Moisturizing the skin is not just a cosmetic gesture; it is a fundamental need to maintain skin health, prevent premature aging, and preserve a fresh, well-cared-for appearance.
In aesthetic medicine, we understand that well-moisturized skin not only looks better, but also functions better. In this article, we explain why moisturizing the skin is essential, how hydration is lost, and what methods exist to restore and maintain it.
The role of hydration in the skin
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and acts as a protective barrier against external factors such as pollutants, bacteria, solar radiation, extreme temperatures, and chemical aggressions. To fulfill this role, it needs to be balanced, flexible, and protected. Hydration plays a key role in this process.
When the skin is well hydrated:
- It maintains its natural elasticity.
- It looks more radiant and smooth.
- It recovers better from damage or irritation.
- It copes more effectively with environmental stress.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, appears dull, becomes more prone to irritation, shows fine lines more quickly, and can develop into conditions such as dermatitis or chronic sensitivity.
Moisturizing the skin is taking care of your health. It’s not just about aesthetics, but about preserving a vital function of the body. From our experience in aesthetic medicine, we observe every day how well-hydrated skin responds better to any other treatment, ages more slowly, and reflects a greater overall sense of well-being.
The key is to understand that hydration is an active process: it requires daily attention, good habits, and, when necessary, professional intervention. Investing in skin hydration is not a luxury: it is a smart and preventive decision that is noticed, felt, and appreciated over time.
How is hydration lost?
The water present in the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis) can be easily lost. This process is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL, for its acronym in English). Factors that accelerate it:
- Dry or cold climate: air with low humidity draws water from the skin.
- Solar radiation: UV rays damage the skin barrier and promote hydration loss.
- Use of harsh products: soaps or cleansers that alter the natural pH.
- Age: over time, the production of lipids that retain water in the skin decreases.
- Inadequate habits: not drinking enough water, smoking, or having an unbalanced diet.
Even people with oily skin can experience dehydration, as water levels and sebum levels are distinct aspects. Skin can be oily but dehydrated if the barrier that retains water is compromised.
Methods to improve and maintain hydration
In aesthetic medicine, we approach skin hydration with a comprehensive approach: prevention, treatment, and maintenance. The methods are divided into two main groups: at-home care and medical treatments in the clinic.
1. At-home care
The daily use of suitable cosmetics is the foundation for well-hydrated skin. We recommend:
- Gentle cleansers, sulfate-free, to avoid stripping natural oils.
- Moisturizers with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and urea.
- Daily sun protection, even on cloudy days. The sun is one of the main factors responsible for the deterioration of the skin barrier.
- Avoid long showers with very hot water, as they strip away the natural lipid layer.
Additionally, it is important to take care of internal hydration. Drinking enough water, having a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and essential fatty acids, and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine also impact skin health.
2. Medical-aesthetic treatments
When topical hydration is not enough or a deeper, more lasting effect is desired, there are safe and effective procedures in the field of aesthetic medicine:
- Electroporation with hyaluronic acid: it is infused into the superficial layers of the skin to improve hydration from within. It provides radiance, improves texture, and combats early signs of sagging.
- Skinboosters: microinjections of low-density hyaluronic acid that act as a ‘water reservoir’ within the skin. They do not alter facial volumes, only improve skin quality.
- Hydrating peels: they combine gentle exfoliation with moisturizing active ingredients, allowing the skin to better absorb subsequent products.
- Radiofrequency and LED light treatments: they stimulate collagen production and improve water retention in the skin.
All these treatments should be carried out by qualified professionals in authorized centers, and tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
