Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1539961
Protection. Education. Connection. There's an app for that at ascpskincare.com/app 41 DESQUAMATION AND THE ROLE OF WATER The outermost layer of skin undergoes a natural renewal process called desquamation, in which corneocytes slough off about every 28 days, depending on age and lifestyle factors. Protease and glycosidase enzymes are located within the stratum corneum and work to break down desmosomes, which are the keratin bonds that hold the corneocytes together. For these enzymes to function, they need free water to fulfi ll the process of desquamation. Hydrated skin is critical to skin cells, which create a healthy skin barrier. If a person's skin cells are not properly hydrated, it impacts their ability to have a healthy skin barrier. When the skin barrier is compromised, irritations from bacteria can enter the body. Additionally, when skin cells are brittle and malnourished, imbalance is created within the stratum corneum. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is common when water is not maintained within the stratum corneum and evaporates through exposed gaps within the skin barrier. 2 CONSEQUENCES OF DEHYDRATED SKIN Dehydration is the lack of water within the skin and can appear as dryness, fl aking, and tightness. This is a temporary state and can be addressed by the client changing exhibiting factors such as reducing their use of overexfoliating products and preventing exposure to harsh climates. As the body ages, dryness is experienced at higher rates. Dehydration can impact all skin types, not just dry skin. Chronic dehydration can: • Increase oxidative stress • Delay cellular turnover • Lead to premature skin aging • Impair the skin's ability to heal or defend against irritants and pathogens If a person's skin cells are not properly hydrated, it impacts their ability to have a healthy skin barrier. SKIN PHYSIOLOGY INTERNAL HYDRATION AND SYSTEMIC BENEFITS Proper internal hydration supports systemic body functions. At the cellular level, it allows body functions to stay in process. There are several body functions dependent on water—regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, transporting nutrients and oxygen, and fl ushing out waste. Hydration isn't just a beauty tip—it's a biological necessity. To support glowing, resilient skin, it's vital to feed cells from the inside with water and essential fatty acids like omega-3s. Because healthy skin isn't just seen—it's built, cell by cell. Notes 1. Félix M. Goñi, "The Basic Structure and Dynamics of Cell Membranes: An Update of the Singer–Nicolson Model," Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes 1838, no. 6 (June 2014): 1467–76, doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.01.006. 2. Jose V. Camilion et al., "Physiological, Pathological, and Circadian Factors Impacting Skin Hydration," Cureus 14, no. 8 (August 2022): e27666, doi.org/10.7759/cureus.27666. Resource Nagendra, K. S. "Skin Health Understanding Maintaining and Enhancing the Skin Barrier." Health Science Journal 18, no. 3 (March 2024): 1122. itmedicalteam.pl/articles/skin-health- understanding-maintaining-and-enhancing-the-skin-barrier.pdf.