Drinking water is good, but cellular hydration is best. Here’s why (and how to do it daily)
A number of years ago, board-certified dermatologist, pharmacist and founder Dr. Howard Murad discovered that the secret to vibrant health lies in maintaining strong cells that can retain water. Since then, The Science of Cellular Hydration has become a key to everything we do at Murad, from our skincare products to our professional Inclusive Health medical and spa treatments.
So what, exactly, is the science of cellular hydration?
As we age, our cells lose water. When we are babies, approximately 75% of our body is water. By the time we reach middle age, our body’s water content can be as low as 50%. The good news is that there is a way to strengthen our cells–even as we age–by incorporating The Science of Cellular Hydration into our daily lives.
The Science of Cellular Hydration looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water within a cell as the fundamental marker of youthful good health. Because skin can only be beautiful if it is healthy at the cellular level, water-rich nutrition, dietary supplements and topical skincare products that we use on a daily basis can go a long way toward optimizing cell health.
Here are some very basic rules of thumb for helping to keep your cells youthful and well-hydrated:
Eating a balanced, water-rich diet is an easy way to create a nutrient rich environment within the body so that the building blocks we need to create strong cells are readily available. When we eat this way, the body is flooded internally with micronutrients to create the ideal environment for the production of healthy cells.
Topical skincare products with powerful hydrating ingredients can also support and enhance the skin’s barrier function to protect cells from environmental damage and dehydration. They can also encourage healthy cell turnover so that surface layers have a higher population of stronger, younger cells. Anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, both topical and internal, decrease the frequency and severity of free radical assaults.
Dr. Murad says, “From working with thousands of patients, I have also found that reducing stress can be a significant factor in hydrating and strengthening cells. People who never switch off, are constantly on the go, and never making time for themselves, tend to suffer from cellular dehydration. By taking at least a little time each day to relax and do something you enjoy, you can benefit every cell in your body.”
If you follow simple lifestyle steps to build the healthiest cells possible that can hold and attract water and nutrients, you can fight aging and disease, and experience a host of health, beauty and lifestyle benefits at the same time.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.
