Proper hydration is essential for keeping your skin healthy and comfortable. Hot water, harsh soaps, sun exposure, and cold or hot air can all cause skin to lose moisture and elasticity. Luckily, there are three powerful skincare ingredients that can help lock in moisture: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Discover how these hydration heroes can help your skin stay moisturized.
Our skin is made up of multiple layers, including the dermis, which acts like a water reservoir, and the epidermis, the outer protective layer. Skin’s natural hydration process relies on a complex system in which the dermis diffuses water toward the epidermis.
A hydrolipidic film, composed mainly of water and lipids (fats), covers the skin’s surface. This natural barrier protects the epidermis from environmental irritants while limiting water evaporation to keep skin hydrated.
Maintaining hydration in the epidermis, both internally and externally, keeps skin supple, elastic, and comfortable.
Our skin is made up of 70% water and loses moisture every day through natural evaporation and exposure to environmental irritants. A number of ingredients are highly effective at keeping it balanced and maintaining the protective barrier. Discover three skincare essentials that promote optimal hydration.
1
Niacinamide, or nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 used in cosmetics for its many proven benefits for the skin. It’s known for being gentle on skin, so it’s recommended for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
This versatile ingredient is prized for its hydrating properties. By stimulating the production of ceramides, a type of lipid essential for reinforcing the skin’s barrier, it helps preserve the skin’s natural moisture.
And it doesn’t stop there! Niacinamide can also:
Niacinamide is an ingredient found in many skincare products. To maximize the benefits, use a leave-on product with niacinamide, such as a serum or moisturizing cream. Apply it in the morning and evening.
2
Hyaluronic acid is known for its powerful moisturizing properties. It’s also suitable for all skin types. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies and can attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it critical for maintaining plump, elastic, and well-moisturized skin.
However, as we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid. By the age of 50, our skin’s hyaluronic acid content is reduced by around 50%. This leads to a progressive loss of firmness and elasticity and, in turn, the appearance of wrinkles. When skin is properly hydrated, it looks smoother, and fine lines caused by dehydration fade.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, this ingredient acts as a binder between skin cells. This allows it to both strengthen the skin barrier that protects against external irritants and promote healing.
In the morning and evening, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to slightly damp skin to maximize its moisturizing power, then lock in hydration with a cream suited to your skin type.
For immediate results, it’s also possible to get hyaluronic acid injections at an aesthetic clinic to smooth wrinkles and deeply moisturize the skin.
3
Peptides are chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are essential for firm, elastic skin. Over time, our natural collagen production declines, and the skin becomes thinner and less firm. Peptides stimulate collagen production, helping to restore skin elasticity and firmness while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to their anti-aging properties, peptides stand out for their ability to improve hydration by strengthening the skin barrier. This improves the skin’s ability to retain water, ensuring long-lasting hydration.
Peptides are also used in a variety of skincare products, such as creams and serums. To support collagen production and maintain firm, radiant skin, apply a skincare product that contains peptides every day, in the morning and evening.
In addition to applying these three ingredients morning and evening, here are some other tips for banishing dry skin:
To seal in moisture, apply your moisturizing cream immediately after you get out of the shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. You can also mist your face with thermal spring water before applying your moisturizer.
To find the products best suited to your needs, don’t hesitate to stop by your local Brunet pharmacy. Our cosmetics specialists are here to give you advice and help you care for your skin.
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Posted on January 27, 2025
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