7 tips on how to effectively moisturise dry skin

Why does the skin lose moisture?
Our skin consists of three layers – the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Each of these is made up of further layers and each has its own specific function. The outermost part of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, also known as the horny layer. It consists of cells bound together by lipids and, together with other substances such as ceramides and fatty acids, forms a protective layer for the skin.
Its role is to protect the skin from harmful external factors such as UV radiation and environmental pollutants, while retaining sufficient moisture in the skin. Disruption of the protective barrier leads to weakened skin, increased sensitivity, susceptibility to irritation and dryness.

How to tell if your skin is dehydrated
Hydrated skin is soft to the touch, supple and naturally radiant. Lack of hydration, on the other hand, manifests itself in dryness, roughness, tightness, lines and wrinkles are more visible, and the skin appears dull and lifeless.
In order to establish the right skincare routine, it is important to be able to distinguish between dry and dehydrated skin.

Dry skin is a skin type, which means you are born with it. In this case, you probably experience dryness on other parts of your body, such as your hands, feet or scalp, and your skin quickly absorbs skincare products. This skin type lacks lipids and will benefit from creams or oil-based products.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary condition that can affect any skin type as a result of various factors. In this case, the skin is crying out for water and will benefit from water-based products.

Hydration test: Not sure if your skin really needs hydration? Try a simple test. Use your index finger and thumb to pinch a small area of skin between your cheekbones and the area under your eyes. The faster the skin returns to its original position, the higher your level of hydration.

The most common causes of skin dehydration
As we mentioned, various external factors are responsible for dehydrated skin, and you can influence many of them by adjusting your daily routine. These are mainly:
   •Extreme temperatures
   •Excessively dry or humid environment
   •Excessive skin exfoliation
   •Aggressive or perfumed cosmetic products
   •Pollution
   •Excessive sun exposure

Tips for moisturising your skin at home
Moisturised skin not only looks better, but also feels better. Here are the best tips for replenishing moisture and preventing further damage to the skin barrier.

1. Gentle cleansing
Cleansing your skin is essential for its healthy appearance. However, if you use products with overly aggressive ingredients, you may strip your skin of beneficial oils along with impurities and disrupt the skin barrier. Pay particular attention to fragrances and alcohol content. Cleansing foams are also not usually suitable for dry skin.

2. Hot water is the enemy
We know how pleasant a hot shower can be. However, this is not entirely true for the skin, which is dried out by high temperatures. Therefore, try to shorten your shower and lower the temperature slightly.

3. The right ingredients
Hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides, urea, squalane and lactic acid are considered to be moisturising heroes.
4. Application matters
Applying cream to your face doesn't have to be rocket science, but there is one point worth focusing on. According to experts, it is best to apply moisturisers to damp skin, for example after a shower or bath, so that the moisture is optimally absorbed and locked in.

5. Use a serum
If you feel like you're doing everything right but your skin still isn't getting enough, it may be time to add another step to your routine – a serum or booster. It is applied before your face cream and has the advantage of targeting specific skin problems (such as dryness) with its high concentration of active ingredients and ability to penetrate deeper into the skin.

Tip: Does your skin need hydration during the day? Dermaguard, a barrier cream that provides immediate refreshment, restores elasticity and strengthens the skin barrier, is an SOS aid for your handbag. Dermaguard cream creates an invisible protective shield on the skin against most allergens found in the environment. Because the allergen cannot penetrate the skin, it remains unirritated. The protection lasts for around 4-6 hours. The cream effectively moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy and strengthens the skin barrier. It can be used on any part of the body except the mucous membranes. The cream contains dimethicone, which gradually evaporates from the skin through the acidity of sweat. The cream is unscented. 

6. Hack called slugging
What else helps dry skin? Sometimes it's the latest skincare trends, such as slugging. What is it? The purpose of this technique is to lock moisture into the skin even better. After applying serum and face cream during your evening routine, add another layer (usually in the form of petroleum) to act as a barrier on the skin and keep moisture exactly where you want it.

7. Hydration from within
To a certain extent, our skin reflects what we eat. So if you want to support hydration from within, include foods rich in essential fatty acids (such as fish and nuts) and vitamins A, C, D and E in your diet.

And finally, one more piece of good news: efforts to support hydration will show results on your skin very quickly. So get started as soon as possible!