Does Drinking Water Hydrate Dry Skin?

I believe this is a topic which have been debated widely as there were conflicting views by leading dermatologists.

According to Real Simple,
“Humans aren’t like plants. Our skin doesn’t perk up when we consume water,” says Katie Rodan, a dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay area. In fact, when you ingest it, “water doesn’t go straight to the skin,” she says. “It goes through the intestines, gets absorbed into your bloodstream, and is filtered by kidneys. Then it hydrates cells.” When it comes to moisturizing skin, drinking water falls short.

Your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or a veritable combo platter, is largely determined by your genes. That natural moisture level then fluctuates depending on what your skin’s protective lipid barrier is exposed to. This lipid layer helps keep moisture in and germs and irritants out. (That’s why dry skin can become red and itchy.)

Minimizing your exposure to depleting elements like low humidity, harsh winds, dry heat, high altitude, sun, alcohol, long baths and avoiding stripping soaps can prevent the loss of natural oils. “Diet can play a role in strengthening your skin’s ability to maintain moisture, too,” says Leslie Baumann, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami, in Florida.

Foods rich in the essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and olive oil can help skin cells stay hydrated. A study by the Institute of Experimental Dermatology, in Germany, also revealed that women who took flaxseed- or borage-oil supplements (2.2 grams a day) for 12 weeks experienced a significant increase in skin moisture and a reduction in roughness. A healthy diet with three to five servings a week of fatty acids will suffice for the average person, says Baumann. But if you suffer from very dry skin or eczema, consider flaxseed-, evening-primrose–, or borage-oil supplements. All are good sources of alpha or gamma linolenic fatty acids.

A good moisturizer is best at instantly improving the look and feel of dry skin, and applying one twice a day can help heal serious dehydration.
"A quarter-size dollop of lotion will do much more for your skin than drinking a quart of water,” says Rodan.

As agreed by Dermablog and Howstuffworks, they believe that drinking water to hydrate the skin is just a myth, as no study has ever shown regular water has any impact on your skin and no controlled study has ever shown that any type of drinking water has an effect on your skin.

However, in another souce such as SimplyAntiAging , some respected dermatologists believes that hydration is essential to younger looking skin and drinking water is vital to the process.

In any case, I have the same belief as Purelogicol, I will still continue to drink water throughout the day, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, drink fruit juice or milk for extra water, take flaxseed or evening primrose oil or glucosamine supplements, which helps to hold the moisture in the skin cells and of course to use good skin care products, including a daily moisturiser.

Review on Luke Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch

Claims :

The patch offers intense hydration and relaxation to your tired eyes and deliver nutrients to your undernourished eye area.

- Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbyl Palmitate) helps in collagen reproduction and removes wrinkles
- Vitamin E (also known as Tocopheryl Acetate) provides powerful antioxidant effects

The cresent shaped patches are individually packed in a box of 5 pairs and is greenish tinted. It uses a transdermal delivery system to release the nutrients from the dry foamy patch to the skin.
Although its made in Korea, I actually bought it from Taiwan. Its widely available in their convenience stores or Watsons. As usual, I was caught on by their marketing word "Collagen" and since it was quite affordable, I decided to give it a try.

The scent is quite pleasant and the under eye area feels pretty cooling however I do not see any improvement. Its going straight into the bin.

Ingredients :

Water, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Castor Oil, Octyl Dodecanol, Cellulose Gum, Kaolin, Tartaric Acid, Methyl Paraben, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Retinyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Chromium Oxides (Green), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Fragrance

Source : Urban Beaute

Review on SONY CP Laboratories Inc. Blackhead Off Stick

Made in Japan, this blackhead off stick from CP Sony Labs claims to effectively remove your blackheads and dirt while improving your skin at the same time.
I first read about this product in a magazine about 2 years ago and was really intrigued by it as a local celebrity swears by Sony CP products.

I almost couldn't believe it when I heard its from Sony CP as the company is mainly associated with electronic consumer products so what are they doing with beauty products?
Anyway, when I came across it in Nishino Pharmacy in Liang Court, I knew I had to get it.
I cannot remember the price as it was quite some time back but it should be below $15.

This cute little tube comes in a lovely chirpy yellow colour, almost like a lipbalm and revealed a beige coloured waxy head which I am supposed to rub on the nose in order to remove those detestable blackheads.

Main Ingredients :
AHA soften skin and remove the dirt easily
Witch hazel helps tighten pores and improve skin

Direction:
Use it after cleansing. Face must be dry when using. Rub it on nose or chin. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Use it 1-2 times per week. Do not use it when face is reddish.

