acid) and occlusives to lock in that moisture (eg. squalane, prickly pear oil, jojoba). For dry skin lacking oil (lipids) look for product containing ceramides (the main lipid found in stratum corneum) and good quality natural emollients to soften and soothe skin. All of which you can find in our products.
Our tip: If you have dry skin avoid products with perfumes (parfum/fragrance), charcoal, salicylic acid and tea tree - all of which work to absorb the skin’s natural oils and could over-dry already dry skin.
Whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, or both, here are some ingredients we love which will keep your skin hydrated and supple all day.
- Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Glycosaminoglycans exist naturally in the skin and have the ability to bind water to prevent it from evaporating into the air. As we age, the levels of GAGs in our skin decrease, causing our skin to lose its ability to hold on to that hydration. The most commonly known GAG in our body is Hyaluronic Acid. As a reminder, hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring within the body as a part of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which provides a constructive framework to our skin and regulates skin’s cellular functions.
Historically, the function of GAGs was thought to be limited to cell hydration and structural scaffolding. However, evidence now suggests that GAGs play a key role in cell signalling, which serves to modulate a vast amount of biochemical processes within our bodies. Apart from using hyaluronic acid in our products, we focus on extracellular matrix (ECM) repair and stimulating the production of GAGs. For example with our:
- Wheat Germ
Our wheat germ oil is extracted from the wheat grain. More precisely, from the innermost part, the germ. Did you know the function of a germ is to grow new life? Which is why it contains essential ingredients. Although it makes up only a fraction of the whole grain, its value lies in its range of outstanding properties. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids (omega 3 & 6) and lecithin, the oil protects and moisturises the skin, makes it softer and more supple, and reduces the formation of wrinkles. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular help prevent the skin from becoming dry, flaky and inflamed. A perfect ingredient to combat the dry, hot weather we are experiencing.
- Fatty alcohols
Not all alcohols are the same. The ‘good’ fatty alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohol can actually be moisturizing. Like ceramides, they are found naturally in the skin’s moisture barrier and help prevent water loss. The fatty alcohols you’ll find in skin-care products are often extracts from plant and vegetable oils.
- Peptides
Peptides are the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibers that are found in our skin. They’re short chains of amino acids, and can tell the body to produce more collagen. The number of amino acids they are comprised of gives them a different function. According to recent research on the topic, these functions include smoothing, firming, reducing inflammation, and locking in hydration. These molecules are so effective, you can find peptides in our moisturisers, serums and eye cream.
- Allantoin
This is a natural molecule that was first discovered in the Comfrey plant. In addition to its moisturising properties, Allantoin is an effective anti-irritant.
- Squalane
Squalane is naturaly present in the skin's lipid barrier. Its exceptional moisturising properties and ability to penetrate the skin, improve skin elasticity and reinforce skin barrier, thus reducing appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We use ECOCERT approved squalane derived from plant sugar, which is superior to the usual olive derived squalene.
- Ceramides
Ceramides are among the most used to battle dry skin. They are a lipid molecules found in high concentrations (50%) within cell membranes in the upper layer of the skin. They hold skin cells together, forming a protective layer that plumps the skin and holds moisture. Using products that are enriched with ceramides will help restore your skin's hydration and lock in moisture in even the most extreme temperatures. This helps your skin maintain that hydration long-term, resulting in healthy, hydrated skin. Ceramide’s benefits increase when they are combined with other replenishing ingredients like fatty acids. Our Revitalise & Contour Serum explores this synergistic relationship & intelligent combining of ingredients, and has been formulated vitamin E as well as ingredients containing multiple fatty acids. Dry skin is common in people with zinc or essential fatty acid deficiency.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
One of the most well-known and researched antioxidants, vitamin E occurs naturally in human skin, but can become depleted due to environmental exposure. Vitamin E is well know for reducing the formation of free radicals from exposure to UV rays, promoting the healing process, strengthening the skin's barrier function, protecting the skin barrier's lipid balance, and reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
- Glycerin/Glycerol
Glycerin, a compound that’s naturally found in your body, is the most common humectant found in skincare products. It is so common that we don’t even think of it as something important. But remember, before there was hyaluronic acid, there was glycerin.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe deemed a "skin savior" has been used since ancient times to heal wounds and relieve dry, irritated skin. It has moisturizing, healing, skin soothing and rejuvenating properties. Aloe vera leaf juice is composed of polysaccharides, anthraquinones, amino acids, glycosides, minerals, flavones, phytosterols and salicylic acid. Polysaccharides give aloe its hydrating, emollient and anti-inflammatory benefits, while creating a protective barrier on the skin. Anthraquinones offer antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics. Flavones offer further protection from free-radical damage. Phytosterols are anti-inflammatory, which calm and soothe itchy skin, also moisturizing and protecting the skin from trans-epidermal water loss. Glycosides promote healthy cell regeneration and offer antihistaminic (anti-allergen) properties, while vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids nourish the skin. Find it in our Nourishing Cleanser.
- Prickly pear
A powerful moisturiser, its high content of naturally occurring tocopherol (vitamin E), also give it superb antioxidant properties. Prickly pear seeds are a good source of several minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. The fatty acids in prickly pear seed include a high content (up to 61%) linoleic acid (Omega 6) - an essential fatty acid, which soothes and refreshes the skin - and up to 25% oleic acid (Omega 9). Prickly Pear Seed Oil improves hydration as it works as both an emollient and an occlusive (helps to stop Trans-Epidermal Water Loss) and in so doing, helps to slow down the destruction of the connective tissue and in turn helping to prevent wrinkling. Find it across our ECM Advanced Repair Range.