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With the onslaught of nutrient- and chemical-enriched waters on the market, it's tough to figure out which ones work and which ones are a scam. Here, the inside scoop.
By Neha Gandhi
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Vitamins, minerals, chemicals, fancy filtration processes, and even extra-wet water have descended upon the water industry recently. If you're looking to hydrate for healthy skin, Brita and less caffeine no longer seem to cut it. But these new water products claim to do everything from plumping up lines on your face to clearing up acne, so it's easy to be a little wary. That's why we went out and got the lowdown on all the different waters and water-enhancers -- so you can save your energy to focus on getting in your eight glasses a day.
Plain Old H2O
Water really is the wonder-non-drug, if there is such a thing. It is naturally oxygenating, hydrating, and balanced in minerals. It improves the skin's barrier function and elevates skin's resistance to environmental aggressions. It even plumps out fine lines and prevents spotting. Not a bad deal, and certainly more than enough reason to keep us guzzling the Evian.
Despite water's natural benefits, many companies are now claiming to improve on it with nutrients, chemical additives, and filtration processes that are supposed to be especially beneficial to the skin. For all the info on the different products that hope to one-up even water, read on.
"Wetter" Water (Vita Enhanced Water)
What it claims: This product is actually a water-enhancing concentrate (you add 1 oz. concentrate per gallon of water) to allow water (and the vitamins you ingest with it) to penetrate cells more readily, for better hydration. You would need to drink about 6 to 10 ounces of the mixture (1 ounce per gallon of filtered water) a day for best results. For more information, visit vitacorp.icthus.net.
The science behind it: According to Vitamark, the makers of this product, the concentrate is a polymer that allows the water molecule to penetrate your cells more readily due to a lowered surface tension in the H2O molecule. They claim the resulting mixture contains body-benefiting electrolytes, and that the molecular structure of the water actually changes, resulting in a smaller, more oval molecule and a more alkaline solution (with a pH level of approximately 10 -- up from a neutral pH of 7).
What the experts say: Vitamark reps were unable to explain the actual reaction that would produce electrolytes in the water and change its pH balance, but promised that these changes would result in water that could be more readily absorbed. Dr. Adrienne Denese, a physician specializing in anti-aging, with an eponymous skincare line, verifies some of these claims. "This water may benefit skin," she says, "because the water molecule is smaller and more alkaline. It's possible that it can enhance hydration. Whether it helps the skin or not is up for debate. But alkaline water is better for the skin and for the body in general. All physiological functions generate acidity, and by drinking alkaline water, you are countering that. The body has a very narrow pH range where it can function, so alkaline water really helps."
Nutrient-Enriched Waters
What it claims: Borba, the trendiest of these waters, comes in both a crystalline powder (just add water) or in bottles, both available at Sephora. According to their reps, the product is "infused with age-fighting skin renewers to help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve elasticity, and renew the skin's natural glow."
Borba claims to work with your unique body chemistry to provide visible skin-clearing benefits in just 28 days, drinking two bottles a day. This drink is not for the commitment-phobe though. You have to treat it as a regimen like going to the gym -- as long as you stick to it for the full course and take it daily, reps promise it will work. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that are meant to help clarify, hydrate, or plump skin.
An additional benefit? Borba reps believe you can replace your daily water intake with just two 8-ounce bottles of Borba every day.
The science behind it: A reverse-osmosis process is used to purify this water, remove ions, and purify again. It is then injected with skin-benefiting nutrients -- they have built the nutrients onto a platform attached to the water molecule so heat and cold don't affect the changes to the water.
The water is specially formulated for three different skin problems: they have clarifying, hydrating, and anti-aging waters. Here is a breakdown of each:
Clarifying: The hero ingredient is pomegranate, a free radical purifier that cleanses the pores, promising a 52 percent reduction in breakouts. It provides superior cellular absorption while enhancing the body's oxygenation.
