Face It: Water May be Hazardous to Your Complexion
by Lori A. Cascone

You learned in grade school that we can't live longer than a few days without water. It's also common knowledge that we need water to avoid dehydration, especially during exercise. But if you think water is essential for a blemish-free complexion, you're drowning in a sea of misinformation.

Good hydration, according to the American Dietetic Association, means maintaining an ongoing supply of water for your body's needs. Water regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes wastes. It also cushions joints and protects organs and tissues.

Water, like all nutrients, plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and in treating many skin disorders, according to Nutrition for Women: The Complete Guide, by Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietitian. A healthy hydration level keeps the skin moist, soft, and supple. Dehydration causes the skin to dry out, welcoming wrinkles and other skin irregularities. But dermatologists say water is not enough to deter or diminish wrinkles, as well as acne and other blemishes.

It's What's Outside That Counts
"Most dermatologists do not believe that — in the absence of dehydration — drinking water has anything to do with skin quality or disease, despite what the 'experts' quoted in beauty magazines say," according to Dr. Richard D. Granstein, from the department of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

"No matter what the claims, the water content of the skin is entirely dependent on the water content of the air above the skin — humidity, external moisture — and independent of the state of internal hydration," says Dr. William L. Weston, chairman of the department of dermatology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. "In other words, you can drink until you're water-logged and not improve your skin."

Drinking too much water can actually harm your body. "With excessive water," says Granstein, "you can actually dilute the electrolytes in your system." Electrolytes are essential for the regulation of body fluids and the transmission of nerve impulses.

And too much water outside your body can be detrimental, as well, says Dr. Wilma F. Bergfeld, head of clinical research in the department of dermatology at The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. She says it's important to cut back on bathing, because hot baths and soaps actually remove natural oils that help trap water in the skin.

It's Wise to Moisturize
"After bathing," Bergfeld suggests, "apply a moisturizer to wet skin; it will help trap the water in your skin."

She adds, however, that it's important to wipe away excess lotion, because the skin won't be able to absorb it all. The excess lotion will clog pores and leave an oily base, which can contribute to acne and other skin disorders.

In addition, Bergfeld says, environmental factors, such as wind and heat, are culprits in causing skin problems. Sun exposure and heat cause the skin to lose much-needed moisture through evaporation.

To ward off wrinkles, Bergfeld says, "the best thing is to use moisturizers that reduce them." She suggests lotions that contain alpha hydroxy acid, retinol (vitamin A), and vitamin C.

Hydration Hints
A good way to determine if you are hydrated properly is to look at the color of your urine. If it's dark yellow, you're not drinking enough. Pale yellow is best, says Evan Mestman, a registered dietician at cyfit.com.

The American Dietetic Association suggests these tips for maintaining a healthy hydration level:

Bring a supply of bottled water when traveling.

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