When you're struggling with dry, flaky skin, or you've noticed a tightness or dullness in the winter months, the secret to reviving your glow is all in the hydration. We spoke with Head of Aesthetics, Karen Fernandez, to help demystify our favorite hydrators and moisturizers - so that your skin will glow all winter long.
What is a hydrator?
Like the name implies, hydrators are water intensive. Their goal is to bond to the water molecule and increase the water content in your skin, helping to repair dehydrated skin.
Drinking water is a great way to stay hydrated from the inside out, but your hydrator will combat the environmental factors that drinking water cannot - such as weather conditions or pollutants.
Hyluranoic acid (HA) is one of the most hydrating ingredients to look out for when you’re considering products. We can give you recommendations during your consultation, but some of our current favorites include:
HA5 by SkinMedica replenishes the natural HA in the skin, with five different forms of HA instantly smoothing the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles and eight hours of continuous hydration.
HA Intensifier by Skinceuticals amplifies the skin's natural HA by 30%, reducing the look of crow's feet and nasolabial folds.
What is a moisturizer?
While your hydrator replenishes water in your skin, your moisturizer replenishes the essential oils in your skin. If you have dry skin, having a good moisturizer becomes especially important. Here are a couple of our favorites:
SkinCeuticals triple lipid - because it’s all about the lipids, or the “good” oils, in your skin. This is a moisturizer created to restore these good oils and nourish your dry skin.
SkinMedica dermal repair cream is a multi-tasker containing not just moisturizer, but also hydrator and growth factors. It will firm and condition the skin as well as soothe and re-hydrate.
Do You Need Both?
You may or may not.
Hydrators help combat dehydrated skin - a skin condition that anyone could have - and moisturizers are used for dry skin - a skin type that’s lacking in lipids, or good oils. You don’t need one to have the other; someone with an oily skin type could also have dehydrated skin. Signs of dehydration include a dull, weary look and tight feel, while dry skin tends to be flaky and itchy.
The best way to determine the right products for your skin is to come to your nearest SkinSpirit (locations nationwide) for a complimentary consultation.
Expert Tip: Products should be applied thinnest to thickest. If you use medicines or corrective products, those should be used first. Apply your hydrator next and then your moisturizer.
Get Customized Skin Care Advice
We like to design home care protocols that really fit your lifestyle, budget, and skin concerns. Our products are clinically formulated and proven to do more than just hydrate or moisturize. To speak with one of our experts about your options, give us a call at (855) 383-7546 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Expert advice courtesy of skin guru and SkinSpirit Aesthetics Director, Karen Fernandez.
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