Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive or somewhere in between, hydration is the key to your skin’s future.

Coffee. Wine. Late nights in smoke-filled cities. While these may sound like the makings of a good time, when it comes to your skin, these vices don’t play nice.

Most women’s skin at some point in time is dehydrated, especially those of the oilier varieties. This happens because the skin over-produces oil to compensate for moisture loss.

Your body is made up of 70% water and keeping it well hydrated throughout the day will help it running at an optimum level. However, a close second contender to the 2L bottle is being stocked up with some of the market’s leading hydrating heroes in a jar. It’s not quite cheating, but it’s close.

Common signs of dehydration are fines lines around the eyes, lips and mouth, or a deflated looking complexion. In some cases, the skin will start to overproduce oil throughout the day in an attempt to protect the skin’s surface. A simple way to test your skin is with the pinch test: if your skin doesn’t bounce back and rather, holds the crease, chances are it needs a drink of water!

What is the difference between a moisturiser and a hydrator?

A moisturiser works by holding water in the outermost layer of the skin, as well as protects it from environmental aggressors like a knight’s shield. Applying a good product creates a barrier that keeps oils from escaping while blocking harmful outside elements from causing any more damage.

Hydrating, on the other hand, makes the skin plump and supple (yes, there is a subtle difference!),  increasing the water content to the top layer or the dermis. They usually contain occlusive agents that keep moisture from leaving the skin and humectants that attract more moisture. So in a sense, hydrating products help your moisturiser go the extra mile.

No matter your skin type, hydration is the key for a more balanced, plump and youthful complexion.

Change your skin’s future and find your dermal knight in shining armour with our MM personal pick of these HYDRATION favourites.

1. Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion 

 An oil-free, feather-light lotion to help hydrate and reduce unwanted shine. The non-greasy formula soothes irritated skin on contact and helps to eliminate congestion. Microspheres help absorb surface oils, giving skin an all-day matte finish… and it’s formulated without artificial fragrances and colours. Dermalogica’s Oil Control is perfect for over-sensitive skin types that can plague the fellas. Put this on your boyfriend gift list.

2. La Mer the Moisturising Gel Cream

This cooling gel moisturiser is infused with a potent concentration of the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, the heart of La Mer’s effective potency. It instantly delivers the same radiance, renewal and suppleness that made the original Crème de la Mer a hero, leaving your skin deeply hydrated, refreshed and glowing. Ideal for all skin types and warm-weather climates. This is an MM personal favourite for long-haul travel and to prime skin before makeup.

3. Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum 

This moisture-enhancing oil-free serum utilises the power of Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) combined with Hyaluronic Acid to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water! This helps restore vital moisture balance and provide long-lasting hydration to all skin types. Do I need to say more? What separates this product from the rest is the anti-ageing Vitamin B3 (Nacinamide), which visibly plumps and reduces fine lines and wrinkles to give you a supple, dewy and more youthful appearance. Use it under your daily moisturiser if you want to boost the hydration levels of tired, stressed or extremely dehydrated complexions.

4. Laroche Posay Toleriane Ultra Minimalist Daily Moisturiser 

 My go-to for ultra-sensitive or allergic skin types, Laroche’s Ultra Minimalist Daily Moisturiser is also perfect for overly dry, irritated skin – instantly soothing and giving relief with its rich, smoothing and hydrating texture. Build hydration, reduce redness and energise the skin by layering it over the top of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. This wonder-product is also ideal for setting or re-hydrating your makeup, or for nourishing super-dry skin types that need some extra love.

5. Skinstitute Multi-Active Mist Hydrating & Brightening 

 The Multi-Active Mist is perfect for dehydrated, sensitive and ageing skin. It deeply hydrates and nourishes while reducing irritation and sensitivity. With Vitamin B3, Ginseng, Green Tea and Liquorice Root, the Mist improves skin radiance, texture and tone, increases general resistance to daily stress and neutralises free radicals t0 reduce inflammation. I adore this product both under and over a model or celebrity’s moisturiser for an extra, anytime hit of hydration. It even keeps feeding the skin through red-carpet makeup!

6. Aspect Hyaluronic Serum 

A unique blend of Hyaluronic Acid effectively replenishes the moisture content for the most stressed-out complexions. It’s high-tech, but all you need to know is that this product is super hydrating, calming and soothing due to a potent burst of antioxidants. The serum works by reducing trans-epidermal water loss, loading skin with nutrients and other rich, active ingredients such as a zen-inducing Aloe Vera Leaf Juice. If you have reactive, inflamed, flaky or super-sensitive skin, this lil baby is your saviour.

Credits

Photograher: Josie Clough at DLM for Maxmade.com.au | Hair & Makeup: Max May | Words: Alina Berdi | Model: Inka Williams at IMG