Hydrating: The hero ingredient is lychee, which acts as a natural humectant for your skin. It helps maintain and moisturize cells, and helps the body retain moisture at the cellular levels. It promises to improve water retention in cells by 50 percent.
Anti-Aging: The hero ingredient is acia, a Brazilian fruit like a big blueberry, which is a natural collagen enhancer -- at the cellular level, it builds walls around cells to smooth the skin. It's like natural Botox -- it plumps up skin. It promises to slow the visible signs of aging by 51 percent.
What the experts say: Princeton University's Dr. Thomas Spiro, professor of chemistry, questions the idea of ingesting these nutrients orally for skin-specific benefits. "I don't think these additives have any effect at all on the water. But if you want these ingredients, they are available in pills, and that's more efficient than drinking the water. These effects are not specific to the skin. In the water, they may have general effects," he says. "The most effective approach, however, is a topical approach."
Dr. Denese also doubts Borba's claims. While she certainly encourages eating these fruits for better skin, she does not believe they will work in water. She says, "There is no way that they can put enough pomegranate, lychee, or acia in there to make a difference. Absolutely, I recommend that people eat the real thing for better skin, but there is too little of the fruit in the water to make any difference."
Reverse-Osmosis Waters
What it claims: Penta claims to be the purest water on the market. Like Borba, it undergoes a reverse-osmosis filtration process, but there are no additional nutrients or vitamins in the water. It simply promises all the benefits of water raised to a greater degree, since it is cleaner and more readily absorbed. For more on Penta, visit www.pentawater.com.
The science behind it: Penta goes through a 13-step purification process, using physics rather than a chemical restructuring process. It claims to result in a water molecule about 30 per cent smaller than its original size (which supposedly removes water's natural impurities), which enables the water to penetrate cells more readily and function more efficiently. It also claims to keep each cell healthier, extending a skin cell's lifespan by 250 percent.
What the experts say: Dr. Spiro and Dr. Denese are doubtful of these numbers. "It's not possible to alter the water molecule. That's out of the question. And it's highly unlikely that any water would have 30 percent impurities," says Spiro.
But don't write Penta off completely. Facialist-to-the-stars Kate Somerville swears by it. She stocks it in her salon and says, "I'm a huge believer of hydration -- my whole clinic is based on hydration and nutrition for the skin. The most hydration you can get through the purest water possible is the best way to go."
Dr. Denese also agreed that purified water is beneficial to hydration, which can produce visible short-term results, as far as skin is concerned. "The water molecule becomes smaller here, and it hydrates the cells better," she says.
Nutrient-Rich Sodas
What it claims: Radiant Nutrisoda improves elasticity and firmness by infusing the soda with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants such as gotu kola and green tea. It's developed a celebrity following -- Charlize Theron, Sienna Miller, and Mischa Barton are all fans. Pomegranate-flavored and free of calories, carbs, sugar, caffeine, sodium, and aspartame, it's a nice alternative to soda. For more information, visit http://www.airforcedrinks.com/radiant.asp.
The science behind it: They claim to have many meaningful levels of nutrients and are significantly different from other waters in terms of ingredients.
According to CEO Joe Heron, the main drivers in the soda are the amino acids (which are the building blocks of protein) lysine, proline, and arginine -- these facilitate soft tissue repair and collagen production. Radiant also contains antioxidants, vitamin D, and folic acid. Additionally, the soda contains 14 different nutrients with specific scientific data that supports skin health.
What the experts say: "We're pretty much a soda, not water," warns Heron, "You should not try to replace your water intake with it. People are bored with water now, and it lacks a little bit of zing. We want people that are frustrated with diet soda because we're a healthy alternative to it."
That said, Dr. Denese doesn't believe in the power of the nutrients and amino acids added to the water. "If they had the proper amount of nutrients in there, it would taste awful and nobody would drink it," she says, "For argentine or lysine, you would need 3 or 4 grams of it (that's several teaspoons) and there's no way you could put even a fraction of that in water without having it taste horrible."
