How the skin copes with hydration itself. And how can we help her?

The skin is the largest organ of our body, which is extremely efficient. On a daily basis, we do not realize how many activities it performs and that it protects not only the inside of our body, but also ourselves against external factors. Most of us live in an unfavorable environment (which, unfortunately, we have a moderate impact on), and our habits raise the bar for our skin even higher - just to mention constant showers and baths, makeup, makeup removal ... In addition, in our climate zone, winter and summer are periods that are particularly vulnerable dry skin.

How does the skin cope with such conditions? He has his secret weapon! Key words are NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) and hyaluronic acid.

What is the Natural Moisturizing Factor?

This term is used to describe a set of compounds naturally present in our skin, which together help maintain the level of proper hydration in the upper layers. Most NMF is found in the stratum corneum, i.e. the outer layer. NMF is produced naturally accompanying the processes of sweating, secretion of sebum and keratinization of the epidermis. It binds water, and thus ensures smoothness of the skin, eliminates roughness. What does it include? Amino acids, lactates, urea and PCA.

We will focus on two components of the Natural Moisturizing Factor: Urea and Sodium Lactate.

Urea (INCI: Urea)

Pretty unfortunate name, but great performance. We associate urea with something unfavorable, which the body is trying to get rid of. And it gets rid of it - among others through the skin - by effectively moisturizing it. At higher concentrations, it has a mild keratolytic effect - that is, it dissolves the horny stratum corneum (and this is why we love it the most!). At lower levels, it effectively softens and moisturizes due to its ability to retain water. This moisturizing ingredient is found in the formula of the Perfect Day Light Normalizing Serum.

Sodium Lactate (INCI: Sodium Lactate)

Lactic acid salt - very delicate for the skin, soothes irritations. It is one of the most effective humectants*, preventing drying. We like it because, unlike glycerin, it is not sticky and does not tend to clog pores. It not only improves hydration but also supports the skin in its protective functions - it has antibacterial properties. It leaves a pleasant feeling of improving elasticity on the skin. Sodium lactate is mandatory in the Mango Energy Revitalizing Elixir

Hyaluronic acid (INCI: Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid)

Naturally present in all layers of the skin. It not only deeply and permanently moisturizes, but also gives the impression of "filling" the skin, improves elasticity, and accelerates the healing and regenerative processes. There is an incredible amount of it in the amniotic fluid and the skin of newborns, with age its amount gradually decreases. It is, among others, thanks to its presence that the skin of newborns heals quickly and without scarring. Hyaluronic acid is available in pure form - and it is a cosmetic that should be found in literally every beauty product. You can read how to choose a good hyaluronic acid on our blog.

How to moisturize effectively and prevent skin dryness?

Despite the efficient processes taking place in the skin, we can and should help it (especially during periods favorable for drying) by providing humectants* from the outside - preferably those that are naturally present in it - e.g. sodium lactate, urea, and hyaluronic acid. Especially at this stage of the development of biotechnological methods, we can reproduce them quite well (without the use of animal products). Therefore, it is worth paying attention to their presence in recipes, because, as you can easily guess, the skin readily accepts them and absorbs them very easily. They do not cause irritation, and have a beneficial effect on all skin types - you can say that they are biocompatible.

So look for what is naturally present in the skin in the compositions of cosmetics - this is the easiest way to effectively moisturize, and complement your daily care with a BIOUP cosmetic selected for your skin.

If your skin needs a highly moisturizing cosmetic, check out products that combine ingredients with the strongest moisturizing effect thanks to the combination of several humectants in the recipe*: Mango Energy Revitalizing Elixir, Perfect Day Light Normalizing Serum.

*Humekant - a moisturizing substance with a structure that allows it to absorb and bind water molecules from the environment - retains water in the skin, truly moisturizing it. Humectants include, among others: hyaluronic acid, sodium lactate, glycerin, panthenol (provitamin B5), and urea.