Understanding the Role of the Skin Barrier and How to Maintain Skin Hydration

Drinking water is important because it helps make our proteins and enzymes more efficient. The health of our cell walls depends on essential fatty acids and phosphatidylcholine, which can only be obtained from our diet. Mitochondria, known as the “powerhouse” of the cell, convert food into energy that cells can use.

However, if the cell wall is compromised, the cell cannot absorb the necessary elements for energy production.

Mitochondria produce oxidative stress, but cells have defence mechanisms to neutralize it. Unfortunately, these protective mechanisms decline with age, leading to cellular damage and senescence. Cells can undergo apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death, to protect the body against diseases or abnormal cell growth. The epidermis contains different types of cells with specific functions, such as keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells. Water and its movement through the skin are important for cellular activities and skin health. Enzymes play a crucial role in metabolic functions, and their activity can be affected by factors like humidity. The skin’s barrier defence systems and immune responses are interdependent and rely on the integrity of the skin’s layers. The dermo-junction, rete pegs, and vascular papillae contribute to oxygenation and nourishment of the skin. The dermis provides strength and elasticity to the skin through collagen fibres. The subcutaneous layer contains fat cells and connective tissue.

Water plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin through its impact on the capillary network and lymphatic system. These two interconnected networks are vital for delivering nutrients, oxygen, and removing waste products from the skin cells. When these systems do not function correctly, it can lead to various skin conditions and impair overall skin health.

Capillary Network:

The capillary network refers to the tiny blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. Water, along with other essential substances, is transported to the skin cells through the bloodstream. Here’s how water influences the capillary network and its importance for skin health:

• Nutrient delivery: Water helps maintain an adequate blood volume and fluid balance, ensuring proper circulation to the skin. Sufficient hydration promotes optimal blood flow to the capillaries, enabling the delivery of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to the skin cells. These nutrients are crucial for cellular repair, collagen synthesis, and overall skin health.
• Oxygenation: Water helps transport oxygen to the skin cells through the bloodstream. Sufficient oxygen supply is essential for maintaining cellular metabolism, promoting healthy cell turnover, and supporting the skin’s natural healing process. Inadequate water intake can impede oxygen delivery to the skin, leading to dullness, dryness, and impaired skin function.
• Waste removal: The capillary network also plays a role in removing waste products and toxins from the skin cells. Water assists in flushing out these waste materials by supporting kidney function and promoting adequate urine production. Efficient waste removal is important for preventing the accumulation of toxins that can contribute to skin conditions like acne or inflammation.

When the capillary network is compromised due to dehydration or other factors, it can lead to several skin issues, including dryness, dullness, impaired wound healing, and a compromised skin barrier function. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health and functionality of the capillary network, supporting overall skin health.

Lymphatic Network:

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps remove excess fluid, waste products, and toxins from the tissues, including the skin. The lymphatic system also plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system’s function. Here’s how water influences the lymphatic network and its impact on skin health:

• Fluid balance: Water is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body, including the lymphatic system. Adequate hydration supports the movement of lymph fluid, helping to remove excess fluid and reduce tissue swelling. When the lymphatic system is functioning optimally, it helps reduce puffiness, promote detoxification, and support overall skin health.
• Immune function: The lymphatic system plays a critical role in immune function, helping to defend against pathogens and maintain a healthy immune response. Water is necessary for the production and circulation of lymphocytes, which are crucial immune cells. Proper hydration supports lymphatic circulation, ensuring optimal immune function and helping to protect the skin against infections and inflammatory skin conditions.

When the lymphatic system is impaired or congested, it can contribute to various skin conditions, such as lymphedema, acne, or inflammation.

Insufficient water intake can hinder lymphatic flow and compromise the system’s ability to remove toxins, leading to a build-up of waste products and potential skin issues.

In summary, water’s role in regulating processes in the body extends to the capillary and lymphatic networks, both of which are vital for maintaining the health of our skin. Adequate hydration supports the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells through the capillary network, promoting skin cell function, repair, and collagen synthesis. Additionally, proper hydration facilitates the movement of lymph fluid within the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of waste products and toxins, supporting immune function, and reducing tissue swelling. When these systems do not function correctly due to dehydration or other factors, it can lead to various skin conditions and impair overall skin health.

Charmaine D, our naturopath, is here for you and is committed to helping you move through your ailments and forward into the rest of your life. 

Book in for a free 30 minute skincare consult and see how she can help you!