What is hydration? Hydration is the process that replaces body fluids through the absorption of water. To sustain hydration, it is imperative to drink enough water to replenish all body fluids to avoid dehydration. Water is beneficial to the health of skin and total body wellness. It helps the body’s organs, cells, and tissues function properly. According to scientists, the human body is made up of an average of 60% water. Water serves many purposes to the body and is used to aid digestion, regulate the body’s temperature, process nutrients, and eliminate waste. Although drinking water is the quickest way to rehydrate, there are water-rich foods to substantiate the fluid intake the body requires. At least 20% of our water intakes comes from nutrient-rich water source foods like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, romaine lettuce, and beets. Consuming hydrating fruits and vegetables and drinking water helps retain optimum levels of fluids that deliver valuable results to the body and skin. Water is a requisite.

A NATURAL PURIFIER

Water is considered a natural purifier. Every part of the body depends on water because it helps get rid of toxins. The more water we drink, the purer our blood, which is made up of 92% water. Water keeps the blood flowing effectively throughout the body. Clean blood is crucial to our survival, as it is the body’s oil that keeps all the systems running efficiently. Water is absorbed into the bloodstream where it travels to the body’s cells, tissues, and organs to provide hydration for the body to perform its daily tasks. Once the body has utilized its water intake, it releases the access water through urination. The body loses water immediately through elimination, perspiration, and breathing; therefore, consuming liquids before thirst occurs is ideal to help the body maintain its regularity. Believe it or not, water contributes to breathing by moistening oxygen and helping to thin the mucus-lined airways and lungs. Without water, the mucus lining thickens, causing mucus to build up, blocking the airways and causing inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to chronic respiratory illness.

A MACRONUTRIENT

Although the body cannot use water as a source of energy, water keeps the body hydrated; therefore, it is considered a macronutrient, due to the large quantity of water needed to replenish body fluids. Water aids in cleansing the body’s organs and nourishing the skin.

Unlike food, the body cannot store water; therefore, it is required in an amount that exceeds the body’s ability to produce it. Although water has no flavor, in different areas, there may be minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, that taste salty. Some water may have other minerals, and some may not have any, which will make the water vary in taste.

CHOOSE WATER

Some people would rather drink other liquids containing water, such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks, because water has no flavor. As it relates to diet and nutrient, hydration can be obtained through other sources. Even though some form of hydration can be accomplish by consuming other beverages, it is not recommended to replace water with alternative liquids because it may contribute to premature aging and sluggish digestion. Water is the purest and most natural component we can give the body. Moreover, water helps the body digest foods, carry nutrients to the cells, and regulate body temperature. Consuming large quantities of unnatural liquids may have an adverse effect, causing damage or destroying healthy cells. Occasionally consuming other beverages will not do instant harm, but drinking a few glasses of water after will assist the body to eliminate it quicker.

WATER AND THE SKIN

The appearance of the skin relies heavily on its internal health. The results are visually seen when the body is healthy and functioning properly. Skin, the body’s largest organ, is the external organ that protects the internal organs. The skin’s physiology consists of three layers that medical professionals name the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. As the dermis is the water conservatory and the epidermis releases the water, the skin’s hydration level is maintained. Not consuming enough water can cause dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin show signs of aging anatomically in all areas of the skin. As it relates to diet and nutrient, it is safe to say that the exterior represents the interior. If there are any irregularities in the function of the body due to dehydration, signs will appear on the outer body and face. Such signs are described as dryness, flakiness, tightness, redness, irritation, and inflammation. Under normal conditions, the skin appears plump, radiant, and smooth. The process of hydration can be accomplished by drinking water and incorporating topical solutions that penetrate the skin to encourage hydration. Both drinking water and using hydrating products will help the skin maintain moisture and its elasticity. However, irregularities that occur inside the body can affect the skin’s health and overall appearance.

WATER AND THE BODY

Without water, the body can suffer a great deal. The lack of water slows down the body’s function and delays the healing process. According to research, drinking an ounce of water per pound equates to the amount of water needed to maintain a safe hydration level. Others suggest drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day will keep the body suitably hydrated or using the eight-by-eight rule for hydration. A well hydrated body easily flushes out toxins and keeps the body’s fluids balanced. The body constantly loses water throughout the day by sweating and urinating; therefore, replenishing fluids regularly will prevent dehydration. Hypohydration is the loss of body water. If hypohydration is not reversed, the body functions may be severely threatened due to its inability to regulate its temperature.

Drinking too much water can be dangerous to one’s health, as well. Hyperhydration, also known as toxemia, is excessively taking in too much water. Over hydrating can cause osmosis to compensate for taking in too much water. This condition causes the cells in the body to swell, diluting the blood. Some symptoms that hyperhydration has occurred may be light headedness and nausea. If water intake is not managed, the face and body will hold the water, causing puffiness and even swollen areas. As professionals, we must educate clients thoroughly about proper hydration and the dangers of under hydrating, as well as over hydrating. Sustaining a reasonable amount fluids for one’s body should be a priority. The body is uniquely designed to address abnormal issues by signaling the brain to do something or alarm us that something is wrong and needs to be corrected.

WATER SOURCES

To fulfill the water contents the body requires for survival may be as effortless as drinking water from a faucet. However, due to contaminants, environmental toxins, and harmful chemicals that can be found in the water supply, our natural water source must undergo filtration to make it safe enough to drink. For optimum hydration, alkaline water and ozonated water are both rapidly absorbed, resulting in immediate hydration of the skin and body. Both alkaline and ozonated water deliver antiaging benefits and are said to slow down the aging process. Alkaline water carries a pH value of eight or nine, which is over the normal pH for water. This has been proven beneficial to the overall health of the body, such as increasing blood flow, preventing disease, and curing skin dermatitis. Ozonated water can help speed up the healing process and is therapeutic. It is water that has been oxidized with ozone gas that rids skin disorders, such as acne and aging. Whether it is purified, spring, distilled, or natural tap water, it is a matter of preference and all serve the same purpose – hydration; however, alkaline and ozonated water can add a bonus with amazing healing benefits. Needless to say, hydration is the key to maintaining good health and wellness. If clean, fresh, pure water is unavailable, supplementary options can be great replacements to replenish the body.

Water is the most important substance to maintain extraordinary skin. Pure water enhances the skin’s appearance. Here are a few tips to stay hydrated throughout the day:

• Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to break the fast.
• Drink another glass within 30 minutes after the first.
• Drink water before every meal.
• Before the urge of urination occurs, drink a glass of water.

References

Helmenstine, Anne Marie. “How Much of Your Body Is Water?” ThoughtCo. 2019. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-much-of-your-body-is-water-609406.

Reynolds, Gretchen. “Ask Well: Can You Drink Too Much Water?” The New York Times. 2015. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/ask-well-can-you-drink-too-much-water/.

Cole Patterson has been a licensed aesthetician for over 20 years. She has extensive knowledge in medical dermatology and makeup artistry specializing in men’s skin care and grooming. She has graced the faces of some of Hollywood’s most famous actors, entertainers, and professional athletes. Patterson works in the film and television industry behind the scenes as creative director and makeup artist. She is the owner of Cole Skincare for Men