Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum offers a unique, effective solution for more fresh, plump and youthful looking skin

Historically many have viewed hydration as a basic function in skincare, but the expert chemists at Kiehl’s have long understood that hydration is not only critical to maintaining healthy skin and protecting skin’s barrier, but also key to addressing skin aging at the deepest level -- an insight that also inspired the introduction of Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Concentrate. Winner of the prestigious Marie Claire Prix d’Excellence de la Beauté award, this innovative formula floods the deepest surface layers of dehydrated skin to restore vital moisture for more fresh, plump and youthful looking skin.

In 2015, it was reported that men and women have become increasingly aware of the importance of hydration globally, particularly in Asia. But despite this growing interest and demand, the category is riddled with misinformation and myths. In response to this, Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist Dr. Adam Geyer is helping to debunk some of the most commonly understood myths, while taking a closer look at how Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Concentrate offers a true solution to the effects of dehydration. 

Myth #1: Water applied to the skin’s surface will help hydrate the skin 

It has been reported that the simple act of applying water to the skin’s surface can help increase hydration in the skin, noted Dr. Geyer. The truth is that we can’t hydrate our skin optimally by applying water alone without something to anchor water to the skin’s surface.

Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Concentrate is formulated with Glycerin a powerful ‘moisture magnet’ that facilitates barrier function and increases skin’s water holding capability. This plant-based glycerin is complimented by Shiso Leaf Extract – an ingredient often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine - which anchors moisture within the skin and protects naturally occurring Hyaluronic Acid in skin from degrading. 

Myth #2: 8 glasses of water is crucial for skin hydration 

While drinking water is vital for skin’s health, it’s been shown that you can’t correct skin dehydration from water consumption alone, stated Dr. Geyer. As we age, dehydration in our skin increases due to Age Related Dehydration, which occurs when moisture-binding molecules like collagens, elastin and GAGs deep within the skin begin to deplete, allowing essential moisture to escape the skin’s surface. This causes skin to become more prone to visible fine lines, rough skin texture and a dull, tired-looking appearance. That is why, as we age, it’s even more critical for water consumption to be supplemented with topical skincare, so that we mitigate these effects and keep the skin properly hydrated. 

A formula like Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate is a great resource for this especially when layered with a hydrating moisturizer like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. In this case, Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate increased skin hydration by 62.96% at 8 hours after application, and by 43.30% at 26 hours. 

Myth #3: Oily skin types do not need to moisturize as much as dry skin types 

Dehydrated skin is actually quite different from dry skin, asserted Dr. Geyer. Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil, whereas dehydrated skin is a skin condition that occurs due to an imbalance of essential moisture in the Stratum Corneum, which is caused by numerous environmental, behavioral and chronological factors. This means that even oily skin types can experience age-related dehydration, making moisturization relevant to the health of all skin types. 

Kiehl’s Hydro-plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate is a great product for oily skin types because it provides hydration without occlusion. It features a non-oil based formula that is universally suitable to be used day and night without increasing oil on skin’s surface. The formula is also lightweight, yet hydrating by creating a reservoir of water in the skin, which can help balance the secretion of excessive sebum that can occur when oily skin types become dehydrated. 

Myth #4: Dehydration is a skin concern specific to the winter months 

Dry climates in the winter season can lack humidity in the air, causing water to be wicked from the skin, but this isn’t the only time of year to be concerned about dehydrated skin. Pollution, UV and other environmental aggressors that tend to increase during the summer months can make skin even more vulnerable to dehydration, noted Dr. Geyer. Also, during these months of the year many increase their frequency of facial cleansing, which can strip the skin of vital moisture and oil as well. 

Hydro-plumping is the perfect product for achieving a balance of hydration year-round due to its lightweight and oil-free formula. The formula bursts unto skin upon application, providing a similar sensorial experience to splashing water onto the skin, which feels refreshing during summer months and throughout the year. 

Myth #5: Thicker formulas most effectively hydrate the skin 

The truth is that the efficacy of a formula isn’t solely based on its thickness. Instead, efficacy is more dependent on the ingredients of a formula, stated Dr. Geyer. 

Lighter serums that feature humectants like glycerin as seen in Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Concentrate, pull moisture into the skin to leave it glowing and healthy, but without the heaviness or potential pore blockage associated with occlusive products. I recommend applying Hydro-Plumping to the entire face, neck and eye area, as its ophthalmologist tested to help smooth ne lines around the eye, and then layering it with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type, followed by an eye cream if desired. 

Dr. Adam Geyer – Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatologist 

Dr. Adam Geyer, a board certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology is one of Kiehl’s Consulting Dermatological experts with a special focus on product development. Dr. Geyer is a cum laude graduate of Harvard College. He attended the John Hopkins School of Medicine and was the recipient of the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Biomedical Research Career Award. He came to New York for his postgraduate training and completed a residency in Dermatology at the Columbia University Medical Center where he was selected as the chief resident in his nal year. Most recently, he became a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and an Instructor in Clinical Dermatology at Columbia University. To date, Dr. Geyer has authored nearly twenty peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. 

In November 2009, Dr. Geyer opened Tribeca Park Dermatology, a medical and cosmetic dermatological practice in New York City, comprised of a team of leading physicians and specialists, and featuring the latest state-of-the-art skincare technology.