Every day 4-8 oz. of water evaporates through the skin, and we
don't even notice how it happens. Replenishing water by
drinking more fluids is helpful, but does not guarantee smooth
and resilient skin. Moisture balance is regulated by chemical
reactions in tissues, and is not directly related to the amount
of water you drink.

If we could apply water topically, it would not help much
either. Skin does feel soft and moisturized right after a bath:
it happens because the horny layer (the outermost
skin layer), which is formed by dead skin cells, absorbs water.
During a bath up to 2 oz. of water can be absorbed by the skin.
But this water is not allowed any deeper than the surface
cells. Later, within 10 minutes, all this water evaporates,
leaving skin dry again.

Human skin has its own mechanism to prevent moisture loss. Our
skin cells work hard to create a protective layer. This layer
consists of oils, aminoacids, sugar compounds and other
elements, either water or oil soluble. All together they bind
with water and don't let it evaporate. Water that is not
allowed to leave skin surface is absorbed by the horny layer
cells. The skin becomes softer, smoother and more flexible.

Hot or cold air, low humidity, frequent contacts with water or
cleansing solutions ruin the protective layer, and skin loses
its natural ability to hold moisture. When water level in the
skin drops by 10%, the skin becomes dry, itchy and flaky.

As we age, skin's protection mechanism slows down and skin
becomes dry. In some people dry skin is inherited genetically.

Even though the outermost skin layer is made of dead cells, we
have to take care of it. The primary function of the horny
layer is protection of deeper skin layers, where new cells are
born. Regular use of hydrating creams helps to prevent water
loss, restore moisture balance and elasticity of the outer skin
layer and help it do its job.

Oils, mucopolysaccharides, and fatty acids are widely used in
cosmetics to prevent water loss. The most effective cosmetic
ingredients for this purpose are liposomes, ceramides and
sphingolipids.

Liposomes are microscopic spheres that can be used to
encapsulate water, vitamins or other beneficial ingredients.
Because these elements are similar in structure to cell
membrane, they are easily utilized by the skin. They can
penetrate skin surface, bind with it and release the substances
they carry.

Ceramides and Sphingolipids are the elements that hold skin
cells together so that the environment can not get in and the
moisture can not get out. Lipids are lost with age, and the
moisture barrier is weakened. Research shows that applying
ceramides topically has the effect of generating ceramide
production in the skin, thereby increasing the lipid content
and reinforcing the protective barrier.

Look for creams with the above ingredients to keep your skin in
its best condition and defy aging.

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