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Dive into Humectants: Your Skin's Hydration Heroes
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, one term that frequently pops up is "humectants." But what exactly are humectants, and why are they so essential for achieving healthy skin? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of humectants and uncover their vital role in our skincare routines.
Humectants bond with water molecules and hold them in the skin’s surface. For example, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are both humectants, and you’ll want to look for these ingredients if your skin’s feeling tight and dehydrated. Using humectants keeps the skin plump because they can pull moisture from the air, especially in humid environments. Humectants can also have emollient properties. When used in combination with an occlusive (face cream) this can help protect your barrier function and increase hydration in the skin.
Ingredients in humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.), sorbitol, panthenol (a form of vitamin B5), and honey. Two synthetic humectants are propylene glycol and butylene glycol – both deriving from petroleum, with butylene being less irritating to the skin. We’d still recommend avoiding these last two ingredients when you see them in a product.
Incorporating humectants into your Botnia skincare regimen
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.
If you have dehydrated skin, try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Reduce caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in your diet to avoid more dehydration. Spray a hydrosol throughout the day to bring moisture to your skin. Eat water-rich foods (like cucumbers, celery, broths and soups, even cottage cheese!) and get plenty of rest.
Humectants are true skincare heroes, capable of delivering intense hydration and rejuvenation to the skin. By incorporating humectant-rich products into your daily routine, you can achieve a healthier, more luminous complexion that glows from within.
Here's to hydrated, happy skin!
Xo,
Botnia
What are humectants?
Humectants bond with water molecules and hold them in the skin’s surface. For example, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are both humectants, and you’ll want to look for these ingredients if your skin’s feeling tight and dehydrated. Using humectants keeps the skin plump because they can pull moisture from the air, especially in humid environments. Humectants can also have emollient properties. When used in combination with an occlusive (face cream) this can help protect your barrier function and increase hydration in the skin.
Ingredients in humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.), sorbitol, panthenol (a form of vitamin B5), and honey. Two synthetic humectants are propylene glycol and butylene glycol – both deriving from petroleum, with butylene being less irritating to the skin. We’d still recommend avoiding these last two ingredients when you see them in a product.
The power of hydration
Proper hydration is the cornerstone of any effective skincare regimen. When our skin is adequately moisturized, it appears smoother, softer, and overall happier. However, various factors, such as environmental aggressors, aging, and harsh skincare products can compromise our skin's moisture balance, leading to the feeling of tight and dehydrated skin.
This is where humectants come to the rescue! Unlike occlusive agents, which form a protective barrier on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss, humectants work by attracting water molecules and binding them to the skin. As a result, they provide instant hydration and promote long-lasting moisture retention, helping to restore the skin's natural radiance and vitality. Just like a big drink of water for the skin. Healthy, happy, and hydrated skin, yes please!
Incorporating humectants into your Botnia skincare regimen
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Our Hydrating Serum is a humectant (it’s rich in hyaluronic acid) and helps to bring water into the skin when used with a water-based product like a toner or hydrosol.
Botnia’s Eye Cream can also be considered a humectant since its base is formulated with hyaluronic acid and will bring moisture to any applied areas. Did you know you can use our Eye Cream as a face cream? It's perfect for sensitive skin since it contains no essential oils!
Our Soothing Repair Mask is also a humectant because it includes hyaluronic acid, helping to keep moisture in the skin. Perfect for slugging during the winter months!
Pro tip: Layer on those hydrosols! Unless you have a hydrosol nearby, in dry environments, you actually want to stay away from humectants as they can draw water from your body, causing your skin to be depleted of moisture. Adding a humidifier in the room with the heater is a great idea as well.
Some extra hydration steps that go a long way!
If you have dehydrated skin, try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Reduce caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in your diet to avoid more dehydration. Spray a hydrosol throughout the day to bring moisture to your skin. Eat water-rich foods (like cucumbers, celery, broths and soups, even cottage cheese!) and get plenty of rest. Humectants are true skincare heroes, capable of delivering intense hydration and rejuvenation to the skin. By incorporating humectant-rich products into your daily routine, you can achieve a healthier, more luminous complexion that glows from within.
Here's to hydrated, happy skin!
Xo,
Botnia
