Raise your hands if you have heard this from your mom? Its such a common myth passed on from generations to the next. Today, I will explain to you why drinking water is not the most efficient way to hydrate your skin.
What happens to the water you drink?
The water you drink does not go directly to the skin as it travels down the intestines, it will be absorbed into the bloodstream and the excess water is filtered out by the kidney. In the bloodstream, 90% of the plasma (component of whole blood) contains water. The water in the plasma will diffuse into certain body cells which will be hydrated as a result of this, but the skin will be the last component to be hydrated as it sits outermost. However, it is still vital to drink 8-12 glasses of water per day for body functions. Below, I will show you a simple, more efficient way to keep skin hydrated, by simply applying topical hydration to plump up thirsty skin cells.
Hydration via a Toner
Toner is a must-have in your beauty routine as a toner contains water and humectant properties will hydrate your skin cells. Avoid toners which contain alcohol if its hydration that you are looking for in your routine. Our Rose Toner mist is made of Rose Floral Water with witch hazel in glycerine, and there is no alcohol. So after cleansing, spritz a spray or two and apply your serum immediately.
Hydration via a Moisturiser and Serum
Serums are normally thinner in texture and loaded with antioxidants to fight off free radicals that could damage your skin. Look out for ingredients that will hydrate your skin, so hyaluronic acid is at the top of our list, glycerine, algae extract and panthenol (provitamin B5), to name a few more.
Then layer over your skin with your moisturiser or a face oil, that will lock in the hydration.
Why we love hyaluronic acid
We feature hyaluronic acid in two of our moisturisers in the Nephelium Collection- Nephelium 3 and 4. We love Hyaluronic acid for hydration as it isn't harsh on your skin. It's a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump and hydrated and hence looking younger. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body that acts as a lubricating agent for joints, nerves, hair , skin and eyes.
Hyaluronic acid molecules' unique ability to attract and retain more than 1,000 times their weight in water. It has a jelly-like texture which keeps skin moist and hydrated. As we age, the production of hyaluronic acid declines in our body. As a result, it is recommended that a beauty routine that includes this ingredient will aid hydration of skin.