Hydrate or nourish?
Hydrating and nourishing the skin are two distinct things. Hydrating your skin mainly means limiting daily water loss. Nourishing the skin means providing it with lipids and oils.
The skin is made up of three layers: the dermis, the epidermis and the hydrolipidic film.
- The dermis acts as a true water reservoir for the skin. It is very important to stay regularly hydrated to maintain this water reservoir, as water is easily lost from our body.
- The epidermis forms a barrier that helps limit water loss. This layer of the skin contains lipid cells, which help reduce the evaporation of water from our body.
- The final layer of the skin, the hydrolipidic film, covers the entire surface of the skin and acts as a true protective shield against external aggressions. The hydrolipidic film is mainly made up of sebum and water, lipids and sweat. Sebum acts as a protective barrier that prevents water from escaping, as it is hydrophobic.
Cold directly affects this final layer of the skin: blood circulation slows down and sebum production decreases. Temperature changes can further intensify this phenomenon. Winter is a time when our skin is particularly exposed to external aggressions. It is important to hydrate from within and adopt skincare practices that help the body limit water loss by strengthening the hydrolipidic film.
Best practices for keeping skin hydrated without further sensitising it
Avoid overly hot baths
While hot baths can be enjoyable in the heart of winter, they are not recommended for dehydrated skin. Hot water tends to damage the epidermis and dry out the skin. Showers are less damaging to the skin’s outermost layer, so opt for showers rather than baths and avoid excessively hot temperatures.
Drink water
Skin hydration depends on regularly drinking a sufficient amount of water. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day. Herbal teas and green tea can also help you stay hydrated while keeping warm.
Eat fatty acids
Fatty acids are found in every cell of our body, helping to protect it from within. Skin cells renew themselves every month, so consuming omega-3s and healthy fats helps maintain supple, well-hydrated skin. Fatty acids can be found in olive oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil….
Avoid overly foaming skincare products
Foaming agents can be too harsh for the skin. They partially remove its protective film and can cause irritation, redness and feelings of tightness.
Cover up well!
As temperatures drop, the skin becomes drier. Protect your skin when exposed to cold outdoor temperatures to prevent the cold and wind from dehydrating it. Pay particular attention to your hands, which are often the most exposed.
Protecting your skin during winter
Which skincare products should you use to hydrate your skin?
The importance of removing makeup
Facial skin is very thin and particularly fragile. Cleansing your skin every evening helps maintain its suppleness and elasticity. It is a good habit to adopt to help slow the signs of skin ageing. Removing makeup eliminates impurities from the skin. PATYKA recommends choosing gentle products to preserve the skin’s hydrolipidic film. Cleansing oils are particularly well suited.
The Éclair Cleansing Oil effectively cleanses while respecting the skin’s balance. Pair it with a gentle cleanse using the Detox Cleansing Foam to effectively remove all impurities without weakening the skin. This double cleansing leaves skin clean, fresh and radiant.
Plant oils and serums to hydrate and nourish
Plant oils work deep within the skin, not just on its surface. Serums and plant oils provide the epidermis with the active ingredients it needs to help fulfil its protective function. The lipid molecules found in oils nourish and hydrate the skin. The Absolute Oil contains highly nourishing and regenerating oils, such as plant-based squalane and rosehip oil, which help restore comfort to the skin.
PATYKA Advanced Research has developed the Hydra-Booster Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which deeply quenches the skin thanks to Hyaluronic Acid, leaving it revitalised and soothed. Apply a few drops of this serum morning and evening.
Hydrate and nourish your skin
Exfoliation to activate cell renewal
Exfoliating once or twice a week helps the cells of the facial epidermis renew more effectively, allowing the skin to better absorb skincare products and enhancing their effectiveness. Be careful not to over-exfoliate: more than twice a week could weaken the skin and make it even drier. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and reveals a more radiant complexion.
PATYKA has developed the Double Action Smoothing Scrub, which refines skin texture and leaves the skin soft thanks to its fruit acids. Once the skin has been exfoliated, you can apply hydrating skincare products.
Rich moisturisers for winter
It is important to adapt your skincare routine according to the seasons. In winter, the skin needs more nourishment.
Shea butter, organic mango butter, day creams and hydrating masks are well suited to facial skin when temperatures drop.
PATYKA recommends using the Rich Hydra-Soothing Cream, which soothes the skin and helps prevent dehydration. It is particularly suitable for dry skin.
The Intense Rehydrating Cream Mask was developed to hydrate all skin types lacking water and lipids. Hydrating skincare products are ideal for restoring the hydrolipidic film. Once the skin’s hydration has been restored, maintain it by applying lotions, day creams, night creams, balms or body lotions every day.
It is also important to take care of your body by applying nourishing creams or balms to help preserve the skin’s beauty. PATYKA has developed the Gentle Hydrating Body Lotion, which soothes feelings of discomfort, softens and protects the skin, helping maintain optimal hydration throughout winter.
Remember to hydrate your lips, which tend to become chapped easily in winter, and don't forget the eye contour, as the skin in this area is very thin and requires specially adapted care.