Originally published on MORE.com, June 2005.
By Neha Gandhi
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Vitamins, minerals, chemicals, fancy filtration processes, and even extra-wet water have descended upon the water industry recently. If you're looking to hydrate for healthy skin, Brita and less caffeine no longer seem to cut it. But these new water products claim to do everything from plumping up lines on your face to clearing up acne, so it's easy to be a little wary. That's why we went out and got the lowdown on all the different waters and water-enhancers -- so you can save your energy to focus on getting in your eight glasses a day.
Plain Old H2O
Water really is the wonder-non-drug, if there is such a thing. It is naturally oxygenating, hydrating, and balanced in minerals. It improves the skin's barrier function and elevates skin's resistance to environmental aggressions. It even plumps out fine lines and prevents spotting. Not a bad deal, and certainly more than enough reason to keep us guzzling the Evian.
Despite water's natural benefits, many companies are now claiming to improve on it with nutrients, chemical additives, and filtration processes that are supposed to be especially beneficial to the skin. For all the info on the different products that hope to one-up even water, read on.
"Wetter" Water (Vita Enhanced Water)
What it claims: This product is actually a water-enhancing concentrate (you add 1 oz. concentrate per gallon of water) to allow water (and the vitamins you ingest with it) to penetrate cells more readily, for better hydration. You would need to drink about 6 to 10 ounces of the mixture (1 ounce per gallon of filtered water) a day for best results. For more information, visit vitacorp.icthus.net.
The science behind it: According to Vitamark, the makers of this product, the concentrate is a polymer that allows the water molecule to penetrate your cells more readily due to a lowered surface tension in the H2O molecule. They claim the resulting mixture contains body-benefiting electrolytes, and that the molecular structure of the water actually changes, resulting in a smaller, more oval molecule and a more alkaline solution (with a pH level of approximately 10 -- up from a neutral pH of 7).
What the experts say: Vitamark reps were unable to explain the actual reaction that would produce electrolytes in the water and change its pH balance, but promised that these changes would result in water that could be more readily absorbed. Dr. Adrienne Denese, a physician specializing in anti-aging, with an eponymous skincare line, verifies some of these claims. "This water may benefit skin," she says, "because the water molecule is smaller and more alkaline. It's possible that it can enhance hydration. Whether it helps the skin or not is up for debate. But alkaline water is better for the skin and for the body in general. All physiological functions generate acidity, and by drinking alkaline water, you are countering that. The body has a very narrow pH range where it can function, so alkaline water really helps."
Nutrient-Enriched Waters
What it claims: Borba, the trendiest of these waters, comes in both a crystalline powder (just add water) or in bottles, both available at Sephora. According to their reps, the product is "infused with age-fighting skin renewers to help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve elasticity, and renew the skin's natural glow."
Borba claims to work with your unique body chemistry to provide visible skin-clearing benefits in just 28 days, drinking two bottles a day. This drink is not for the commitment-phobe though. You have to treat it as a regimen like going to the gym -- as long as you stick to it for the full course and take it daily, reps promise it will work. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that are meant to help clarify, hydrate, or plump skin.
An additional benefit? Borba reps believe you can replace your daily water intake with just two 8-ounce bottles of Borba every day.
The science behind it: A reverse-osmosis process is used to purify this water, remove ions, and purify again. It is then injected with skin-benefiting nutrients -- they have built the nutrients onto a platform attached to the water molecule so heat and cold don't affect the changes to the water.
The water is specially formulated for three different skin problems: they have clarifying, hydrating, and anti-aging waters. Here is a breakdown of each:
Clarifying: The hero ingredient is pomegranate, a free radical purifier that cleanses the pores, promising a 52 percent reduction in breakouts. It provides superior cellular absorption while enhancing the body's oxygenation.
Hydrating: The hero ingredient is lychee, which acts as a natural humectant for your skin. It helps maintain and moisturize cells, and helps the body retain moisture at the cellular levels. It promises to improve water retention in cells by 50 percent.
