What exactly does water do for your body? water serves three important purposes among others: flushing out waste from the body, regulating body temperature, and helping your brain function. Water also aids in digestion, blood circulation, weight loss, and nutrient absorption.
But perhaps one of the most popular benefits of drinking water is its effect on the skin. One study that investigated the actual effects of drinking water on the skin was published on the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. They learned that drinking more than two liters of water every day for four weeks of altered skin density and thickness, but the exact results were ambiguous and contradictory.
Despite the results, experts still attribute adequate water intake to increased collagen production. Water is also known to help keep your skin look brighter. Board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, Rachel Nazarian, M.D., said, “I’ve found that water makes a big difference in skin health. Without adequate water intake, skin appears duller, and wrinkles and pores are more prominent.”
Here are more reasons to include water in your skincare routine:
Water can help maintain optimum skin moisture
It can also help deliver essential nutrients to the skin cells and help replenish skin tissues. Water can also improve your skin’s elasticity, which helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. And since water aids in digestion, it helps flush out toxins in your body—a great way to get healthy looking and glowing skin. Water can also help protect your skin from acne and blemishes.
A cold water bath can help eliminate skin redness
The benefits of water don’t only come from drinking it. Using the right water temperature when washing your face has great effects on your skin, too. Washing your face with warm water first, opens the pores and helps you get rid of any dirt. Rinsing with cold water next, tightens your pores and prevents them from getting clogged.
A cold water compress can help you get rid of puffy eyes
If you often have under-eye inflammation, splash cold water on your eyes or use water-rich eye gels. When cold water evaporates from your skin, the surface becomes cooler, effectively reducing eye bags.
The science
Despite these benefits, there’s been a debate on the amount of water you should drink, and water’s effect on the skin. The recommended amount has always been at least eight glasses or two liters of water a day,but five medical and sports science experts told The Conversation that you don’t need to drink that much. Jon Bartlett, sports scientist, said a person’s daily water requirements are highly individual and dependent upon a number of internal and external factors: “The actual volume of water required in a day is dependent on one’s day-to-day activities, health, and the climate in which they reside”. Experts also said you can get water from different sources like fruits and vegetables.
In relation to this, Gastroenterologist Vincent Ho told the Conversation that the origin of the recommendation to drink eight glasses of water may have come from a publication by the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board in 1945. However, Ho points out that the last part of the recommendation stated that “most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods”—a fact that is often overlooked.
To see what all the hype is all about, Marie Claire Magazine did an experiment to find out what drinking three liters of watera day can do to your skin. Everyone who participated in the experiment shared their two cents about the effects of water to their skin. Ruby Buddemeyer, contributing writer said she has always tried to be a big water drinker, but has always failed. After doing the experiment, she noticed her energy level was noticeably better, but she didn’t notice much difference on her face. She notes that maybe she would need more time before she can see a noticeable difference. On the other hand, social media editor, Krystyna Chavez said she was surprised to see a difference in her skin—it looked fuller and fresher and that her entire face felt more hydrated.
This just shows that although staying hydrated is important, it’s not the only thing you need to achieve a youthful and glowing skin. On Leah’s Fitness we’re big on building healthy habits and fitness routines that can help you feel healthier and look younger. If you regularly exercise, attend medical checkups, get adequate sleep, and follow a reliable beauty routine, you can minimize common skin concerns for women like dark circles under your eyes, huge pores, oily skin, cellulite, and acne. You can also take vitamins and supplements or use soaps with the right ingredients. Pretty Me explains how modern soaps activate fat globules improve blood circulation, and promote collagen synthesis, which will help prevent something as common as cellulite. Topical creams and hydration patches are also great options. Make sure you also have a healthy diet of green vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants like berries, mangoes, oranges, and plums. Getting clear and glowing skin is a combination of healthy habits, a good diet, plenty of sleep, an overall positive outlook, and of course making sure you are properly hydrated.
