It is generally stated that topically applied cosmetic products can be helpful in restoring normal hydration to dry skin. However, less recognized is the positive influence that drinking plenty of water can have on the skin’s appearance.

Approximately 45% to 70% of human body weight consists of water. One-third of the total body water is extracellular, and two-thirds are within the intracellular compartment. Water is free to move between the cell membranes with any net movement controlled by the effective osmotic and hydrostatic pressures. This balance of body fluid is dependent on the intake of water through drinking, food, and metabolism and the loss of water through natural processes.

The three components of the skin, the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat tissue, play a major role in water regulation, with the Subcutaneous water content helping to maintain many of the skin’s biophysical properties. Soft, smooth skin has an optimally hydrated Subcutaneous with a water content of approximately 20% to 30%, and a water content of less than 10% to 20%, resulting in abnormally dry skin. While the environment can play its role. A good balance between water intake and loss is vastly important in helping to maintain healthy water content in the Subcutaneous, which has a positive influence on skin hydration.

An increased intake of pure, healthy water helps to enhance nutrient absorption, skin hydration, detoxification, and virtually every aspect of better health. However, studies have also shown that drinking dietary natural mineral water or taking a food supplement containing pro-hydrating actives maintains adequate skin hydration as well.

Mac-Mary et al  showed that the magnitude of change in a Corneometer measurement on the forearm of healthy subjects increased by 14% when 1L of mineral water was consumed per day for 42 days, which was clinically significant and similar to the observed modifications with moisturizing cosmetic products (10–30%).

Primavera and Berardesca investigated how a capsule containing an active product based on vegetable ceramides, amino acids, sea fish cartilage, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids improved skin hydration after oral use.

Significant improvement in Corneometer readings were seen in the active-treated groups  in addition to a decrease in skin roughness and improved skin smoothness after 40 days, as measured using a VisioScan1.

Self- and clinical-assessment data confirmed the results of the biophysical measurements. These studies demonstrate that a proper diet with adequate water and mineral intake is just as important in the management of skin hydration as a complementary cosmetic approach.

Puch et al. further showed that ingesting a probiotic containing dairy product enriched in glinolenic acid (an o-6-polyunsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to enhance the rate of barrier recovery when applied topically and when taken orally), vitamin E, and catechins improved barrier function after six weeks of taking twice a day dosage. The average improvement was 13%. The reduction in trans-epidermal water loss was observed throughout the six-month study, despite the changes in season.

Conclusion

Maintaining hydration of the stratum corneum (Skin) can be accomplished using a number of different mechanisms. From using mild surfactants that minimally compromise the skin barrier to delivering moisturizers (humectants, occlusive oils, and lipid modulating agents), these materials offer a means of adding moisture back to the skin or, alternatively, reducing Water loss. The skin itself, in fact, has a natural process to minimize excess water loss. The Diet and water regulation is an important factor for development and nourishment of skin.

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