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Which active ingredient(s) should be used for dry and dehydrated skin?

Contrary to oily skin, dry skin lacks sebum and its barrier function is weakened. As a result, the epidermis is more susceptible to external aggressions. Dry skin is more fragile, thinner and lacks flexibility. On this type of skin, wrinkles and fine lines are more visible. Focus on the active ingredients suitable for dry skin.

Summary

Characteristics of dry and dehydrated skin
Facial serums for dry and dehydrated skin

Published March 30, 2021, updated on February 22, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min read

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Dehydrated skin

Dry skin

Face serum

Characteristics of dry and dehydrated skin.

Dry skin (or alipidic skin) is a hereditary skin type, similar to oily or combination skin. The symptoms of dry skin are varied but are primarily continuous: constant tightness, fine skin texture, daily flaking and itching, rough touch, dull complexion and the presence of rough and red areas. This skin dryness is due to both a lack of lipids and water in the stratum corneum. In this skin type, the sebaceous glands function at a slower pace and do not produce enough sebum to ensure the effectiveness of the hydrolipidic film. Furthermore, the intercellular cement is poor in lipids. As a result: the skin becomes fragile against environmental aggressions and allergens.

On the other hand, dehydration is a temporary skin condition caused by a lack of water intake in the upper layer of your skin through daily nutrition, a temporary alteration of the skin barrier, or poor lifestyle habits. However, skin can be both dry and dehydrated, just as it can be oily and dehydrated. Skin is considered dehydrated if it feels tight after showering, expression lines are visible, even before the age of 30, or if your complexion is dull.

Facial serums for dry and dehydrated skin.

Serum No.1 : Moisturiser with hyaluronic acid.

To treat this type of skin, it is crucial to deeply hydrate it daily to strengthen the hydrolipidic film. For this, we use serum-based treatments with highly hydrating active ingredients such as thehyaluronic acid. Naturally present in our body, this acid is responsible for maintaining the structure of the epidermal layers. Indeed, due to its richness in water, this molecule fills the space between the skin cells. It thus ensures the skin's bounce and the freshness of the complexion. However, with age, its production decreases leading to skin sagging and wrinkles. And we know that dry and thin skins mark more quickly than other skin types.

Thehyaluronic acid thus makes a good ally for the treatment of dry and dehydrated skin. It is capable of attracting and retaining a large amount of water, up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which deeply hydrates the skin. It is this property, among others, that gives volume and elasticity to young skin. The ideal is to opt for a formula with several molecular weights, which is what our plumping serum offers: a "high molecular weight" hyaluronic acid that smooths the skin's surface by creating a protective film to prevent the water present in the skin from evaporating, and a "low molecular weight" one to stimulate the skin's natural deep hydration. Thus, this combination of molecules allows for both instant and long-lasting hydration, as well as a plumping effect. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum also contains pro-vitamin B5 (or panthenol) which helps stimulate the regeneration of dermal and epidermal cells, as well as aquaxyl, a bio-sourced molecule derived from sugar that increases the natural production of hyaluronic acid in keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Serum No. 2 : Re-lipidating with ceramides.

As previously mentioned, dry skin lacks water and lipids, unlike dehydrated skin. Therefore, it is equally essential to nourish it deeply. To do this, it is recommended to use, in addition to the hyaluronic acid serum, a lipid-replenishing care based on ceramides.

Naturally present in the skin, ceramides are lipids that form part of the epidermis. They ensure the cohesion of skin cells by filling the space between them, thus forming a protective layer to help prevent dehydration and protect against external aggressions. Moreover, with age and sun damage, their quantity and quality decrease. The application of this serum thus helps the skin to remain hydrated, firm and supple, and to regain its radiance.