Hydration

Water is not only vital for the proper functioning of our body, it is also essential for our skin. Healthy skin is above all hydrated skin. In both summer and winter, the use of a moisturising cream in the morning and evening is necessary to avoid tightness and limit external aggression.

A 70kg person contains approximately 49 litres of water, 15% of which is concentrated in the skin and more specifically, the dermis. Depending on the layers of the skin, hydration is irregular. Contrary to skin dryness, dehydration is a temporary and reversible skin condition with various causes:

• Environmental factors: climate, pollution, UV radiation
• Emotional factors: stress, fatigue
• External factors: lifestyle (alcohol, tobacco, diet).
• An unsuitable skin care routine
• Some medical treatments

Skin type (normal, dry or oily) is genetically predefined. As a constantly evolving organ, the skin is structured into three main layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Thus, water moves from the dermis to the epidermis by impregnating the intermediate layers. Naturally covered by a hydrolipidic film acting as an additional barrier, the upper layer of the epidermis slows down the evaporation process. Made up of water from sweat and fatty substances (produced by sebaceous glands), it provides chemical, physical and antimicrobial protection.

However, when the skin is damaged, the Insensible Water Loss (IWL) process speeds up, preventing water from flowing effectively to the epidermis. Characterised by localised, occasional tightness, dehydration is also a major consequence of skin ageing.

Located on the surface of the epidermis, the stratum corneum is the main area where the water in moisturisers is directed. However, as water alone does not enter the skin, fatty substances are essential. They are waterproof and limit the evaporation process, thus contributing to the reconstruction of the hydrolipidic film. Finally, substances such as amino acids or mineral salts enable active ingredients to be fixed to the water.

Able to hold 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is responsible for the skin’s hydration mechanism. Formulated from low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Hydra Touch® intense moisturising cream by Laboratoires Vivacy fills the intercellular spaces and thus limits Insensible Water Loss.