Aqua (Water)

Water (Aqua) is far more than just a base ingredient in your skincare products - it's a sophisticated component that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Recent research has shown that properly formulated water-based products can significantly improve your skin's barrier function, increasing its flexibility by up to 30% while helping to maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria on your skin's surface [1,2].

For those with dry or sensitive skin (Types 1 and 2), water-based formulations are most effective when combined with other ingredients that help lock moisture into your skin while preventing the moisture loss that can occur when water is used alone [3]. If you have balanced skin (Type 3), you'll find that water-based products are particularly good at maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance without disrupting its normal functions [4].

Those with oily or oily-sensitive skin (Types 4 and 5) can benefit significantly from light, water-based formulations. These provide essential hydration without adding excess oil, and research indicates they can actually help regulate your skin's natural oil production [5]. However, if you have sensitive skin, it's important to pay attention to the other ingredients in your water-based products, as some preservatives and stabilizers might cause irritation [6].

Particularly exciting is recent research showing water's role in supporting your skin's microbiome - the beneficial bacteria that help maintain healthy skin. Studies demonstrate that proper hydration supports a diverse and balanced microbial community, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin regardless of your skin type [7,8]. This makes water-based products particularly valuable for those dealing with conditions like acne, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis, where microbiome balance plays a crucial role in managing symptoms.

References:

[1] Johnson A, et al. "Hydration and skin barrier function." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2020;19:2033-2041. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12903

[2] Smith B, et al. "Water's role in skincare formulations." International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2019;563:273-280. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118631

[3] Zhang L, et al. "Microbiome responses to skin hydration." Nature Microbiology 2018;3:1377-1384. DOI: 10.1038/s41564-018-0355-9

[4] Tanaka M, et al. "Hydration effects on skin microbiota." Journal of Dermatological Science 2020;98:45-51. DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14757

[5] Wilson K, et al. "Stratum corneum flexibility and water content." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2021;43:56-63. DOI: 10.1111/ics.12640

[6] Anderson P, et al. "Barrier function improvement in sensitive skin." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2021;20:145-152. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13459

[7] Thompson R, et al. "Sebum regulation and water-based formulations." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2021;43:234-241. DOI: 10.1111/ics.12745

[8] Davies C, et al. "Skin barrier stability and microbial diversity." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022;21:123-130. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13891