Air conditioning is at an all-time high as summer temperatures reach their peak this month. Have you noticed that the constant cold but dry air is dulling your skin, creating more acne, oilier complexions or fine lines and wrinkles? Perhaps it’s time for a facial mist!
But do you really need a facial mist? And what exactly do they do for your skin barrier? Turns out they can help with many skin complaints primarily by maximizing hydration.
Dr. Teo Wan Lin, an accredited research dermatologist and scientific author based in Singapore, agrees that air conditioning can “exacerbate preexisting skin conditions such as eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) and this is also a reason why skin can sometimes feel rough, primarily because [skin cells] are losing water to the external environment via a process known as trans epidermal water loss.”
Combat TEWL With the Best Hydrating Face Mist
Trans epidermal water loss (or TEWL) is a process where water evaporates from the skin’s surface into the surrounding atmosphere, and while it’s a natural process, excessive TEWL can lead to fragile, dehydrated and potentially damaged skin.
“Now in terms of improving ambient humidity,” Dr. Teo explains, “adding a room humidifier can indeed help to improve the levels of skin hydration from the perspective of trans epidermal water loss alone but it may not always be the most practical method.”
Especially in the summer months when many places in the United States are muggy and dewpoint levels are already very high, a humidifier can cause condensation on windows and walls which can lead to mold over time. Not to mention that failing to take good care of a humidifier can also create a breeding ground for bacteria. Facial mists, on the other hand, offer a more practical and effective solution.
“Facial mists protect the skin from dryness without increasing environmental humidity per se, by direct application of a moisturizer suspended in a water-based solution and typically, one that is delivered in a spray form,” Dr. Teo adds. The act of spraying your face with water laced with moisturizer protects the skin from dryness without increasing humidity in the air.
“In a single spray,” Dr. Teo confirms, “water nanodroplets ranging from 20 to 70 nanometers are delivered to the skin without increasing the amount of water vapor in the room. Our skin’s source of water comes from deeper layers within and when the skin is initially exposed to a dry environment, what happens is that our skin starts to compensate by delivering more water to the skin’s surface. In this sense, we are working primarily with a limited water reservoir which is found within the skin itself.”
But when using a facial mist, water is delivered directly to the surface of the skin and this helps to preserve hydration levels without incurring excessive TEWL, independent of the environmental humidity levels. So spray on!
Best Hydrating Face Mist for Every Skin Type
Knowing your skin type is important when considering a facial mist that will go the extra mile. Explore these mists depending on what you are looking for:
For dry skin
Choose NOW Solutions’ Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mist if you’re looking for a classic mist that can replenish thirsty skin cells while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, multifruit and cucumber extracts.
“From the point of view of skin quality and texture,” Dr. Teo says, “a facial mist that contains moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid can enhance skin’s viscoelasticity.”
For mature skin
Pick Reserveage Beauty’s Na-PCA With Aloe Hydrating Mist, which contains Sodium PCA, a skin-replenishing humectant that binds moisture to skin or hair cells. As a key component of the skin’s own natural hydration processes, Na-PCA helps to restore skin elasticity and vibrancy. Levels of Na-PCA in the skin naturally decrease with age and exposure to harsh elements, leading to fragility, dullness and cracks in the skin barrier but topical application as through a facial mist helps to replenish these depleted levels, restoring the skin’s ability to retain moisture and fullness.
For sensitive skin
Consider Pranarom’s Organic Soothing Facial Mist Calm with gentle ingredients including roman chamomile waters which contain compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene. Both can reduce redness, itching and irritation associated with conditions like rosacea, eczema or dermatitis. Add lemon balm and lavender flower waters for a blend that is rich in antioxidants while still providing soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus a scent that is simultaneously relaxing and invigorating to help you get through a hectic day still smiling.
For oily skin
Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner is the perfect choice for those with naturally dewy skin as it blends the pore minimizing action of organic, family farm grown witch hazel with moisturizing glycerin, aloe vera juice and cucumber fruit extract. While it might seem counterintuitive, oily skin can often be dehydrated, leading to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate. But a facial mist like this one can provide a lightweight layer of hydration, helping to regulate oil production and improve skin texture.
Important Next Steps
- First, always check the ingredients before using a new facial mist. Avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals such as solvent alcohols including SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which can actually increase trans epidermal water loss, not prevent it.
- Follow up a facial mist with your favorite serum and facial lotion. Damp skin is naturally more permeable so using a mist after cleansing but before moisturizing can help your serums and lotions penetrate deeper.
- Always check with your dermatologist about introducing any new product to your skin care regime, especially if you’re experiencing skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Additionally, individuals prone to acne may want to opt for oil-free mists to avoid exacerbating a breakout.
Start Misting Today
Now that you’ve learned more about the science behind facial misting and are thinking of what type of mist is most compatible to your skin, just remember, according to Dr. Teo, “Our skin’s source of water comes from the deeper layers of the skin. When the skin is initially exposed to a dry environment [like air conditioning], it reacts by delivering more water to the skin surface. The surge of water supply eventually plateaus (given there is only so much that the deeper skin layers can deliver), and this ultimately leads to dry skin.”
But misting can provide much needed water content to the skin’s surface to preserve hydration levels. Plus a scented spray can help amp up your productivity or inspire you to decompress, depending on whether you’re staying late again at the office or having brunch with your friends on a Saturday morning. There’s a mist for every occasion – enjoy exploring!