As the seasons begin to change, you may notice your skin following suit. For guidance on hydration and combatting products or procedures that could dry you out, we turned to Amy Burns-Lewis, aesthetician, PPG – Dermatology, MD SkinCare. Read on as she discusses the importance of hydrating your skin and seeking professional help when skincare quandaries arise.
Why does skin need hydration?
You may not realize it, but hydration is an important protector and regulator of your skin. Your skin requires hydration as you age because the barrier function, which helps the skin retain moisture, can break down due to environmental damage or a lack of water intake.
What happens when the skin isn’t adequately hydrated?
Without hydration, your cells lose water and can become dehydrated. It’s easiest if you think of your skin cells as grapes. Hydrated cells (or ripe grapes) are round, fresh and well nourished, whereas dehydrated skin cells are similar to raisins; dull, rough, flaky and dry. And unfortunately, as you age, your natural cell turnover slows down, creating a buildup of excess cells that linger on the skin longer, increasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, discoloration and congestion of the skin.
How can someone keep their skin hydrated?
In addition to hydrating your skin through quality skin care products and adequate water intake, you can also increase your cell turnover by utilizing professional services with a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. Treatments such as chemical peels, HydraFacials or dermaplaning can improve the appearance of your skin by cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, promoting new growth, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, or correcting hyperpigmentation and acne issues. These professional services work well in removing excess surface cells, making the healthy, hydrated cells more apparent.
Are there any products or procedures to avoid when trying to keep skin hydrated?
No, there are no products or procedures to avoid while keeping your skin hydrated. But for maximum hydration benefits, it is crucial to exfoliate the skin with an at-home regimen recommended by a professional, paired with regular treatments performed by a licensed aesthetician.
Where can someone turn for guidance on proper skincare and hydration?
As previously mentioned, it’s important to use professionally recommended products designed specifically for your skin. Doing so will help cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin properly. To determine the best skincare regimen and products for your particular needs, you should speak with a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician.
If you’d like to learn more about MD Skincare and their services or book an appointment with Amy, please visit the MDSkincare page.