A QUICK(ISH) WORD ON SKIN CARE…


Our skin is our ultimate protector, regulating temperature, fluids, and sensations while shielding us from the outside world. As our largest organ and personal style statement, it deserves top priority. While fashion trends come and go, a healthy, glowing complexion is timeless. But what is the key to unlocking healthy, radiant skin, I hear you wonder.? Hydration, hydration, hydration!

Quite simply, hydration in skincare means increasing the skin's water content. Well-hydrated skin is a hallmark of health, whereas dehydration leads to dullness, flakiness, tightness, and irritation. Certain skin types and lifestyle factors, such as over-cleansing and harsh ingredients, can compromise hydration. To promote and maintain skin hydration we can focus on a dual approach,

  1. Transport water into the skin
  2. Prevent water loss

(A third way is to hydrate from the inside by healthy water intake and diet - but I’m not here to harp on about this one).

You would think transporting water into the skin would be easy however, simply submerging the skin in water is ineffective due to the skin's lipid (fatty) coating, which repels water. Along comes the wonders of a moisturising cream, which is a synergistic blend of oil and water. As a result water is able to be transported into the skin’s layers via the combination of skin-loving oils. These creams can also serve as a delivery vehicle for additional beneficial ingredients. 

Once this water is absorbed, it's crucial to prevent evaporation and lock it in.  By leveraging multiple hydration mechanisms skincare products can deliver exceptional benefits.

  1. Occlusives create a physical barrier, sealing moisture within (most oils and butters)
  2. Humectants help retain moisture by attracting and binding water (honey, aloe vera, glycerol, urea) 
  3. Emollients repair and strengthen the skin's natural barrier function (ceramides, niacinamide, fatty acids, dimethicone).

Ageing and environmental stressors can cause skin to appear thin, wrinkled, and sagged, whereas skin disorders may lead to irregular tone, blemishes, inflammation, and scaly texture. Although the skin naturally renews itself by shedding its outer layer, this process can become disrupted, leading to dryness and damage. When this occurs, the skin's ability to absorb water and nutrients is compromised. Selecting the right products helps remove this layer, enabling hydration and nourishment penetration and achieving optimal skin health and radiance from the outside in. The unsung hero of healthy skin. the humble moisturising cream (lotion/balm/butter) truly deserves some accolades for it’s impressive capabilities. However, it also emphasises the importance, more than ever, of selecting an appropriate and effective product to help you meet your skincare needs and radiate from inside, out.