Feel good in your skin by taking care of it

Although we sometimes forget, the skin is an organ in itself, it is the heaviest and largest organ of the human body since it can weigh up to 10kg and cover an area of 2 m².

Essential to life, the skin not only serves to represent us to the outside world, it also protects us from external aggressions.

It acts as a microbe and ultraviolet light barrier, cushions shocks and plays a heat regulation and hormone synthesis role. Reasons for preserving the skin are not therefore limited to solely aesthetic criteria despite the latter obviously having more visible results.

Well-hydrated skin is not just more attractive and comfortable

The share of water in the body weight in adulthood is 65%. This essential for life element is concentrated to 15% in the skin which constitutes a sort of water reserve for other organs.

In moving from the deeper layers to the outer layers, the fluid forms a flow known as TEWL (transepidermal water loss) the evaporation of which is slowed down by the cornea layer. This topmost layer of the skin is naturally protected by a hydrolipidic film which, if it is altered, speeds up the TEWL causing skin dryness.

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing

Dry skin and dehydrated skin should not be confused, the fist lacks in effect lipids whereas the seconds condition is characterised by a lack of water which may affect even greasy skin.

Dehydrated skin is easily recognisable as it is rough and harsh to the touch with the appearance of fine lines, feelings of tightness and a greyish complexion.

Dry skin on the other hand is more fragile, more sensitive and ages more quickly, it is characterised by a lack of suppleness together with feelings of discomfort.

Skin dehydration, the multiple causes

Weather conditions, the cold, wind, sun, pollution or air conditioning constitute the main causes of environmental damages. Ageing, hormonal disorder. or a lack of vitamins are also significant causes of dehydration.

It should be noted that unsuitable cleaning products or soaps with a very high pH level also damage the protective hydrolipidic film.

Hydrating and strengthening the skin from the inside

Although water consumption is sufficient and regular and moisturising creams initially alleviate some skin problems, some skins require a dietary supplement.

Essential oils help to combat skin dryness while maintaining its suppleness while vitamins C, E and B6 promote its rehydration and combat ageing.

Amongst the various plants known for their capacity to nourish the skin deeply, precious oils of Primrose, Argan, Safflower and Borage are without doubt the most effective for enhancing the complexion and restoring the skin’s suppleness.