You’ve probably heard it said before that drinking enough water is important for your skin, but do you really know why?
As it turns out, the connection between water and skin health goes deeper than just surface-level hydration. In fact, the amount of water you consume can significantly impact your skin’s appearance and overall health from the inside out.
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between water consumption and skin health and discuss why drinking enough water is essential for maintaining a healthy complexion.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It has several vital functions, including protecting your body from harmful bacteria and viruses, regulating body temperature, and preventing dehydration. And in order for the skin to function optimally, it needs enough amount of water.
To give you a better understanding of the importance of hydration to your skincare, let’s take a look at the science behind it.
The first thing to note is that your skin comprises three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer, each with its own purpose and structure.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin that acts as a protective barrier for your body. This layer is constantly shedding and renewing itself with brand-new cells that are basically composed of water. However, when this process is interrupted due to dehydration or lack of water, it can cause the skin to become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation.
Another layer of the skin is the dermis. This layer is responsible for producing collagen and elastin—proteins that help keep your skin firm, elastic, and youthful-looking. It also contains sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum—an oil-like substance that helps keep your skin moist. But, without enough water, these proteins and oil-producing glands can become impaired, leading to dry and saggy skin, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging.
Lastly, there’s the subcutaneous layer (hypodermis) that is responsible for insulation, cushioning, and energy storage. This layer helps keep your skin moisturized and healthy if enough water supports it. But, when there’s not enough hydration, the overall integrity of your skin is weakened, leaving it vulnerable to further damage and more prone to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Overall, the importance of water for skin health cannot be understated. Without it, the skin’s natural protective barrier and ability to keep itself hydrated and healthy are compromised.
HOW MUCH WATER IS ENOUGH?
The short answer is: it depends.
Generally speaking, the average adult should aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses (64 ounces) of water a day. Yet, this amount can vary depending on age, lifestyle, activity level, climate, diet, and other factors.
For instance, if you’re an active individual who engages in physical activities like running or cycling, then you should aim for even more water to replace the fluids lost through sweat. Likewise, if you live in a hot and humid climate or are pregnant/breastfeeding, you must drink more water than the recommended daily amount.
The best way to make sure you’re getting enough water is to listen to your body. Are you often feeling thirsty? That’s a good sign that it’s time for a glass of H2O. Other signs include dry lips and skin, fatigue, and headaches. Just remember the more active you are, the more water you need to stay hydrated.
If you find drinking enough water difficult, it’s helpful to have strategies in place that will remind you to stay hydrated throughout the day. For example, carrying around a reusable water bottle or setting reminders on your phone every hour can help you stay on track.
Moreover, try to stay away from sugary drinks, like sodas and juices, that can actually lead to dehydration. Instead, opt for plain or sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime juice for a natural flavor boost. You can also get creative with your water intake by adding other hydration-promoting foods, like cucumbers and citrus fruits, that are rich in electrolytes. Plus, you can check other plenty of delicious recipes for flavored waters out there to make your hydration routine more enjoyable.
THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER FOR SKIN HEALTH
Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s talk about the benefits of drinking enough water for your skin.
Glowing complexion
When adequately hydrated, the skin retains a healthy glow that can make you look younger and more refreshed, even without makeup. This is because hydrated skin cells are better able to reflect light, giving your complexion a brighter, more radiant appearance.
Improved circulation
Water helps to flush out toxins from your body, allowing your blood vessels to circulate more freely throughout your skin. This improved blood flow can help bring oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin cells that need it the most.
Reduced wrinkles
Increased water consumption can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging by plumping up your skin to make it look firmer and smoother.
Reduced acne
Water can also reduce oil buildup in the skin, which is a common cause of acne breakouts. When your skin is hydrated from within, there’s less chance for dirt and bacteria to clog up the pores.
Delayed signs of aging
Finally, drinking enough water can help to delay the signs of aging. Since the skin’s protective barrier is improved with added hydration, it can defend itself against environmental damage, such as UV exposure and pollutants.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The key takeaway is that drinking enough water can improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. Staying hydrated through adequate water intake helps to plump up the skin, reduces acne and delays signs of aging, and gives your complexion a healthier glow.
And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how much water you should drink each day, listening to your body’s cues is the best way to ensure you get the amount of hydration your skin needs.
So grab a glass of water, and cheers to beautiful skin from the inside out!