A little goes a long way. How much can you possible rub on a tiny nose, I wonder?
I found it to be particularly drying on my nose as it peels after each rub so I do not really like using it.
In fact, I hardly found any benefits in using this as my blackheads are still there and the constant rubbing motion is causing friction and making my nose redder and flaking.

I definitely would not be buying this again as its pretty useless.

Review on Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray

Product Description:
Mist on this environmental shield to immediately reduce the redness and inflammation associated with stress, pollution, climatic extremes or allergies. Unique Anti-Ozonate Complex helps heal skin and prevent future attacks. Ideal for all sensitized skin conditions.

Suitable for flushed, irritated and sensitive skin, this ultra-calming spray formulated with Anti-Ozonate Complex help protect skin from reactive ozone while active botanicals to help reduce irritation and redness is a soothing treat for all those who have used it before.

I received this as a free gift when I bought my Dermalogica products online and was really happy to be able to get a chance to try it. I have been battling with sensitive and flushed skin for the major part of my life. Its not serious but I prefer my skin to be normal, instead of turning red easily under sun or playing sports. My skin has calmed down tremendously ever since I started using Dermalogica products which is also why you may have found many reviews with Dermalogica products in my blog.

Everytime, my skin is flushed, I found myself reaching out for this spray. 4 spritzes are all I need for my face and thereafter I will just lightly tap on my skin.
I cannot describe the scent but I actually hated it very much.
It also irritates and stings my eyes easily so beware to avoid the eye area.

It could be a psychological feel-good feeling that caused me to believe in it because I actually did not really see a marked improvement in my skin sensitivity after using this and its not an immediate recovery from flushed to normal. I still need some time before my skin recovers to its original state after the spray.
As with all Dermalogica products, it contains no artificial colour or fragrance which made it suitable for sensitive skin.

I usually used it as a toner, after cleansing. However, it is kind of sticky which I do not really like. Even after I have lightly tap on my skin to get it absorbed, waited for a while, before I applied my Dermalogica Hydrating Booster, it still feels sticky. Ahhh...

Recommended Use:
Apply after cleansing with Dermalogica's Ultra Calming Cleanser for Face and Eyes. Spray directly over entire face, throat and decollete. Can also be sprayed onto figertips or cotton and pad and applied to skin in light, upward strokes. 

Main Ingredients:
Anti-Ozonate Complex, Green Tea, Balm Mint, Cucumber, Licorice, Raspberry, Canadian Willow Herb

• Natural moisturizer Sodium PCA helps maintain hydration.
• Canadian Willow Herb, Licorice, Raspberry and Cucumber help reduce redness and irritation.
• Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E helps combat visible dryness and protect

Review on The Skin Food Herb Salad Mask Sheet

Product Description

Facial mask sheet to soothe extra sensitive skin. Reduces irritation and controls redness

Mask with herb extracts which provides moisture and comfort to sensitive skin.

The Herb Salad range for sensitive skin comprises various herbs and plant ingredients that are devoid of colors and preservatives so I decided to get a few sheet masks from this range while in Korea.
Containing a herbal smell which is not really pleasant to my nose though its bearable, the sheet size is abit too big for my face and the cut out areas for the eyes, nose and lips are too big.
At 20ml, its quite a good treat for the skin while I relax to enjoy the treatment.

It does not sting and is soothing to the skin. No breakouts after my first mask and it moisturises my skin pretty well.
Skin feels sticky after each session but after rinsing it with water, my face feels much softer and smoother.

I was supposed to say its a keeper but sadly, the next morning, a couple of white small zits appeared on my chin. My skin was pretty fine after the 1st mask usage but these white zits occurred after my 2nd mask usage.
Gee. I think its just not for me.

INGREDIENTS
WATER. GLYCERIN. BETA GLUCAN. ALCOHOL. PPG-26-BUTETH-26. PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL. CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT. PROPYLENE GLYCOL. HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) EXTRACT. BAMBUSA TEXTILIS STEM EXTRACT. BUTYLENE GLYCOL. IMIDAZOLIOINYL UREA. METHYLPARABEN. CARBOMER. TRIETHANOLAMINE. CETYL HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE. CITRUS UNSHIU EXTRACT. DISODIUM EDTA, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE. TILIA CORDATA FLOWER EXTRACT. EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT. HYPERICUM PERFORATUM EXTRACT. SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT. ACHILLEA MILLE FOLIUM EXTRACT. MALVA SYLVESTRIS (MALLOW) EXTRACT. CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT. CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT