Effective hydration requires an understanding of skin’s unique characteristics. The Stratum Corneum (the outer layer of skin) is denser for Fitzpatrick phototypes IV, V and VI (aka darker skin tones). This density provides a natural bonus with more collagen and elastin, but makes nourishing its deeper layers challenging. When skin is dehydrated, it loses its natural antioxidant powers, and the increase in oxidative stress can manifest as hyperpigmentation (as opposed to wrinkles or sagging skin more common in phototypes I, II, and III).

Read More