One of the myths that have become almost set in stone is that drinking water will make skin more hydrated and glowing. While drinking water is important for overall health, it is crucial to understand that it alone cannot fully hydrate your skin.
Let’s discuss the science behind skin hydration and provide effective strategies to maintain hydrated and healthy skin.
The three layers of skin:
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The skin comprises 3 layers the
- Epidermis,
- Dermis,
- Hypodermins (subcutaneous tissue).
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and protects the body from the environment. It is made up of dead skin cells that are constantly being shed.
The dermis is the middle layer of skin and is made up of living cells, blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. The subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of skin and is made up of fat cells.
Hydration in the skin is maintained by a balance between water loss and water retention. Water loss occurs through the skin’s surface, while water retention occurs within the skin’s cells. The skin’s ability to retain water is influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, age, climate, and lifestyle habits.
Understanding Skin Hydration:
Drinking water prevents dehydration of the body in general. However, drinking water alone will not hydrate the skin. This is because the upper skin layer does not have any blood vessels. So it is impossible to receive nutrients and water from the water that you drink.
The best way to hydrate your skin is by applying skincare products directly to it. This includes products like toners, serums and moisturizer that contains humectants. Humectants are substances that attract water and help to keep the skin hydrated.
Common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea.
Additional Tips for Hydrating Your Skin:
- Avoid hot water & harsh soaps: Hot water and harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and gentle, hydrating cleansers that preserve the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Exfoliate gently: Regular exfoliation is beneficial for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. However, excessive or harsh exfoliation can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, leading to increased water loss. Choose gentle exfoliants and limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact the skin’s health and disrupt its natural barrier function. Practice stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Stress reduction promotes skin health and hydration.
So why drinking water is essential for overall well-being, it can’t hydrate your skin. The best way to hydrate your skin is by incorporating moisturizers with humectants topically – which means direct application to your skin.
You can achieve a radiant healthy complexion and promote long-term skin health with a simple skincare routine and you can get started on the journey with my signature course THE SKINCARE UNIVERSITY or my book LOOK YOUNGER LONGER.
Free Chapter: Look Younger Longer
- Discover why having a skincare routine is SO important
- Learn ways your skin protects you from the outside world
- Learn about the HALO effect and the ways your skin can affect your salary
