Are you wondering how to get glowing skin? Drink enough glasses of water! Water is essential for every system in the body to function optimally; therefore, drinking an adequate amount of water daily is crucial for overall good health and well-being. This is how water helps the skin achieve a glowing effect. Water plays a vital role in digestion, blood circulation, nutrient absorption, and toxin elimination. The body uses water to help heal from damage or disease, and to maintain youthfulness and vitality, which will help carry you into old age in robust health. Even just a 5 percent drop in bodily fluids is likely to lower your energy levels, and a 15 percent drop can lead to serious health consequences.
Water is necessary for every organ in the body to function, including the skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and just like all other organs, the skin is made up of cells that are made up of, you guessed it, water. Without proper hydration, the quality and appearance of your skin will suffer. The skin has its natural mechanisms to maintain correct hydration levels, yet it is very easy for skin moisture levels to drop due to external factors. Excessive heat, pollution, and air conditioning all impact skin moisture levels. At the same time, lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, coffee intake, and poor nutrition can have detrimental effects on the skin’s natural defenses, making it less resilient and more susceptible to irritation.
When moisture evaporates through the skin, it leaves your skin looking dull, tight, taut, scaly, and shiny, and superficial lines, wrinkles, and signs of premature aging are more visible. Per-hydration can help maintain the skin’s natural elasticity and suppleness, leaving your skin with a glowing effect that makes it look fresh and more vibrant. With these factors in mind, it becomes clear that hydrating your skin from the inside out, rather than simply replenishing it with external creams and lotions, is an essential part of your daily routine. The good news is that if you’re tight on cash or strapped for time, water can be your perfect, inexpensive, no-fuss, anti-aging treatment!
We naturally lose large quantities of water every day. The human adult body is composed of between 55 and 75 percent water; the blood is more than 80 percent water, and the brain is more than 75 percent water. A typical adult loses about 2-3 liters of fluid a day through urination, sweating, and other bodily functions, such as breathing. Did you know it takes 300 to 500 milliliters of fluid a day just to breathe?! Consistently replenishing our water supply throughout the day helps maintain a moist, healthy environment that supports the body’s function and overall well-being. While medical professionals may differ slightly in their recommendations for daily water intake, a good rule of thumb is approximately 11 cups for women and around 16 cups for men.
When the body begins to show even slight signs of dehydration, it automatically prioritizes the areas of the body that are most critical. The brain will take the greatest share of water, and unfortunately, the skin is the last organ to receive water.
So, How Can Proper Hydration Support Our Skin?
1. Anti-Aging
Studies have shown that drinking 9.5 cups of water per day for 4 weeks alters skin density and thickness, and also increases blood flow to the skin.
When skin cells have adequate water, it causes the skin to appear plump, therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles, pores, and fine lines. When skin is hydrated and elastic, it is also less likely to crack and allow external particles to penetrate the skin, which can cause acne and blemishes. Dry skin can indeed worsen with age, so establishing a good habit of drinking water from a young age will support you throughout your lifespan and help prevent and reduce premature aging.
2. Breakouts & Blemishes
Water is essential for maintaining the optimum balance of skin moisture and delivering essential nutrients to skin cells. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it sends signals to the glands to increase their production of oil. This increase in oil can often lead to blemishes and breakouts. While acne is not directly caused by oily skin, most acne sufferers experience a worsening of their condition when their skin becomes oilier.
3. To ins
An adequate water supply enables efficient digestion and nutrient assimilation. It also allows toxins to be easily flushed out of the body and impurities to be removed from the skin. When the body is steadily flushing out toxins and impurities, your skin will appear fresher, healthier, and more robust. This is one reason why people who enjoy a period of cleansing or detoxification often mention ‘glowing skin’ as a positive side effect.
4. Skin Issues
Drinking enough water can help to combat skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. When the skin is dehydrated, it can cause itching, irritation, and general discomfort. Increasing your water intake can help prevent irritated skin, providing relief to those with sensitive skin conditions.
Top 12 Tips For Staying Hydrated
- Start your day with lemon water. Drink a large glass of water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to alkalize your system.
- Add natural flavors. Add a slice of lemon, lime, or orange to your water. Add herbs like mint or lemon basil. Store it in the fridge so it’s always ready.
- Set hydration reminders. Use your phone or a hydration app to remind you to drink water throughout the day.
- Keep water nearby. Always keep a water bottle with you, whether at home, work, school, or in the car. If you feel thirsty, dehydration has already started, so drink immediately.
- Rehydrate after sweating. After exercise or hot weather, drink extra water to replace what you lost through sweat. You’ll also need more water at high altitudes or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Limit caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic that can cause dehydration in the body. Excessive coffee consumption can also stress the body and harm your skin.
- Hydrate after drinking alcohol. Drink plenty of water before bed and the next day after a night out. Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to reduce dehydration and skin damage.
- Choose water on a budget. Skip expensive drinks. Water is abundant, free, or inexpensive, and widely available. If you want something fizzy, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime.
- Eat water-rich foods. Approximately 20% of your daily water intake comes from the food you eat. Eat fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumbers, celery, leafy greens, and apples. Soups, smoothies, and yogurt also help with hydration.
- Drink other hydrating options. Herbal teas, cold-pressed juices, sparkling water, and coconut water also help you stay hydrated.
- Drink water before meals. Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. A glass of water before eating may help you eat less and support weight loss.
- Invest in a water filter. Tap water quality varies. A good filter ensures cleaner, better-tasting water for your body.