Hydration NATION

Anewly reformulated range of skin moisturisers helps our skin and the environment at the same time, reports Sally Hunwick

With a third La Niña event in a row, this country has seen record rainfall and an unheard-of number of sodden days. Considering all the environmental issues these deluges bring, it's understandable that they're at the front of our minds.

When it comes to our complexions, however, hydration levels can often be overlooked in the list of skin goals. But high levels of complexion hydration can help solve a host of skin gripes.

Just like parched ground, dehydrated skin can reveal symptoms of neglect. "Some signs that your skin is dehydrated could be that it's looking dull, flaky and feels itchy," says Johnson & Johnson Pacific research & development manager Mary Sikallos.

From swimming to excessive airconditioning, the causes of dehydrated skin are many. But aside from environmental issues, age also plays a part. "As we age, our skin's ability to produce its own hyaluronic acid decreases," explains Sikallos of the substance that's one of our natural hydrators.