Anti-Aging: The hero ingredient is acia, a Brazilian fruit like a big blueberry, which is a natural collagen enhancer -- at the cellular level, it builds walls around cells to smooth the skin. It's like natural Botox -- it plumps up skin. It promises to slow the visible signs of aging by 51 percent.
What the experts say: Princeton University's Dr. Thomas Spiro, professor of chemistry, questions the idea of ingesting these nutrients orally for skin-specific benefits. "I don't think these additives have any effect at all on the water. But if you want these ingredients, they are available in pills, and that's more efficient than drinking the water. These effects are not specific to the skin. In the water, they may have general effects," he says. "The most effective approach, however, is a topical approach."
Dr. Denese also doubts Borba's claims. While she certainly encourages eating these fruits for better skin, she does not believe they will work in water. She says, "There is no way that they can put enough pomegranate, lychee, or acia in there to make a difference. Absolutely, I recommend that people eat the real thing for better skin, but there is too little of the fruit in the water to make any difference."
Reverse-Osmosis Waters
What it claims: Penta claims to be the purest water on the market. Like Borba, it undergoes a reverse-osmosis filtration process, but there are no additional nutrients or vitamins in the water. It simply promises all the benefits of water raised to a greater degree, since it is cleaner and more readily absorbed. For more on Penta, visit www.pentawater.com.
The science behind it: Penta goes through a 13-step purification process, using physics rather than a chemical restructuring process. It claims to result in a water molecule about 30 per cent smaller than its original size (which supposedly removes water's natural impurities), which enables the water to penetrate cells more readily and function more efficiently. It also claims to keep each cell healthier, extending a skin cell's lifespan by 250 percent.
What the experts say: Dr. Spiro and Dr. Denese are doubtful of these numbers. "It's not possible to alter the water molecule. That's out of the question. And it's highly unlikely that any water would have 30 percent impurities," says Spiro.
But don't write Penta off completely. Facialist-to-the-stars Kate Somerville swears by it. She stocks it in her salon and says, "I'm a huge believer of hydration -- my whole clinic is based on hydration and nutrition for the skin. The most hydration you can get through the purest water possible is the best way to go."
Dr. Denese also agreed that purified water is beneficial to hydration, which can produce visible short-term results, as far as skin is concerned. "The water molecule becomes smaller here, and it hydrates the cells better," she says.
Nutrient-Rich Sodas
What it claims: Radiant Nutrisoda improves elasticity and firmness by infusing the soda with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants such as gotu kola and green tea. It's developed a celebrity following -- Charlize Theron, Sienna Miller, and Mischa Barton are all fans. Pomegranate-flavored and free of calories, carbs, sugar, caffeine, sodium, and aspartame, it's a nice alternative to soda. For more information, visit http://www.airforcedrinks.com/radiant.asp.
The science behind it: They claim to have many meaningful levels of nutrients and are significantly different from other waters in terms of ingredients.
According to CEO Joe Heron, the main drivers in the soda are the amino acids (which are the building blocks of protein) lysine, proline, and arginine -- these facilitate soft tissue repair and collagen production. Radiant also contains antioxidants, vitamin D, and folic acid. Additionally, the soda contains 14 different nutrients with specific scientific data that supports skin health.
What the experts say: "We're pretty much a soda, not water," warns Heron, "You should not try to replace your water intake with it. People are bored with water now, and it lacks a little bit of zing. We want people that are frustrated with diet soda because we're a healthy alternative to it."
That said, Dr. Denese doesn't believe in the power of the nutrients and amino acids added to the water. "If they had the proper amount of nutrients in there, it would taste awful and nobody would drink it," she says, "For argentine or lysine, you would need 3 or 4 grams of it (that's several teaspoons) and there's no way you could put even a fraction of that in water without having it taste horrible."
Originally published on MORE.com, June 2005.
