Why is hydrating the skin so important? Our skin is what protects us against external factors. It is crucial that the skin maintains proper levels of hydration in order to function well. Not only does it contribute to a healthy appearance, but it also keeps you looking youthful for many years to come.

Skin’s most important tasks

Skin is the body’s largest organ with a surface area of about 2 square metres. The thickness varies from 0,4-5 millimetres, depending on the skin area. The skin protects internal organs from environmental factors, chemicals, microorganisms, UV rays, and retains moisture. It participates in numerous physiological processes in our body, for example, during the synthesis of vitamin D, which is key to its proper functioning. Its anatomical structure resembles the appearance of a wall. It consists of 3 layers: dermis, subcutaneous tissue and epidermis.

Skin functions:

1) Protects internal organs from external factors
2) Enables reception of stimuli
3) Recognises and classifies allergens
4) Increases substance absorption
5) Takes part in the process of thermoregulation
6) Takes part in vitamin D synthesis
7) Eliminates pathogens
8) Enables substance absorption inside the organism

Hydration – the foundation of skincare

Regardless of your skin type, you should take care of its proper hydration levels every day. Skin hydration guarantees to maintain the hydrolipidic barrier in good condition. The barrier isolates your organism from pathogenic microorganisms. The epidermis is the outermost of the three layers that make up the skin. It’s composed of mainly water and lipids. It also protects against TEWL – transepidermal water loss. In order for the skin to effectively protect you, it has to be properly moisturized. Caring for it from the inside is just as important. The content of water in the skin is responsible for the proper structure of the collagen and elastin fibres that provide firmness and elasticity. Water transports key substances to the deeper layers of the skin.

When the balance of the hydrolipidic layer is disturbed, the skin becomes more prone to damage, infections, and illnesses. What’s more, it ages more quickly. Insufficient epidermis hydration leads to dry skin and causes irritation. Only well-selected lotions, creams, butters or moisturizers can help damaged skin as they form a wrapping layer on its surface. It prevents from water escape so there’s more of it in the skin.

What affects skin hydration?

Improper skin care is only the tip of the iceberg. Our skin endures multiple inconveniences every day. Temperature changes, stress, stimulants, unhealthy diet, air pollution… These are only a few examples. The skin condition tells you the person’s age, vitamin insufficiency or even illnesses. Age, hormonal changes or genetics over which we have no control, are other factors that affect our skin condition. With the help of proper skin care, selected for our skin’s special needs, we can provide it with elasticity and a healthy and young appearance for longer.