Properly Hydrating Your Face

We all know that hydrated skin is smooth, even and radiant. It’s what everyone is aiming for every day! But be careful! It’s important to distinguish between dehydrated skin and dry skin. Although their symptoms are similar, they don’t require the same precautions or treatments.

• Dehydrated skin lacks water, and all skin types can suffer from dehydration. Your skin becomes dull, your eyes get puffy and you notice dark circles under your eyes. Dehydration causes tightness and makes wrinkles and fine lines more obvious when you smile.
• Dry skin doesn’t necessarily lack water, rather it’s deficient in fats (lipids). This isn’t a condition. It’s a skin type that causes redness, discomfort and stiffness, tightness, itching and flaking.

Adopting a hydrating ritual and making it part of your daily routine is key for the overall health of your skin. We recommend using a hydrating cream in the morning and a nourishing treatment in the evening.
Why ?

• Hydrating helps repair the hydrolipidic film altered by cleansers (foaming or leave-on) and helps makeup last longer.
• The skin needs to be hydrated to regenerate while you sleep.
• Massaging a hydrating product into your skin activates microcirculation and stimulates cell renewal.

Tip #1: Drink plenty water

Did you know that, like the rest of the body, the skin is made up of 70% water? To avoid dehydration, you should drink 1.5 liters of water every day. One way to drink more liquid is to keep a pitcher of water close at hand. A simple and effective habit to adopt to stay hydrated!

Tip #2: Hydrate your skin morning and night... or more!

After removing your makeup or cleansing your skin, use a hydrating product (day cream, night cream or anti-aging cream) morning AND night.  

Have you added Mineral 89** cream to your beauty routine? It’s available in a rich, light and fragrance-free version.

Its 4-active complex acts on all components of the skin barrier:

- The minerals in VICHY Volcanic Water help strengthen and repair the skin barrier.
- Pure hyaluronic acid moisturizes and plumps the skin.
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and vitamin E boost ceramide production.
- Squalane repairs and reinforces barrier function.

Did you know?
Using a humidifier helps increase and maintain the humidity in the air. It’s an effective way to counter dry, wintertime air and hydrate your skin overnight.

Tip #3: Choose a long-lasting hydrating cream

Have you ever noticed that some products mention how long you can expect their hydration effect to last (12, 24 or 48 hours)? This indicates that the results of these hydrating products have been tested, validated and quantified. They have proven effectiveness for the number of hours noted and will limit the dehydration of your skin if you forget to reapply your moisturizer.

Good to know!
Products that mention 12-hour protection apply to people suffering from intense dehydration and discomfort. If this isn’t your case, opt instead for long-lasting hydration.

Tip #4: Look for effective ingredients

Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol and urea (less than 10%) are active hydrators. Be sure to read the list for your skin care product to see if these hydrating ingredients are included.

Are you a fan of chemical-free formulas? Don't worry: there are ways to hydrate your skin naturally!

• Nourishing and soothing olive oil promotes healing and hydration. Rich in omega-9, it can replace your anti-wrinkle treatment. Choose a virgin, organic, cold-pressed oil. To hydrate your skin, apply by gently massaging.
• Coconut oil is remarkably nourishing and works perfectly as a scrub or lip balm. Don’t use it if your skin tends to break out, as it can contribute to the formation of blackheads.
• Jojoba oil regulates sebum. It is also an excellent natural makeup remover. It’s perfect to use as a day hydrating cream.
• Cucumber has hydrating, antioxidant and refreshing properties that drain and deeply purify the skin. Mix half a sliced cucumber with plain yogurt. Place the mixture on your face for 15 minutes for deep hydration.
• Aloe is 99% water and is known for its hydrating and healing benefits. It fights excess sebum and stimulates cell renewal. Apply a small amount of aloe gel on your face to replace your hydrating cream.

Tip #5: Exfoliate once a week

Hydrating goes hand in hand with exfoliation! These two treatments go together because they both stimulate cell renewal. Make it a habit to exfoliate your face at least once a week. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, choose a scrub with non-abrasive particles or an enzymatic (granule-free) formula. Finish off your treatment by applying a hydrating cream or mask to your skin right away to restore its hydrolipidic film.

Tip #6: Eat water-rich foods

The foods you eat hydrate your skin from the inside! Choose water-laden fruits and vegetables (like tomatoes, lettuce, melon, strawberries and cucumber). You should also include plenty of citrus fruits in your diet, as their high vitamin C content will stimulate the synthesis of collagen, which makes your skin firm and supple. Foods rich in vitamins A and B3 will also help maintain the health of your skin.

Tip #7: Protect your face

It's common knowledge that sun exposure not only dehydrates your skin, it also results in significant damage. If you don’t properly protect your skin, UVA rays will cause premature aging (fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots) and loss of elasticity. UVB rays are the cause of sunburns, burns and even skin cancers! In short? Apply sunscreen every time you step outside! Look for the words “broad spectrum” or the UVA logo to ensure you’re purchasing a product with optimal protection.

Tip #8: Avoid hot baths

Soaking in hot water for a long time affects the hydrolipidic film of your skin. So when showering or bathing, use lukewarm water. Several other things can dry out your skin. Whenever possible, avoid alcohol, smoking, dry air (heating and air conditioning), heat/cold, wind, pollution, excessive cleansing, etc.

Did you know?
To preserve your hydration, avoid products with a non-physiological pH, like soap! Instead, choose a hydrating soap-free cleansing formula, micellar water, milk or isotonic thermal water.

Pharmacy services

Not sure what your skin needs? Don't hesitate to ask your beauty consultant, who will be able to give you some wise advice for better hydrating your skin.

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**Manufacturers bear a portion of the costs associated with this advertising.