HYDRATE YOUR SKIN: STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Dehydrated skin can be frustrating to deal with - it can make makeup application more difficult and cause a dull or sunken complexion. Dehydrated skin is caused by external factors, making it a skin condition rather than a skin type. Fortunately, this means that with the right tips and tricks, dehydrated skin can be supported - leaving you with plumper, healthier looking skin. In this article we’ll help you understand why maintaining good skin hydration is important, the causes of dehydrated skin and give you some tips to help deal with it.
Why skin hydration is important
Skin hydration is important to help maintain a healthy skin barrier – the layer of skin that works to protect you from external factors like harsh weather, pollution, and UV rays. Good hydration also helps prevent visible signs of premature aging and can contribute to brighter, clearer skin. We often think of dry skin and dehydrated skin as the same thing, but there’s a key difference that will influence what to look for in your skincare. So, what separates dry skin from dehydrated skin?
Dry vs dehydrated skin:The signs of dehydrated skin
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your skin is dry or dehydrated, so it’s good to understand some of the causes and symptoms of dehydration. Your body could be showing signs of dehydration if you often feel dizzy or fatigued, while your skin may be showing different signs. You just need to know what to watch out for.
Dehydrated skin causes:
Dehydrated skin symptoms:
There’s a simple ‘pinch test’ you can do to quickly tell if you need to replenish hydration. Gently pinch a small amount of skin on the back of your hand. If the skin snaps back right away, you’re in the clear, but if it slowly returns to normal, you’re likely dehydrated. If you’re still unsure, check out our Lancôme skin screen to get a personal skin analysis. With that in mind, what steps can you take to help manage dehydrated skin?
SKINCARE ROUTINE: HOW TO KEEP SKIN HYDRATED
You can make certain lifestyle changes to help boost hydration, like drinking enough water, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake and using a broad-spectrum SPF every day. But skincare can also play an important role in boosting hydration to your face. The key is to ensure each product you use in your skincare regimen is targeted towards hydration. The structure of your skincare routine will likely remain the same but choosing products formulated with hydrating ingredients is the key to unlocking supple skin hydration. Read on for our guide on how to hydrate skin with the best Lancôme hydration products.
Switch to a gentle cleanser
No matter your skin type or condition, cleansing is an important part of any skincare regimen. As your skin changes throughout the seasons, you might need to switch up the type of cleanser you use. When experiencing dehydrated skin, choose to a gentle cleanser like the Crème Mousse Confort Face Cleanser. Its nourishing formula is enriched with rose extract to provide soothing comfort to dry skin. Massage into damp skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
Use a toner or essence
Unlike alcohol-based toners of the past, modern toners and essences are often infused with hydrating ingredients that can help maintain the skin’s moisture levels. We love the Clarifique Dual Essence because it combines two hydrating essences that work together to even skin tone while helping skin appear plumper and brighter. Shake the bottle to emulsify the two essences and press into to clean, damp skin.
Hydrating serums
Face serums designed to address your skin concerns can be the most effective step in your skincare regimen. To help combat dehydrated skin, choose serums with deeply hydrating ingredients that aim to strengthen the skin barrier. You can layer hydrating serums or use a serum that combine ingredients for you. Our ultimate hydrating serum for dry skin is Génifique Ultimate, for its unique formulation of four ingredients that aim to improve skin radiance and elasticity. This in turn can help reduce the appearance of dehydration lines. Dispense a single dropper of serum into your palms, then tap the product into your face and neck.
Moisturiser and eye cream
A moisturiser that seals your skincare and delivers a final hydrating infusion is the perfect final step in your AM and PM skincare routine. We love the velvet-smooth formula of the Génifique Day Cream that aims to refine your skin for a hydrated, radiant complexion.
Eye cream can be used in both your morning and night skincare rituals. When it comes to how to hydrate your skin, eye creams are an ideal solution for the delicate eye area that often shows signs of damage first.
Treat yourself to a face mask
Face masks are a luxurious way to provide an extra hydration boost to your skin once or twice a week. We love the Advanced Génifique Light Pearl 360 Eye Mask for its relaxing and refreshing effect. 20 minutes of wear can help depuff under eye bags and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a luminous skin effect.
Now you know all about how to keep skin hydrated, discover our face mapping technology that can help you create the best skincare routine for your needs.
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