Why today’s thermal shocks lead to tomorrow’s dry skin

MANILA, Philippines — There was a time only aging people or those who lived in dry climes suffered from dry skin. But today, thanks to climate change and “thermal shocks,” even young people are feeling the dryness.

“Thermal shocks are sudden changes in temperature, especially in Asian countries, from the hot outdoors to aircon indoors, which makes it harder for the skin to retain water,” says Pam Aguirre, Clarins’ educational manager in the Philippines.

Clarins Research discovered that we undergo an average of 17 thermal shocks a day. In a climate-controlled room, Clarins studied 35 women and measured their skin reactions. They found that the skin’s “sponge molecules” — which soak up and retain water — declined, and that the topmost layer of the skin thickened, resulting in rough, red, uncomfortable skin.

Ultimate moisturizer: Madagascar’s organic “leaf of life” enriches Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream, available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source.

Clarins, which has been making plant-based moisturizers since 1968, recently found the perfect botanical to quench the skin’s thirst: Kalanchoe pinnata or “leaf of life,” a succulent plant from Madagascar whose leaves Madagascans use to heal wounds and treat injuries.

“It reactivates the skin’s hydrating properties, protects it from thermic shocks, and boosts the production of hyaluronic acid 3.6 times,” notes Aguirre.

Clarins combined this organic “leaf of life” with an upgraded anti-pollution complex to create Hydra-Essentiel, a range of moisturizers with intense hydrating actions, in aquamarine blue bottles and jars that you’ll instantly associate with cool, refreshing water. To make the skin look even more radiant, Clarins added the aptly named beautyberry extract to protect microcirculation.

Hydra-Essentiel is the result of Clarins perfecting its moisturizing range for 49 years, ever since it launched its Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Base in 1968.  Since then, the range has leveled up five times, from custom moisturizing for different skin needs (Hydra-Care) to multi-level moisturization (HydraQuench).

This sixth-generation iteration boosts the production of sponge molecules like hyaluronic acid, which retain water.

Though the range consists of eight products globally, only four are available here: the Bi-Phase serum, cooling gel for normal to combination skin, light cream for all skin types and silky cream for normal to dry skin.

The serum has a weightless, watery texture that I like — subtly scented, it reminds me of a refreshing facial mist that you can splash on instead of spray, except that it also plumps and moisturizes the skin.

I predict the cooling gel will be a summer must-have. An attractive shade of blue, it instantly melts into your skin, refreshes and mattifies it, so it also makes an excellent makeup primer or touchup product.

The light cream was developed specifically for Asian climates. Featherweight and absorbed quickly, it leaves skin velvety and smooth, with no greasy after-feel.

The ideal regimen for us Pinoys is to use the serum topped by the cream. The result? Skin that feels comfortable, with no trace of tightness of dryness, plus you’re protected from pollution and have a fresh glow. Can’t ask for much more from a moisturizer.

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Clarins is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source.