There are some commonly known myths about hydration, the lack of hydration, how it affects our skin and how to get more hydration. Let’s revisit a few of the most common myths about hydration and how to get more from your skin care products. 

Myth #1: Oily skin can’t be dehydrated

Dehydrated skin can affect any skin type at any time. Just like dry skin, oily skin is a type, while dehydrated skin is a condition that happens when the skin is deficient in water. It can be caused by many factors, both environmental and lifestyle from showering in hot water, indoor heat/AC, or too much fun in the sun without SPF, to using too many products that are designed to control oily skin, or the use of topical acne products. Dehydrated skin of any skin type responds by making more oil to combat the loss of hydration and can lead to excessive oiliness on the skin surface, which is particularly frustrating for anyone with oily skin.

Myth #2: I just need a thicker cream

The thickness of a skin care product is not the only indication of how well it will hydrate dry or dehydrated skin. A thicker cream might feel better short-term as it traps more moisture on the skin surface, which does slow down water loss on the skin. However, for long-term improvement, a combination of the right ingredients in a formula that delivers them into the skin while also supporting surface hydration is the gold standard.

Myth #3: If you have dry skin, you’re not drinking enough water

Water is certainly important to our health and the viability of our cells, which is why drinking water is paramount for internal hydration. When choosing our skin care products, we should also look for ingredients that can do the same for our skin – deliver and bind hydration in the skin and support healthy functioning and cell communication.

The best known hydrators are in a molecular family called glycosaminoglycans. They are all water binders, but a few of them go beyond hydration to support long-term skin care success.

What does dehydration look like on the skin?

We immediately think of dehydration giving the skin a dull, flat appearance. However, because hydration protects and plumps the skin structure, we also see dehydration in the form of deflated, thinning skin or redness and increased sensitivity to other products and environmental factors. If left unaddressed for an extended amount of time, the loss of hydration and resultant sensitivity can lead to uneven skin tone and loss of firmness and elasticity. This makes hydration key to both short and long-term skin care success and maintenance.

Knowing that any skin type can become dehydrated and that dehydration contributes to the global signs of aging that we all want to prevent or correct, SENTÉ has refined the art of deep hydration to help control redness & sensitivity and support a visibly healthier, more even skin tone and firmer skin. Two products that deliver powerful deep hydration in the skin that can be added to any regimen are Dermal Repair Cream and Dermal Contour Pressed Serum. How are these products similar, how do they differ and which one is right for your skin concerns? 

Dermal Repair Cream was one of the first launches from SENTÉ in 2014. It is a deeply hydrating, repairing cream that reduces visible redness, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can be used after a microneedling or non-ablative laser treatment to help control redness and unwanted excess inflammation associated with those treatments. It’s formulated with patented Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) technology, an ingredient that is exclusively found in SENTÉ’s products. It is proven to rapidly and profoundly hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. In a clinical Study of Dermal Repair Cream, 100% of subjects had increased skin hydration starting from week 2 through study completion at week 8. Dermal Repair Cream is ideal for dehydrated, sensitive skin to impart deep hydration while soothing the skin surface with a light, creamy texture.

Dermal Contour Pressed Serum is SENTÉ’s 2-in-1 hybrid formula that combines the strength of a serum with the silky hydration of a cream to help firm the skin and support repair from within. It hydrates and calms sensitive skin as it helps support the skin’s natural ability to renew itself. Formulated with patented Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) along with Skin-Firming Duo Dermatan Sulfate Analog (DSA) and Chondroitin Sulfate Analog (CSA) to support the skin’s natural ability to promote collagen and elastin production for firmer, younger-looking skin. The pressed formula maximizes effectiveness by delivering more active ingredients in a lightweight firming serum. In a clinical study, 79% of subjects showed improvement in skin firmness in 12 weeks. Dermal Contour Pressed Serum is ideal for more visible signs of aging or loss of firmness, but can be used by anyone who wants to support a firmer, healthier skin appearance.

Dermal Repair Cream and Dermal Contour Pressed Serum can be used separately or together in a regimen. The ingredients in both products provide long-lasting benefits. When using both products, Dermal Contour Pressed Serum is applied first, followed by Dermal Repair Cream. You can also choose to use Dermal Contour Pressed Serum in your AM regimen, while using Dermal Repair Cream in your PM regimen.