About 60% of your body is made up of water. For a lot of people this doesn’t make sense, but think of it this way; you can go three weeks without food, but only three days without water. That’s how important it is to your body.
Every cell in your body has water in it, with some cells containing a higher percentage than others. Your brain and heart for example are made up of around 73% water, while your lungs are an amazing 83%. Your skin is about two thirds water, and as the largest organ in the body, it is essential to keep hydrated to stay healthy.
Why your skin needs hydration
Your skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (underlying skin), and the subcutaneous tissue.
The epidermis layer of the skin is the protective barrier, stopping everything from UV-rays to dirt and germs. The less moisture there is in the cells making up the dermis, the less effective it is.
Underneath is the dermis, the supporting layer. It contains blood vessels that provide your skin with water and nutrients to regulate skin temperature, lymph for the removal of toxins, nerves, and more.
Your skin is a complex organ, and needs to be hydrated to work at full capacity. If it’s not, the effects are not just superficial, but can filter through and damage your overall health.
The epidermis layer of the skin is the protective barrier, stopping everything from UV-rays to dirt and germs. The less moisture there is in the cells making up the dermis, the less effective it is.
Underneath is the dermis, the supporting layer. It contains blood vessels that provide your skin with water and nutrients to regulate skin temperature, lymph for the removal of toxins, nerves, and more.
Your skin is a complex organ, and needs to be hydrated to work at full capacity. If it’s not, the effects are not just superficial, but can filter through and damage your overall health.
The difference between hydration and moisturisation
Although they may sound like the same thing, skin hydration and skin moisturisation are two different things.
Moisturisers reduce water loss through the skin by forming an oily barrier. Remember, oil and water don’t mix, so adding a layer of moisturiser to your skin will stop the water from evaporating off your body.
Hydration products on the other hand, are designed to increase the amount of water under your skin. They will usually constitute a hydroscopic substance which attracts water, absorbing it from the air and binding it to the skin.
If using skin products, it’s best to use hydrating products first, and add a moisturiser second. This will add water to your skin, and seal it shut, preventing the water from escaping during the day.
Moisturisers reduce water loss through the skin by forming an oily barrier. Remember, oil and water don’t mix, so adding a layer of moisturiser to your skin will stop the water from evaporating off your body.
Hydration products on the other hand, are designed to increase the amount of water under your skin. They will usually constitute a hydroscopic substance which attracts water, absorbing it from the air and binding it to the skin.
If using skin products, it’s best to use hydrating products first, and add a moisturiser second. This will add water to your skin, and seal it shut, preventing the water from escaping during the day.
Why you become dehydrated
There are a variety of reasons why your skin may not be getting the water it needs to stay healthy.
Sweating is obviously a big reason you lose fluid, so being out in the sun or any kind of exercise should be followed by plenty of water.
An illness can also dehydrate you too, particularly if you have a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting. In such cases, you might need to drink even more water to replace what was lost.
Overall dehydration is a serious health risk, resulting in fatigue, dizziness and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms and haven’t taken on fluids in the past 12 hours, contact your doctor.
Sweating is obviously a big reason you lose fluid, so being out in the sun or any kind of exercise should be followed by plenty of water.
An illness can also dehydrate you too, particularly if you have a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting. In such cases, you might need to drink even more water to replace what was lost.
Overall dehydration is a serious health risk, resulting in fatigue, dizziness and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms and haven’t taken on fluids in the past 12 hours, contact your doctor.
Benefits of hydrated skin
Having properly hydrated skin makes you look noticeably healthier.
Hydration is the key to a plump, supple skin, which is firm to the touch. A properly hydrated and moisturised skin also helps fight the signs of aging, including warding off wrinkles and saggy skin.
Dehydrated skin can actually cause you to look oilier, as with less water to defend against dirt and grime, the body sends more oil to hold the fort. This not only looks unpleasant, but can exacerbate skin conditions like acne or eczema.
Hydration is the key to a plump, supple skin, which is firm to the touch. A properly hydrated and moisturised skin also helps fight the signs of aging, including warding off wrinkles and saggy skin.
Dehydrated skin can actually cause you to look oilier, as with less water to defend against dirt and grime, the body sends more oil to hold the fort. This not only looks unpleasant, but can exacerbate skin conditions like acne or eczema.
How to keep your skin hydrated
The best, simplest, and most obvious way to stay hydrated is to drink water. Your skin needs hydration from the inside out, and drinking a couple of litres of water per day is recommended.
Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. We all get caught up in our daily activities, and it’s easy to forget to stop and take a drink. It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water by your desk at work, and constantly take sips from it – you’d be amazed how much you can get through in a day.
And always have a bottle of chilled water in the fridge. This will not only remind you to drink some, but will stop you from being tempted by high-calorie soft drinks or fruit juices.
It’s also important to remember that hot water dries the skin out, so when taking a bath or shower, make sure the temperature isn’t too hot.
It’s recommended that you apply a hydration product immediately after showering, as this will replace any water lost. After that, lock it in and protect your skin with a moisturising product.
Remember, your body is constantly losing water, and if you work in an office building with air-conditioning, this will increase the rate of loss due to the dry air. If you live in an apartment block, it’s recommended you invest in a humidifier, which will keep at least some of the moisture in the air.
Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. We all get caught up in our daily activities, and it’s easy to forget to stop and take a drink. It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of water by your desk at work, and constantly take sips from it – you’d be amazed how much you can get through in a day.
And always have a bottle of chilled water in the fridge. This will not only remind you to drink some, but will stop you from being tempted by high-calorie soft drinks or fruit juices.
It’s also important to remember that hot water dries the skin out, so when taking a bath or shower, make sure the temperature isn’t too hot.
It’s recommended that you apply a hydration product immediately after showering, as this will replace any water lost. After that, lock it in and protect your skin with a moisturising product.
Remember, your body is constantly losing water, and if you work in an office building with air-conditioning, this will increase the rate of loss due to the dry air. If you live in an apartment block, it’s recommended you invest in a humidifier, which will keep at least some of the moisture in the air.
Talk to us about skin hydration
When it comes to skin hydration, we have a wide variety of skin care and cosmeceutical products to help.
Our wide range of professional skin care products combine advanced active ingredients, including Vitamin A and B derivatives, botanicals, and Hyaluronic Acid.
For almost two decades the Vein and Skin Clinic has been the central hub of vein treatment and Appearance Medicine in the greater Wellington Region. Dr Henryk Poczwa and his cosmetic nurses have many years of experience in the fields of varicose veins, liposuction, appearance medicine procedures and skin rejuvenation.
Contact us today if you have any questions about our skin care products, or any of the treatments we offer here at the clinic. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to help in any way they can.
Our wide range of professional skin care products combine advanced active ingredients, including Vitamin A and B derivatives, botanicals, and Hyaluronic Acid.
For almost two decades the Vein and Skin Clinic has been the central hub of vein treatment and Appearance Medicine in the greater Wellington Region. Dr Henryk Poczwa and his cosmetic nurses have many years of experience in the fields of varicose veins, liposuction, appearance medicine procedures and skin rejuvenation.
Contact us today if you have any questions about our skin care products, or any of the treatments we offer here at the clinic. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to help in any way they can.
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