How much water should someone who suffers from dry skin drink every day?

I have suffered from dry skin since I was young and have never found a permanent solution to the problem. Is it true that in these cases it is important to hydrate abundantly every day? I would also like to know what quantity of water is recommended for those who have my problem and if there are other effective remedies: I have tried various creams and detergents, but without success.

He replies Antonio Costanzohead of Dermatology, Humanitas Clinical Institute, Milan (GO TO THE FORUM)

Have a «beautiful skin», which resists the passage of time and the external factors that affect its aging, depends on numerous variables. I would put in first place genetics which (at least so far) we have no ability to alter; in second place, very close to the first position, however, we find skin hydration. In fact, contrary to what one might think, the “vital” function of the superficial layer of the skin (the so-called epidermis) is not to repel external “toxic” agents, but to retain water within the body.

One and a half liters of water a day

Genetic diseases that completely prevent this function cause death a few hours after birth due to dehydration: therefore the skin contributes fundamentally to the well-being of the entire organism and the state of hydration is reflected in the skin. Drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day is necessary because the lower layer of the skin (the dermis) maintains the tone of the skin allowing the collagen and to theelastin, two proteins abundantly present in the dermis, to preserve their elasticity, preventing or delaying the formation of wrinkles. The other portion of the skin that needs to be kept hydrated for the skin to function well and look beautiful is the stratum corneumi.e. the most superficial part of the epidermis, which is directly in contact with the outside.

Barrier against external agents

This is the layer that acts as real barrier against external agents and tends to dry out very easily, causing the flaking typical of dry skin. In some very common skin diseases, such as, for example, atopic dermatitisthis layer is genetically altered and allows the entry of allergens which thus come into contact with the skin immune system and cause inflammation. To hydrate it properly you need to not only drink water, but also apply creams that increase its barrier function and prevent dehydration. In short, hydrating the skin from inside and outside makes it more beautiful, healthier and more resistant to the passage of time.