You can find skincare buzzwords like “intense hydration,” “replenishing,” and  “booster” plastered across packaging and marketplace SEO, but what’s the truth behind hydrating the skin? Can we rely on these products as much as it seems? Let’s talk about how to truly hydrate the skin from the inside out and answer some frequently asked questions about how water works in the body, especially along with skincare. 

How much water should you drink? Do you have to drink 8 cups of water?

The amount of water you should drink actually varies from person to person. This is called bio-individuality, meaning that health standards are not one-size-fits-all. However, water does makeup about 50% to 70% of everyone’s body weight, and thus, you will always need an adequate amount to survive and thrive.However, research shows that up to 75% of American are chronically dehydrated.  

Meanwhile,every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Water helps to emit waste through urination, perspiration, and stool. Water also helps to keep your temperature normal and to cushion joints. 

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, suggests that women consume about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.

It’s especially important to stay hydrated in hot and cold temperatures. You can get this fluid intake from food and water. Around 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food anyway. And given the water content, that's why it's so important to eat fruits and vegetables too.

 

Does increased water intake help acne?

More research is needed to determine whether increased water intake can protect the skin against C. acnes bacteria, but because water plays a consequential role in regulating your skin's microbiome and supporting the skin barrier, evidence supports that it could definitely support your body's ability to fight infection and to balance overgrowths of certain bacterium in the gut. And in some cases, the gut can play a major role in acne.

 

How can I boost hydration? Why are people adding salt to their water?

Sodium is an electrolyte, and electrolytes play a significant role in hydrating the body. 

Specifically, sodium pulls water into cells and makes sure water travels in and out of cells properly.

Througout the day, we actually lose electrolytes, especially upon exercising or sweating. However, adding a small amount of salt can replenish electrolytes, improve water absorption, and likewise, prevent dehydration. 

What are electrolytes? 

Electrolytes are things like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. “Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. So, in the body they “regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue.” 

How does keeping the body hydrated boost skincare?

Rather than topical application, the body only becomes hydrated through ingesting fluid. For instance, swimming in a lake is not the same as drinking water. However, skincare can boost the skin's hydration. 

Skin that's dehydrated from the inside can have problems properly absorbing your skincare, and the ingredients may not get delivered as well. Skin that is dehydrated from the inside is also prone to irritation, which can reduce the effectiveness of using actives like salicylic acid, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid. 

Moreover, hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body. But, dehydration decreases the body’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid, leading to a compromised barrier. 

What ingredients hydrate the skin? 

Humectants 

Humectants are ingredients that pull moisture from other products and the air. Humectants also pull water from the skin's dermis into the upper layers of the skin. Humectants are ingredients such as the following:

These are a few.

-Hyaluronic acid

-Glycerin

-Collagen 

-Peptides 

-Propylene glycol

-Panthenol

-AHAs like some sugar molecules

-Beta glucans

Watery serums and moisturizers

Applying a water serum or moisturizer and locking it in with a thicker moisturizer can help hydrate the skin. Plus, many hydrating ingredients have smaller molecules that penetrate more deeply in the skin. 

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Essence - $28.90

Purito Deep Sea Water Cream - $10.07

Occlusives

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Phyto Ceramides - $22.50 

Occlusives such as creams, butters, and even some SPFs can lock in moisture and prevent evaporations. Butters and ceramide moisturizers can also be emollients. Emollients smooth the surface of the skin and help the skin to hold onto moisture more easily. Most moisturizers include both hydrating and emollient features.

But despite how helpful these different products are, it's important to stay hydrated inside and out!