How to deeply hydrate your skin?

Is your skin feeling tight, lacking radiance, or showing signs of dryness despite your daily skincare routine? It might be time to boost your hydration routine. Because deeply hydrating your skin isn't just about applying a simple cream: it's a true ritual that starts from the inside out and continues with the right steps and products. We'll explain everything, step by step.

What is well-hydrated skin?

Well-hydrated skin maintains a good water balance in its different layers. Thanks to the hydrolipidic film (a mixture of water and natural lipids), it remains supple, soft, and protected from external aggressions. This film acts as a shield against dehydration and maintains the complexion's radiance.

The role of water in skin hydration

Water is essential for ensuring suppleness and cellular regeneration. Stored in the dermis, it nourishes collagen and elastin fibers, essential for skin firmness and elasticity. It also enables the transport of nutrients and the elimination of toxins. Drinking enough water and eating hydrating foods (fruits, vegetables) is therefore essential for healthy skin.

The importance of the hydrolipidic film

The hydrolipidic film protects the skin from dehydration and environmental aggressors. When it is altered by inadequate skincare, an overly aggressive routine, or environmental factors, the skin becomes more sensitive, drier, more reactive, and more prone to imperfections.

To preserve it:

• Use moisturizing treatments rich in nourishing active ingredients

• Avoid harsh cleansers that dry out the skin

• Promote a diet rich in omega-3s

• Hydrate yourself from the inside out with proper water consumption

Superficial skin hydration vs. deep hydration

Not all moisturizers are created equal, as not all layers of the skin have the same needs. Understanding the difference between superficial and deep hydration allows you to adopt the right actions and choose the right active ingredients according to your skin's needs. Depending on the products you use, their hydrating action can be limited to the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) or reach deeper layers, for a long-lasting and restorative action.

Superficial hydration: an immediate shield

Superficial hydration mainly concerns the epidermis and the hydrolipidic film. It prevents water evaporation and provides an immediate feeling of comfort. The key active ingredients for this type of hydration are:

• Vegetable glycerin: a humectant that attracts and retains water on the skin's surface

• Aloe vera: soothing, hydrating and refreshing

• Floral waters: they rebalance and lightly hydrate the epidermis.

This form of hydration is ideal for daily use to soothe, smooth, and protect the skin from external aggressions. But for long-lasting effectiveness, it must be complemented with deep hydration.

Deep hydration: restore and strengthen

Deep hydration works on the inner layers of the skin, especially the dermis, where the skin's collagen and elastin fibers and natural water reservoirs are located.

It allows you to:

• Regenerate the skin barrier

• Improve skin elasticity and density

• Prevent signs of aging and chronic tightness.

The most effective active ingredients for deep hydration are:

• Hyaluronic acid (especially low molecular weight): it penetrates into the deep layers to retain water and plump the skin

• Ceramides: they strengthen the skin barrier and limit water loss

• Collagen and peptides: they stimulate cell regeneration and redensify the skin

Causes of dehydrated skin

Having dehydrated skin doesn't necessarily mean having dry skin. All skin types, even oily skin, can experience a water deficiency at some point. This dehydration is often temporary, but it can become chronic if not addressed at the source. To effectively address this issue, it's important to understand what weakens the skin barrier and causes water loss.

Here are the main factors responsible for skin dehydration:

Urban pollution

Fine particles, exhaust fumes, and other pollutants in the air disrupt the hydrolipidic film and continuously attack the skin. The result: a weakened, more permeable skin barrier that allows water to evaporate more easily.

Cold and climate variations

In winter, cold, dry air, combined with indoor heating, causes increased evaporation of water from the skin's surface. The cold also slows the production of sebum, a key component of the protective film, leaving the skin defenseless.

UV rays

Excessive sun exposure degrades the skin's naturally occurring collagen and hyaluronic acid. These two components are essential for maintaining its elasticity and ability to retain water. The result: dry skin that ages faster.

Tobacco

Tobacco has a vasoconstrictor effect, meaning it reduces blood circulation to the skin. Less well nourished, it becomes dull, less resilient, and more prone to water loss. Tobacco also accelerates skin aging.

Stress

Chronic stress stimulates the production of cortisol, a hormone that disrupts the skin's barrier function and promotes inflammation. It also weakens the skin's natural defenses, making it more susceptible to dehydration.

An unbalanced diet

A lack of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids (such as omega-3) prevents the skin from properly regenerating and carrying out its protective functions. In addition, excessive salt or sugar consumption can increase water loss.

Our tips for deeply hydrated skin

To regain soft, plump, and comfortable skin, applying a cream every now and then isn't enough. Intense skin hydration requires a comprehensive approach, both internally and externally. Here are all our tips for deeply nourishing your skin and sustainably strengthening its protective barrier.

Drink enough water throughout the day

As we saw earlier in this article, water is the first ally of well-hydrated skin. For skin cells to regenerate and function optimally, they need a constant supply of water.

• Aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, increasing amounts during physical activity, high heat, or coffee/alcohol consumption.

• Remember to vary your sources: still water, infusions, broths, sugar-free fruit waters.

Day+ Tip: Start each day with a large glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon. A simple way to wake up your body and boost your complexion's radiance!

Focus on a hydrating and nutrient-rich diet

Hydration also comes from what you eat. Certain foods, rich in water, vitamins, and antioxidants, actively contribute to the beauty of your skin.

• Fruits and vegetables with a high water content: cucumber, zucchini, tomato, melon, watermelon, etc.

• Sources of vitamins A, C and E: avocado, carrot, pepper, strawberry, almonds, etc.

• Omega-3 (found in oily fish, flax seeds and walnuts) helps strengthen the hydrolipidic film.

A balanced diet allows the skin to better defend itself, to regenerate better, and above all, to retain water better.

Support hydration from within with dietary supplements

When the skin is very dehydrated or subject to frequent aggressions (pollution, sun, fatigue, stress), a little help can make all the difference.

Dry skin supplements containing collagen, hyaluronic acid, zinc, and omega-3-rich oils work from the inside out to strengthen the skin barrier. They help improve the skin's suppleness, strength, and ability to retain water.

Choosing moisturizers that suit your skin type

All skin needs hydration, but not all in the same way. Adapting your skincare to your skin type allows you to better target active ingredients and avoid imbalances.

• Dry skin : opt for rich textures with ceramides, vegetable oils and nourishing butters.

• Combination skin : choose balancing, hydrating but non-greasy skincare.
  Oily skin : Choose light, non-comedogenic hydrating gels or serums with hyaluronic acid.

Assess your skin type

Generally, we distinguish 3 different skin types:

• Dry skin: it feels tight and has areas of dryness or redness.

• Combination skin: it can be dry in some areas or oily in others.

• Oily skin: this has excess sebum, particularly on the forehead, nose and chin.

Regardless of skin type, hydration is essential. Dry and combination skin needs to be moisturized for optimal comfort. Oily skin is often the result of an imbalance in sebum production. Moisturizing oily skin can be a solution to rebalance everything.

Choose truly moisturizing and natural products

For effective hydration that respects your skin, opt for moisturizing treatments rich in natural active ingredients . Aloe vera, vegetable oils (such as jojoba or sweet almond) and vegetable glycerin are essential ingredients: they deeply hydrate while soothing the skin, without damaging it.

These naturally derived active ingredients are not only effective, but also better tolerated by the skin, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Also consider Choose a serum suited to your needs: formulas concentrated in hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or ceramides allow you to act in depth and strengthen the skin barrier.

Finally, avoid products containing alcohol, harsh fragrances or sulfates, which can unbalance the skin and promote dehydration.

Establish a complete hydration routine

Prepare and protect the skin in the morning

Start the day with a gentle cleansing using a sulfate-free cleanser. This helps remove impurities and excess sebum without damaging the skin or altering its hydrolipidic film.

Then apply a moisturizing mist or lotion to remove any limescale residue from the water. Floral waters like rose water or witch hazel are perfect for gently refreshing and soothing the skin.

Next comes the care stage:

• Apply a hydrating serum to trap water in the deeper layers of the skin. Choose formulas with hyaluronic acid for a long-lasting, plumping effect.

• Follow with a moisturizer suited to your skin type, enriched with ceramides, vegetable glycerin or aloe vera, to strengthen the skin barrier.

• Finish with sunscreen to prevent UV damage, as well as a moisturizing lip treatment .

And don't forget your body: apply a moisturizing balm every morning to keep your skin supple and comfortable throughout the day.

Regenerate and nourish deeply overnight

In the evening, the skin enters its regeneration phase. This is the ideal time to provide it with rich, restorative care.

• Start with an oil or balm cleanser, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove pollution and makeup residue.

• Follow with a serum rich in hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, ideal for repairing, soothing and regenerating the skin overnight.

• Complete with a night cream with a more enveloping texture, which nourishes deeply without weighing down.

Twice a week:

• Perform a gentle exfoliation (enzymatic or fine grain) to eliminate dead cells, smooth the skin and optimize the penetration of treatments.

• Apply a hydrating face mask to replenish your nourishing active ingredients.

• Use hydrating eye patches to smooth fine lines, decongest and restore radiance to your eyes as soon as you wake up.

Intensely hydrate your skin with Day+ care!

At Day+, we've developed an expert range of moisturizing skincare products for intensely nourished, plumped, and protected skin. Our products are formulated with powerful active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, ceramides, and precious plant oils, providing deep-penetrating action to nourish, plump, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Each product is designed to enhance your skin every day, with lightweight textures, rapid absorption, and long-lasting hydration, without greasy or residue-free results. The result: soft, supple, radiant, and visibly plumper skin.