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The Role of Humectants in Skin Care

The Role of Humectants in Skin Care

April 22 2021
Every day our skin is exposed to the many elements of the environment around us. Even simple exposure to pollutants, UV rays, and arid air can dry out our skin and lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and dry patches.

In skincare products, a humectant is a vital way to combat dryness and allows moisture to be absorbed back into the skin. At Helen’s Haven, not only do we use humectants in our spa facials, but humectants are also found in several of our SkinTech products for home care in between spa visits to leave you with firmer, moisturized, healthy-looking skin.

What are Humectants and What Do They Do?

Humectants are substances that draw moisture into the skin. This moisture can be pulled from the air, or from different layers of the skin to where it’s needed the most. Essentially, humectants attract water molecules like a magnet and bond water to the skin. This draws water deeper into the layers of the skin, replacing moisture that has been lost.  In higher humidity climates they can draw water from the air and pull it into the skin. 

Humectants also pull water from the dermis to the epidermis.  That increases moisture in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin comprised of dead skin cells.  This helps the skin look less dry and flakey.

What’s the Most Effective Humectant?

One of the more popular humectants is Hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical produced by the body that promotes skin repair and the growth of basal keratinocytes, one of the principal cells of the epidermis.

We have hyaluronic acid in several of our SkinTech products, including our Volumizing Moisturizer, Enlighten Cream, and our newest Hydraboost Replenishing Treatment.

What is Our New Hydraboost Replenishing Treatment?

The Hydraboost Replenishing Treatment is an at-home treatment for dry skin. It’s more of a gel substance, with a lower pH than normal moisturizers. This means that it can be absorbed entirely into the skin! This product also contains a new Hydraboost Fision™ Instant Lift which is a natural solution that provides an immediate skin firming effect, hyaluronic acid, and a lot of humectants. Although you will need to use a moisturizer over it to protect the skin’s surface, you’ll enjoy the results our Hydraboost Replenishing Treatment provides with firmer, softer, healthier skin!

For healthier, younger-looking skin, make an appointment today at Helen’s Haven Integrative Medical Spa and our expert estheticians will assess your skin’s needs and recommend the right treatments to help you look and feel your best. Call us at 808-739-0400 today to book your spa or medspa appointment, or download our free mobile app from iTunes or Google Play to manage appointments on your mobile device. You’ll find us at 4819 Ave., #6 in Honolulu.

 

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