How to properly hydrate your skin in winter?

In winter, the skin is exposed to strong temperature changes and can become dryer, more sensitive, and prone to irritation. To protect it, daily hydration is essential.

How to Hydrate Your Skin?

In cosmetics, the term "hydrate" is often used as a marketing term rather than a scientific one. It suggests that products provide water to the skin. However, the skin is mostly impermeable to external water, and only a small amount can penetrate its layers.

To achieve deep and lasting hydration, moisturizers work indirectly by supporting the skin’s natural functions.

1. Film-Forming Agents and Emollients

These ingredients reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by forming a protective layer that slows down water evaporation. They reinforce or replace the skin’s natural hydrolipidic film.

At Helwé, we only use natural molecules instead of synthetic ones like silicone or mineral oils.

A. Hydrophobic Film-Formers

• Natural beeswaxes reduce water loss (TEWL) by over 98%.

B. Hydrophilic Film-Formers

• Large molecules such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid form a hydrated film on the skin surface. They retain moisture while allowing the skin to breathe.

C. Emollients

• Smooth, soften, and protect the skin by filling microcracks in the epidermis.

• Made of natural lipids like vegetable oils and ceramides, they penetrate deeper and support skin health.

• At Helwé, all oils used are non-comedogenic.

2. Humectants

Humectants draw water from the dermis and the environment, reinforcing the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF).

Natural humectant ingredients include:

• Glycerin

• Hyaluronic acid

• Aloe vera

• Vitamin B5

• Honey

These ingredients help maintain healthy skin, repair damage, and prevent dryness.

At Helwé, we combine film-forming agents, emollients, and humectants in our formulations for maximum hydration.

Helwé Hydration Essentials

Sérum Hydratation Intense

• Humectants: Hyaluronic acid, Aloe vera, Vitamin B5

• Emollients: Squalane

Crème Prodigieuse

• Humectants: Honey, Royal jelly, Aloe vera, Hyaluronic acid

• Film-formers: Beeswax

• Emollients: Calendula macerates, Squalane, Jojoba oil

Sérum Nuit Essentielle

• Emollients: Sea Buckthorn oil, Apricot oil, Jojoba oil, Macadamia oil

Booster d’Énergie

• Emollients: Jojoba oil, Macadamia oil

• Antioxidants: Pomegranate, Tomato lycopene, Carrots

Masque Pulpeux

• Humectants: Collagen, Honey, Hyaluronic acid, Aloe vera, Beech tree buds extract

• Emollients: Vegetable oils – Jojoba, Macadamia, Squalane

How to Apply the Routine

Morning:

1. Sérum Hydratation Intense

2. Mix Crème Prodigieuse with a few drops of Booster d’Énergie

Night:

1. Sérum Hydratation Intense

2. Crème Prodigieuse

3. Sérum Nuit Essentielle

For maximum hydration, we recommend following the complete Helwé layering routine designed for dry and dehydrated skin.