Emulsions for Combating Dehydration in All Skin Types
Tori Douglas
Global Digital
4 min read
Discover how a face emulsion can treat dry, parched skin.
Have you ever had one of those days when your skin feels tight, looks dull, or just doesn’t seem to cooperate, no matter what you try? You’re not alone. Skin dehydration can sneak up on anyone, leaving it craving the intense moisture it deserves. An emulsion is a feather-light moisturising formula suitable for all skin types. It absorbs swiftly and penetrates deeply, leaving skin soothed, smoothed, and rehydrated.
Curious to know why skin starts to act out when it is dehydrated and how emulsions can help? Keep reading to understand skin dehydration and how every skin type can reap benefits from integrating emulsions into their skincare regime.
Unlike dry skin, which is a skin type usually caused by genetics or your environment, dehydration is a skin concern caused by a lack of water in the skin. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their skin type, and is usually fixable with proper hydration (both internally and externally). When your skin is dehydrated, it may feel coarse, flaky, or itchy while showing more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. Interestingly, excessive oiliness could be a sign of dehydration, too. Oily skin is deficient in essential water, resulting in a sluggish skin barrier and accumulation of dead skin cells, which cause blocked pores and breakouts.
All these indications of dehydration point to a singular issue: unbalanced skin. Various lifestyle factors can disrupt your skin's water-oil balance. Whether it's prolonged sun exposure, a hectic routine, inadequate sleep, or harsh environmental conditions—we've all been there. An imbalance in hydration can also compromise your skin barrier, making your skin more sensitive and susceptible to external threats. This is the point at which dehydration and irritation happen.
Balanced skin signifies a robust and healthy skin barrier with a harmony of oil and water. When skin has a healthy balance, it presents as supple, sleek, and full of vitality because it has a stronger barrier, so it is better able to retain moisture. Hydrated skin is a lot more comfortable, resilient, and less likely to feel tight or irritated.
An emulsion refers to a specific type of moisturiser. Unlike traditional cream moisturisers, emulsions consist of tiny droplets of oil meticulously dispersed within a water base. A low viscosity enables these molecules to infiltrate dehydrated skin and be swiftly absorbed without leaving a heavy or greasy residue behind, unlike denser moisturisers, which may sit on the skin's surface.
All skin types can benefit from aiming for an optimal balance of water and oil—not just dry ones. Plus, the distinctive texture of emulsions makes these skincare products incredibly adaptable to different routines. For oily skin types in particular (which still need adequate hydration but without the extra weight), emulsions can be a better solution than traditional moisturisers.
Emulsions rebalance the necessary oil-water equilibrium that is integral to a robust skin barrier. In contrast to certain moisturisers that may feel dense and heavy on skin, emulsions impart immediate and lightweight hydration that is rapidly absorbed deep into the skin to counteract dehydration. Due to their lightness, they make a superb addition to a hydration-focused regimen and can be used independently or to boost the effects of a moisturiser. They even layer very well under other skincare products and makeup, fitting seamlessly into your existing skincare routine. The outcome is smoother, softer skin that looks plump and well-moisturised.
One of the biggest benefits of emulsions is their versatility. These moisturising agents can be applied both morning and evening, seamlessly fitting into any skincare regime. After your chosen cleanser, toner, and serum, an emulsion should be your next step.
During the day, emulsions can act as the concluding stage of your regime, providing a smooth, soft base for makeup. Come night, emulsions can be layered beneath moisturisers to provide additional hydration and comfort. This is particularly beneficial for dry skin types.
On a quest for a lotion to quench the thirst of parched skin? Your search ends here with fresh's latest Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion. This swift-absorbing, creamy formula is tried and tested to masterfully regulate hydration between oil and water across all skin types*—with a light-as-air finish.
The Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion owes its effectiveness to Damask rose extract, chosen from over 200 varieties for its singular makeup and skin benefits. This extract is scientifically verified to escalate your skin’s hyaluronic acid reserves, shielding your skin barrier against water depletion.
*normal, dry, oily, combination
Written by Tori Douglas for Fresh. Tori is a NYC-based digital and brand strategist. Tori has worked for various publications and brands such as Kiehl's, The Body Shop, Deux Hommes Magazine, and Elite Daily with her expertise lying in the fashion & beauty space.