The best bio-active ingredients to hydrate dry skin

The cool weather is approaching which means most of us will begin the battle with dry, flaky and dull skin. The solution? Start implementing products that contain hydrating bio-actives now to ensure your skin is balanced and protected before the chill of winter starts wreaking havoc on your skin’s barrier.

Bio-active ingredients are naturally derived compounds that interact with your skin on a cellular level to improve its health and function. When it comes to hydration, certain bio-actives go beyond the surface to help restore moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and keep your complexion feeling soft, supple, and nourished.

What it’s so important to prevent dry skin

We’ve all heard of the saying “prevention is better than cure”. When it comes to your skin’s barrier health there couldn’t be truer words. A healthy, fully functioning skin barrier is essential for your skin’s overall well-being. It keeps moisture in and provides a barrier against environmental stressors that may cause damage to your skin such as cold winter wind. 

Our deeper cells are made up of around 80% water and our skin’s barrier provides environmental protection to prevent our bodies from drying out. If our skin’s barrier is compromised it can lead to a long list of problems including:

• Dry/dehydrated skin

• Sensitive skin

• Eczema

• Rosacea

• Acne

Strengthening and protecting your skin’s barrier will assist with maintaining hydration and contribute to the overall health and appearance of your skin. 

Dry skin vs Dehydrated skin - What’s the Difference?

Dry skin is a skin type, meaning it could be genetic and your skin produces less oil by nature. You may experience flaky patches, rough texture and be more sensitive to external factors. 

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that is often brought on from environmental factors such as wind, a drop in humidity, changes to your diet, hormonal changes and not drinking enough water. 

Put simply, dry skin is lacking oil while dehydrated skin is lacking hydration. Either way, there are certain hydration boosting bio-actives that can help comfort and restore balance to both.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a serious hydration hero - with the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, this powerful humectant binds to water in the cells, helping to boost hydration and replenish moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is naturally produced by the body, however it declines as we age—leading to dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. Regular top ups through skincare can help to improve skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in a plumper, smoother complexion.

Glycerin

Another common humectant found in cleansers, serums and moisturisers - this is another effective and gentle hydrator that will help the skin to lock in and retain moisture. Extracted from vegetable oils, this super hydrator will not only pull moisture into the skin, but also help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier function.

Ceramides

Dry skin is often a sign that your skin barrier is damaged or compromised. Ceramides are naturally found in your skin’s outer layer and help repair and reinforce your barrier - preventing water loss and keeping irritants out. You can find naturally occurring ceramides in oils such as Jojoba Oil.

Aloe Vera

More than just a sunburn soother, Aloe Vera is packed with hydrating and soothing properties, along with antioxidants that support skin repair. Its lightweight texture, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent hydrator for all skin types as it won’t leave a greasy residue or cause problems for acne prone skin.

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega Fatty acids are naturally occurring in oils such as Chia Seed, and are bursting with nourishing and hydrating properties that help to increase hydration, reinforce the skin’s surface and reduce redness and irritation.

How to layer skincare for optimal hydration

While it’s great to incorporate super-hydrators into your winter skincare routine, if you don’t apply them correctly you may not see the results you were hoping for. It’s important to layer skincare in order of lightest consistency and finish with cream or oil based products to lock the moisture into the skin. 

- Start with a humectant such as a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin to ensure it draws as much moisture into the skin as possible.

- Follow up with ceramides such as a jojoba oil

- Finish with a moisturiser that contains omega fatty acids for added nourishment and barrier support.

Hydration Boosting Winter Skincare Routine

To stay on top of hydration and prevent dryness and irritation, follow our hydration boosting skincare routine below:

Cleanse

If you have dry skin it’s best to avoid cleansing in the morning as this can further strip skin that is already depleted of oils. If a morning wash is something you can’t skip - try LAMAV’s Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser to gently cleanse while supporting hydration. Finish with LAMAV’s bamboo cleansing cloth to gently remove excess product.

Double cleansing at night is important to ensure all SPF, makeup and impurities are removed prior to your nightly skincare routine. Begin removing makeup and SPF with LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser, followed by our Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser for normal skin or our Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser for dry or sensitive skin. Finish with LAMAV’s bamboo makeup remover wipes to ensure all makeup and residue is removed.

Tone & Treat

After cleansing it’s important to begin applying your leave-on products before your skin becomes too dry. Start with a few pumps of LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Spray to balance, hydrate and brighten. While the toner is still damp on the skin, now is the perfect time to go in with LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum to draw some serious moisture into the skin. LAMAV’s Hydra-Max Serum is bursting with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and antioxidants to deliver a shield that locks in moisture and restores the skin’s radiance.

Boost Moisture

Now that we’ve cleansed and restored hydration to the skin, it’s time to boost moisture and lock it in - and LAMAV’s Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 Antioxidant Oil is the perfect place to start! This antioxidant-rich oil contains 100% pure actives that deliver a concentrated burst of moisture and essential fatty acids to strengthen and smooth the skin’s surface. You’ll notice a stronger skin barrier along with improved texture and elasticity. Apply 2-3 drops and pat gently into the skin. Allow to settle on the skin before locking everything in.

Lock in Hydration

As the last step in your skincare routine (aside from SPF in the AM!) a good moisturiser should boost and lock in hydration without leaving a heavy residue. LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture cream will be your winter skin’s best friend. Containing Natural Hyaluronic Acid along with soothing Sandalwood Seed Oil and natural antioxidants, you’ll enjoy instant comfort and a plump glow.

Your PM skincare routine requires something that packs a little more punch, and that’s where our Omega 3 Advanced Night Cream comes in. Specifically formulated to repair and hydrate the skin while you sleep, this complex formula delivers serious hydration while also supercharging collagen production for a more youthful complexion.

Treat Dry Skin while you Sleep

While we sleep our body and skin has a real chance to repair and restore overnight. This is why it’s super important to remove all makeup, SPF and excess oil prior to sleep. It’s also the ideal time to treat your skin to some heavy duty hydrators that will help support rejuvenation while you enjoy some shut eye! Try these PM skincare favourites and wake up with calm, plump and glowing skin:

LAMAV Intense Repair Eye Balm:

This luxuriously rich Eye Balm was designed specifically to hydrate, firm and visibly strengthen the delicate eye area. Mango Seed Butter, Bisabolol, and Sandalwood Seed Oil help to seal hydration into the skin while calming the delicate eye area and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

LAMAV’s Beauty Sleep Mask:

This award winning sleep mask is a must have for anyone throughout winter, but will particularly benefit anyone with dry, ageing or irritated skin. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid and Bisabol to instantly comfort and hydrate your complexion, you’ll enjoy plump, calm and vibrant skin when you wake. Apply as the last step in your skincare routine at night after your chosen serums, oils, moisturisers and boosters. Gently wipe away excess in the morning with LAMAV’s bamboo cleansing cloth.

While Winter can be dull - don’t let it take the glow from your skin! With the right combination of bio-active ingredients, a healthy diet and regular exercise - dry skin won’t stand a chance against your complexion this winter!