Hydration - Karen Lockyer Make Up Artist

Skin dehydration is different to dry skin. A good way to explain is think losing steam from a kettle for dehydration and oil from a chip pan or lack of for dry skin. There are many reasons why our skin can become dehydrated and they usually start from the inside. The most common causes for dehydrated skin are:

Illness
lack of sleep
Alcohol
Medication
Flying
Poor diet
Lack of drinking fluid

Hydrating aging skin is important for several reasons, as proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and addressing age-related concerns. Here are some reasons why hydrating aging skin is important:

Moisture Retention: As people age, the skin tends to lose its ability to retain moisture. Hydration helps to replenish and lock in moisture, preventing the skin from becoming dry, flaky, and dull. Well-hydrated skin looks plump and youthful.
Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Dehydrated skin can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydration helps to minimize the depth of these lines, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance. It won’t eliminate wrinkles entirely, but it can make them less noticeable.
Improving Elasticity: It is harder when we age as we lose elastin, which keeps the elasticity in our skin. Hydrated skin appears more elastic and supple. Lack of moisture can lead to a loss of elasticity, making the skin sag and wrinkle more easily. Adequate hydration helps to maintain the skin’s firmness and resilience.
Enhancing Skin Barrier Function: The skin’s barrier function can be compromised with age, making it more prone to damage from external factors like UV rays and pollutants. Proper hydration helps to strengthen the skin barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss.
Promoting Cell Turnover: Hydrated skin supports the natural process of cell turnover, where old, damaged skin cells are replaced by new, healthy ones. This can contribute to a more radiant and even skin tone.
Alleviating Dryness and Discomfort: Aging skin is often associated with increased dryness and discomfort. Hydration helps to alleviate these symptoms, providing relief and improving the overall comfort of the skin.
Supporting Collagen Production: Collagen, a protein responsible for the skin’s structure and firmness, tends to decrease with age. Proper hydration can support collagen production, helping to maintain the skin’s structural integrity.
Preventing Skin Conditions: Dehydrated skin is more prone to various skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis. Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help prevent or alleviate these conditions.

To effectively hydrate aging skin, it’s important to use moisturizers and skincare products that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. Additionally, staying well-hydrated from the inside by drinking enough water and eating plenty of water rich foods is crucial for overall skin health.

There are so many products out there, I always say it is more about what you do rather than what you use. For hydratation this is partly true as drinking and eating a good healthy balanced diet is paramount for hydrated plump skin. However, we can all do with a helping hand and skin needs a bit of moisture to keep suble. I would say use what works for you, but maybe look for the ingredients I mention above to make sure you will get hydration as well as treating dryness.

I am very sensitive so wary of using too many products on my skin, and nervous of introducing new skincare. I have been gifted The 24 hour Hydrators from Murad, which has prompted this blog post. I am about to start using the Hydration cleanser with Neuropeptides and Biodegradeable Jojoba beads. The Hydro -Dynamic moisturiser with Avocado and Sunflower oil and the Revitalixir Recovery Serum with caffine to help reduce puffiness. Very excited to try and will report back, here and on my @gracefuldisgraceul instagram page.

Tried and tested

I have been using Murads The 24hr Hydrators for a week now. Murad claims : A new wave of hydration-powered barrier repair is here. Overdone it on actives like Retinol or Vitamin C? NEW Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum, Mask + Cream repair damage at the cellular level for stronger, healthier skin. £165.00

So far so good I dont seem to have reacted to the product which is a huge plus for me. I particularly like the cleanser it is very creamy with a slight exfoliation. It leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean and soft. The moisturiser is also creamy and my skin feels really soft, although tightens quite quickly. I think on a normal to dry skin this will be fabulous. I have a very dry and sensitive skin. I will start adding the Revitalixir Recovery Serum before the moisturiser and report back. So far I am introducing the product slowly as my skin is tricky.

https://www.murad.co.uk/skincare/cellular-hydration-barrier-repair-trio/