Say hello to hydrated skin

We all know that water is vitally important to our wellbeing (gotta get those 8 glasses a day!). But why is it such an important factor when it comes to a radiant complexion?

Having well-hydrated skin does more than just help us look our best. It also helps the skin perform its critical role as a barrier between you and the outside world.

Its ability to act as a barrier is one of the key mechanisms your body has for reducing the likelihood that infectious organisms and compounds from the chemicals we come into contact with will get into our bodies.

And importantly it also minimises the loss of substances we need, including water itself. This is essential for keeping our cells working, our blood pumping and our brains firing on all cylinders (among many other functions).

Skin Feeling a Bit Thirsty?

Even if you’re fanatical about lathering moisturiser on from the outside, you may still find your skin’s a little lacklustre if you’re slipping up on internal hydration. Most creams and serums don’t actually penetrate very deeply – plus there’s a lot going on beneath the skin’s surface that can impact its hydration levels.

The obvious reason that our skin can become dehydrated comes down to inadequate water intake. But everyday conditions such as cold weather, low humidity levels and even dry air generated by air conditioning increase our skin’s permeability, and therefore the amount of moisture we lose through our pores.

And perhaps most importantly, the older we get, the more dehydrated our skin tends to become.

So, how does hydration help the skin?

Hydration benefits the skin in multiple ways, supporting its:

• Structure, elasticity and biomechanics (in other words, the way the skin moves)
• Smoothness (by decreasing its tendency to shed cells)
• Lubrication, reducing friction between the skin’s fibres

Boost hydration with coconut water

TIP: Coconut water spoils easily when in contact with the open air, so it’s best consumed either fresh from the coconut or as freeze-dried coconut water powder that can be mixed with water, juice or your favourite smoothie.

Hyaluronic acid – a magnet for moisture

Hyaluronic acid (sometimes called HA for short) isn’t just the latest buzz word in beauty circles, where it’s making its way into a plethora of moisturisers and serums.

It’s a compound with a gooey texture that’s produced in our bodies and is found in our skin - and it’s truly incredible stuff.

Sometimes referred to as ‘nature’s moisturiser’, hyaluronic acid is remarkable for its ability to bind with up to 6000 times its weight in water. It also supports the tissues’ ability to retain that water, consequently helping to support hydration.

That’s why we like to think of hyaluronic acid as a magnet for moisture.

The amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin is one of the key factors influencing its hydration.

By helping to keep moisture locked in, hyaluronic acid supports the skin’s smoothness (for example by giving it a plumper appearance), facilitates the transport of nutrients the skin needs, and supports the skin’s natural repair and healing processes.

Hyaluronic acid and ageing skin

Unfortunately, our body’s hyaluronic acid levels decline with age.

For example, a woman in her 20s, 30s or early 40s has around twice as much hyaluronic acid in the surface layer of her skin (the epidermis) as a 60-year-old woman, and about four times as much as a 70 year old.

This natural decline in hyaluronic acid is one of the main reasons that our complexion gradually loses moisture, volume and plumpness as we get older.

Hyaluronic acid levels can also be depleted by exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

If you want more hyaluronic acid in your life, you can easily consume it in your diet with foods such as sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens and bone broth. And for an added boost, you could try a supplement containing hyaluronic acid.

Vitamins A and C support skin hydration

Vitamins A and C are both antioxidant powerhouses that work hard to support the skin’s own defences against free radical activity, which contributes to the ageing process.

Vitamin C is required for the body’s production of collagen, which supports our skin’s structure, hydration, strength and elasticity.

Vitamin A supports the skin’s ability to store hyaluronic acid, as well as healthy collagen structure, exfoliation of skin cells and moisture retention.

 

Head here to learn more about the importance of collagen for incredible skin and how you can snooze your way to stunning skin.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.