If the FDA ordered the human body to list its contents in descending order of magnitude, water would be at the top of the list.  Along with food and oxygen, water is one element we cannot live without, at least not for long.  But most people never quite have enough of it, and constantly run at levels that are "down a quart".  This level of mild dehydration can have a distinct effect on the optimal running of the body, and also on the optimal beauty.

I had a patient who used to water ski with her cousins every year in upstate New York.  The ski boat was driven by her rich uncle, who happened to be a notorious tightwad.  In order to save money on gas, he only drove the boat at half speed.  The kids were all dragged around very slowly, with water up to their hips.  Pictures of their faces were telling; not one of them had any fun this way, just for the lack of a bit more "oomph". 

By keeping the modern body in a chronic state of mild dehydration, the human on dry land is having a similar sub-optimal time of it.  Not quite enough "oomph" to power the full metabolism, keep the blood , urine, and digestion flowing smoothly, keep the defense mechanisms like tears and mucous membranes properly functioning to defend us against illnesses.  Its been noted that we can live months without food,  minutes without air, and barely a few weeks without water.    But water is not only vital to life itself.  Having enough of it is critical to our daily health, and essential to our function and appearance.  For the latter reason, water has been called the ultimate First Beauty Tip: Drink enough of it!

For example, the face is the most constant presentation of a person's beauty.  When that person is "down a quart", the skin not only is more prone to flakiness, but every cell in the face loses its water pressure or  turgor.  Think of the turgor that keeps a flower standing tall in its vase; then think of the droopy flacid stem when one forgets to add water to it.  Human cells respond in just the same way.

When deprived of quite enough water, the skin of the face gets soft and dough-like, and the lips are dried and puckered.  The eyes often become red, and the lids puffy as a consequense of dryness.  No point trowelling on the make-up quite yet!  Botox and surgeries?  Not so fast!  Help is easy to tap, and its free!

But be  careful of what else may be in your drink.  Soda pop has eight spoonfuls of sugar in each can, which is hugely inflammatory for the cells.  Alcohol (beyond  a healthful glass or two) is going to make the dehydration worse.  Hence the post-hangover vision in the morning mirror: an acute attack of face. 

Water is what you are missing, and water is what you should use to replace it.  

But selling is critical.  Lukewarm tap water in an old mug is not very appetizing.  So reach for a favorite crystal glass, add a few ice cubes, slice of lime, bubbly bottled water, a paper umbrella...whatever it takes to "sell" it to yourself.   A great way to market free tap water is to do what the French bistros do: save a couple of old wine bottles, and keep tap water in them, in the refrigerator.  No cap needed.  Taken out of the fridge and placed on the table, the bottle is frosted, and looks cool and quenching even if you add nothing else to it. 

So the next time you look in the mirror and start thinking of surgical remodelling of your face, take a second look at your fluid levels.  Try drinking at least an extra quart (liter) of water each day, and you will be at least starting your recovery in the healthiest possible way.  Here's looking at you! 

If you have any comments on the above, please contact me on this blog, or visit me at peterhansonmd.com. 

If you wish to learn more about the face, visit facemaster.com.