AT A RECENT BEAUTY symposium in Kerala, India, top scientists explained the striking similarities between the macro ecosystem of our planet and the human body.

?The circulation of water on earth essentially determines where we can live and thrive. Similarly, our whole physiology is constructed around water. Both the planet and our bodies need water in the right place at the right time and of the right quality,? says Colin D?Silva, principal scientist at P&G Beauty.

And while it?s common knowledge that our body needs eight glasses of water a day, huge advances have also been made in understanding water in relation to skin health.

Take, for example, the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of Aquaporins, micro-channels embedded in skin cell walls, which explains the importance of releasing and channeling water to maintain a healthy body. These scientific advancements in measuring and modeling water in the skin and hair are changing the fundamental understanding of water and its effects on our appearance.

Water and skin

The skin?s primary function is to act as ultimate barrier for our body, keeping water and nutrients in and harmful substances out. We lose more water when it?s cold and dry for example, than in warm and humid weather. And as the dry weather draws water from our body and skin, we need to replenish it more than in a more humid environment.

The latest research by P&G scientists, with other collaborators, has led to the development of a new method that allows in-depth profiling of skin, in real-time and in vivo.

?This means that we are now able to virtually look into the complex structure of the skin and determine how well it is hydrated at deeper levels as well as the surface,? adds D?Silva.

Scientists concluded that in the long term, dry skin or general prolonged changes in the water balance of the skin accelerates the signs of aging. ?Dehydration leads to more fundamental changes such as lack of firmness and suppleness, which, in turn, makes wrinkles more visible and the skin more saggy. Moisture is essential not only in the skin?s top layers but also in the deeper layers for skin to function well and look good,? says D?Silva.

The solution? Skincare products containing aminopeptides including Vitamin B3, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid (found in Olay Total Effects and Regenerist) that can deliver instant moisture to skin and significantly increase its total water content.

Water and hair

?Hair needs the right moisture balance to keep its natural healthy look and flexibility. Too much water weakens its structure, while too little makes it dry, dull, and difficult to manage,? says Dr. Jasmine Karsono, principal scientist and manager of haircare scientific communications at P&G.

The challenge for all hair types, adds Karsono, is to maintain or build up the hair?s moisture barrier and keep it working efficiently. This discovery led to the development of water-activated Pantene Pro-V and Wella Bio Touch Aqua Collection, which is designed to smoothen and protect hair even when wet, reducing breakage and hair fall.

And as water is becoming a bigger issue, we?re seeing it impact on fashion and beauty, from more environment-friendly manufacturing practices to colors, fabrics, textures.