That time of year again.
Spring has finally arrived and if you're back at work, it might be a shock to the system, struggling to get yourself back into a routine.
The festive season, and its many indulgences can take a toll on our skin and the arrival of spring is the perfect excuse to give it some much-needed TLC.
Dehydrated skin is a common complaint but thankfully, Clarins' new product launch,
Hydra Essentiel, is aimed at retaining moisture and creating a protective barrier against pollution, heat, cold and pollution, all of which can contribute to dehydration.
During the extensive research process, Clarins researchers found that while we go about our busy, stressful daily lives, we are subjected to "as many as 17 thermal shocks per day".
These thermal shocks can change the skin's properties, making it visibly redder, rougher and often sensitive too.
In addition, there's a reduction in water-retaining sponge molecules which has an impact on the skin's "natural hydration capacity".
This helps us to understand how our skin becomes dehydrated which it turn leaves it dull and lacking radiance...enter Hydra Essentiel.
I spoke to Caroline Camuzat, Clarins Scientific Communication Manger, to get the inside information on what sets Hydra Essentiel apart from all the other skincare options available.
Can you explain the importance of the anti-pollution complex with Hydra Essentiel?
Hydra-Essentiel contains our new anti-pollution complex because pollution is known to directly impact skin dehydration in addition to thermic ‘shocks’.
Numerous studies have been carried out worldwide on the impact pollution has on the skin which demonstrated that atmospheric pollution dries out the skin. So, to offer an efficient hydration response, it is essential to protect the skin from pollution particles.
What sets this range aside from other hydrating products on the market?
Hydra-Essentiel has four unique aspects:
- Firstly, it is based on Clarins bio-inspiration and plant expertise. To offer the best moisturizing skin care, Clarins Research was inspired by one of the most effective drought strategies found in Nature: succulent plants capable of surviving in conditions of extreme drought. The new star plant of Hydra-Essentiel is a species of succulent plant called ‘leaf of life’.
- The second unique aspect of Hydra-Essentiel is that organic leaf of life extract powers the skin’s natural hydration on all levels by stimulating the synthesis of sponge molecules capable of retaining water in the corneal layer, the epidermis, and the dermis. Thanks to this complete action, the skin is better hydrated.
- Thirdly, in addition to our hydration expertise, Hydra-Essential also contains our latest anti-pollution complex. Clarins has been a pioneer in the field of pollution and how it affects the skin. We developed protection for the first time in 1991 with the 1st generation of the complex and included it in make-up products that provided specific anti-pollution protection. Faithful to its philosophy of on-going innovation, Clarins has continued to perfect and improve its anti-pollution complex and now offers the 6th generation formula which provides a triple protection of the skin’s barrier function against oxidative damage and against signs of premature skin aging.
- Finally, Hydra-Essentiel offers a complete collection of very sensorial textures and delicate fragrances so that each skin type finds its most suitable moisturizing partner.
What would be your number one skincare tip?
The number one beauty tip is to smile, a smiling woman is a radiant woman.
Then, we recommend adopting good skin care practices such as drinking plenty of water, using suitable products for your skin, daily cleansing and hydrating your skin. It is also important to protect it from UV rays and pollution.
With your professional experience, what is the worst mistake made when it comes to looking after our skin?
In our skin spas, during a skin diagnosis, we sometimes hear women say they have skin concerns such as blemishes, oily or dry skin, and/or sensitive skin.
When we ask them what products they use, it appears that they use products that are not adapted to their skin’s needs. This can damage the skin by altering its natural balance. For example, aggressive cleansers can destabilize cutaneous flora; too powerful or unsuitable oil-regulating care can dry out the skin, and products that are too rich for the skin can lead to an oily residue.
Hydra Essentiel treats dehydrated skin. Apart from dehydration, what are the other major skin problems/complaints women face and how can we combat them?
If hydration is a basic skin care concern for women, they also express concerns with signs of aging. Wrinkles, lack of firmness and dark spots are frequently reported as being an issue for them.
Those concerns can begin around age 30 when first wrinkles appear, then around age 40, when a lack of firmness and skin slackening become major, while around age 50, women are subject to hormonal changes that can lead to the formation of dark spots and more pronounced signs of ageing such as wrinkle and skin slackening.
For all those women, and for every age, Clarins offers specific anti-aging skin care ranges.
What would you describe as the key ingredient in Hydra Essentiel?
As plant experts, we’ve looked for moisturizing solution in nature, especially among succulent plants because those plants remain full of water even in conditions of extreme drought.
We’ve focused on leaf of life, a succulent plant rich in water retaining “sponge molecules” called mucilages located in the leaves and the stem.
Mucilages are like hyaluronic acid for the skin. These components have a strong hygroscopic capacity to trap water molecules and form a substance which is characteristic of succulent plants.
Our botanists selected an organic leaf of life extract capable of stimulating the skin’s natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid and other sponge molecules able to retain water in the corneal layer, the epidermis, and the dermis. Thanks to this complete action, skin is better hydrated.
This is what makes
Hydra-Essentiel THE moisturizing skin care that powers the skin’s natural hydration process.
