Skin: How Dehydration Affects It

Adequate water intake is essential for good health, as water participates in many functions – from regulating internal temperature and digestion to brain and kidney function. But what happens to the skin if we don’t drink enough water?

“The body is made up of about 60% water, and replenishing the amounts lost through bodily functions and sweating is vital for our survival,” says Dr. Markos Michelakis, Dermatologist-Venereologist (Aesthetic Dermatology-Dermatosurgery). “Dehydration causes organic problems that in extreme cases can be life-threatening. The skin, however, is the largest organ of the body, so it is also affected by a lack of water.”

As he explains, as we age, the skin gradually loses its natural elasticity, making it more difficult for water to penetrate the cells. This can lead to faster dehydration compared to when we were younger. This explains the dryness, tightness, and peeling that develop in dehydrated skin.

Furthermore, when fluid intake is insufficient and the body begins to dehydrate, the existing water reserves are prioritized for vital organs such as the liver, brain, and lungs, and removed from less vital tissues.

Less vital tissues include connective tissues such as collagen, which is a major protein in the skin and one of the first to stop receiving water when body reserves are low.

When collagen is not adequately hydrated, its fibers begin to break down and stick together, resulting in the formation of fine lines on the skin’s surface.

The effects of body dehydration on the skin are especially noticeable in people with naturally dry and sensitive skin. They are also more likely in individuals with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, because in such cases transdermal water loss increases. For those with severe inflammatory skin disorders, even mild dehydration can be a serious issue. Therefore, monitoring fluid intake is essential, emphasizes Dr. Michelakis.

But how much water should we drink to avoid dehydration of the body and consequently the skin? “The needs of each person vary depending on their activity level, age, and many other factors,” Dr. Michelakis responds. “Those performing heavy manual labor, working outdoors or in very hot environments, or sweating a lot, require more water than sedentary individuals. Similarly, in summer we need much more fluids than in winter – at least one extra liter per day.”

He continues: “Although the classic advice is ‘drink eight glasses of water a day,’ for the average adult it is probably more accurate to say four to six glasses, because we also obtain water from many other sources. These sources include all beverages (without sugar and alcohol, which has diuretic properties), as well as many foods with high water content, such as fruits, vegetables, soups, or even pasta. Beverages with caffeine should be consumed in moderation, as large amounts of caffeine have diuretic effects, promoting fluid loss and increasing the likelihood of dehydration.”

However, these quantities apply to healthy individuals, he clarifies. Anyone with a chronic condition (e.g., thyroid disease, kidney disease, heart disease) should consult their doctor about the amount of fluids they should consume.

Urine color provides a good indication of whether you are drinking enough fluids, adds Dr. Michelakis. Ideally, it should be pale to transparent. The more yellow or dark it is, the greater the water deficiency. In cases of dehydration, urine will be scarce and very dark (even brown), you may feel weak, possibly have low blood pressure, and feel dizzy.

Drinking plenty of fluids is important, but it is not the only thing you should do to prevent skin dehydration.

“Skin hydration is significantly influenced by lifestyle, but not entirely,” says Dr. Michelakis. “If we had to quantify it, I would say that at least 20–30% of skin hydration depends on the consistent application of topical moisturizers, while the rest comes from what we consume through our diet.”

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/beauty/skincare/a28038/how-to-fix-dehydrated-skin/

https://graziadaily.co.uk/beauty-hair/hair/water-skin-hydration/