Sure, taking off your make-up before bed, using the right skincare products, and getting plenty of beauty sleep all contribute towards a glowing complexion, but did you know that staying hydrated and ensuring you drink plenty of water is a sure-fire way to improve your skin’s overall texture and appearance for good? Here’s why…
The benefits of water for your skin
According to Forefront Dermatology, increasing your water intake will have a positive impact on your overall skin health. And while not all studies are conclusive, many people report having a radiant complexion after upping their water intake, especially those who have a history of not drinking enough.
Here are a few science-backed benefits of water for your skin:
1 Water prevents premature signs of aging
Because our bodies are made up of 64% water, studies show that drinking enough water helps to replenish lost moisture in the deeper layers of your skin, making it one of the simplest and most efficient ways to prevent premature signs of aging such as fine lines, whilst maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion.
2 It helps to eliminate toxins
Drinking enough water helps to reduce the toxic load that can accumulate in your body, thanks to the constant exposure to pollutants, tobacco smoke and stress, as well as other chemicals that cause harmful free radicals to break down the skin’s protective barrier.
ALSO SEE: How many skin-friendly antioxidants you’ll find in our ageless skin VITAMINS
Research also reveals that water is also intricately involved in numerous functions of the body including the transport of oxygen, nutrients and waste products into and out of our cells.
3 Water keeps you cool
In addition to regulating your body temperature throughout hot and sweaty exercise sessions (or simply during the warmer seasons), drinking enough water helps to prevent dehydration, which in turn keeps the skin plump and healthy. On the other hand, dehydrated skin can become inflamed and appear to be dry, cracked and itchy. Ouch!
4 Adequate water reduces puffiness
This ties in with our point about preventing dehydration. If your skin is dehydrated, it holds onto any moisture which can cause puffiness. Increasing your hydration will reduce the puffiness around your eyes and cheeks.
5 Water keeps your gut healthy
What you eat and drink can have a profound impact on your overall gut health and microbiome, which is your unique network of microbiota (many beneficial microorganisms including bacteria) that are originally determined by your DNA. Drinking enough water has been found to have a positive impact on the overall microbiome in your gut, which is essential for a thriving immune system and a well-functioning digestive system.
How much water should you drink per day?
You’ve probably heard the age-old advice to drink eight glasses of water per day. However, according to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine an adequate daily fluid intake is:
- About 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of fluids a day for men
- About 11.5 cups (2.7 litres) of fluids a day for women.
Another study found that drinking at least 2.25 litres (9.5 cups) of water every day for four weeks altered skin density and thickness. (The denser your skin is, the less you’ll notice fine lines and wrinkles as the skin is packed closely together.)
It’s important to note that this recommendation doesn’t only include water, but also fluids from other beverages and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.
A new take on flavoured water
Not a fan of plain water? It’s easy to drink more when it tastes great, which is why we’ve included this refreshing grapefruit infused water recipe on our blog. With water and our beauty infused COLLAGEN being the hero ingredients, it's a skin match made in heaven!
