HEALTH + WELLNESS
Top 10 Tips for
HYDRATED SKIN
IS YOUR SKIN LOOKING DULL AND LACKLUSTRE ? ARE YOU NOTICING MORE FINE LINES ? THEN YOUR SKIN COULD BE SUFFERING FROM DEHYDRATION . DR . CHRISTINE OR , FOUNDER OF DR . CHRISTINE MEDICAL AESTHETICS , GIVES HER TOP 10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING PLUMP , HYDRATED AND RADIANT THIS SUMMER .
Is my skin dry or dehydrated ?
In a nutshell , dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks water . All skin types , whether normal , dry , oily or combination can become dehydrated when the skin is depleted of water and this leads to dull skin , fine lines and loss of elasticity and radiance .
What can cause dehydrated skin ?
The skin barrier comprises the top layer of dead skin cells and lipids , and its function is to protect the skin and hold in water . 30 % of the skin is made up of water and extremes of temperature , over exfoliation , over aggressive cleansers and airconditioning can all damage the skin barrier , leading to water loss from the skin .
How can I keep my skin well-hydrated ?
1 . You ’ ve heard it before , but drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is essential to maintain hydration . Reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol , which will both dehydrate the skin , is also advisable .
2 . Ditch the soap and reach for a gentle unperfumed creamy cleanser to avoid stripping the skin and damaging the skin barrier . After cleansing , your skin should not feel tight or dry . Pat dry your skin and leave it slightly damp before applying moisturiser as this will help lock in moisture .
3 . Always wash with lukewarm water as hot water will strip the skin .
4 . Apply a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid which works as a humectant by drawing water into the skin . The hyaluronic acid found in cheaper cosmetic brands of skincare often sits on top of the skin as hyaluronic acid is a large molecule . It is worth investing in medical grade moisturisers which usually contain hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into smaller different sized molecules so that it can work deeper in all levels of the skin leading to better hydration . Other moisturising ingredients to look out for are urea and glycerin , squalene and silicone .
5 . Do not exfoliate your skin more than once or twice a week and avoid using cleansing brushes . Too many acids can damage the skin barrier .
6 . Use sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 every day to protect your skin from damage from UVA and UVB which can lead to water loss from the skin .
7 . Consider using a humidifier at night when you sleep .
8 . Treat yourself to some me-time with a hyaluronic acid face mask .
9 . Try a course of a collagen stimulating nutraceutical drink such as Skinade which will increase the plumpness and hydration of the skin .
10 . Finally ... book in for a skinbooster treatment such as Profhilo . This is a unique injectable hyaluronic acid which flows under the skin , boosts the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid to moisturise , hydrate and plump the skin , improving elasticity , and reducing fine lines and crepiness .
Dr . Christine Medical Aesthetics
hello @ drchristine . co . uk 01892 956688
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