If you’ve ever dealt with a skin condition such as acne, it's highly likely you’ve been told countless times; ‘just drink more water!’. But is something so simple really the ‘cure-all-miracle-trick’ it’s touted to be? How much of an affect does water really have on your skin?
How does drinking water help your skin?⠀⠀
It keeps fine lines at bay
Water keeps your body hydrated, refreshed, and helps maintain your skin's elasticity. If the outermost layer of the epidermis doesn't contain enough water, skin will lose elasticity and feel rough. Lack of elasticity can make skin more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
It keeps skin hydrated
In a 30-day study it was observed that drinking 2 litres of water daily significantly improved skin hydration. A further study found that drinking just two glasses of water can increase blood flow to the skin! ⠀⠀⠀
It balances oil production
By keeping skin hydrated, drinking water regularly stops your skin from becoming dry and producing excess oil to compensate. As excess sebum is one of the main breakout causing culprits drinking water could help with acne! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It detoxifies
Getting plenty of water on a daily basis can also help boost detoxification. Your body has a highly efficient, built-in detoxification system that includes your liver, kidneys, and skin. All of which are involved in the excretion of toxins and waste. Water is essential for them to function as it helps carry nutrients through your body, flush out toxins, and keep your liver, kidneys, and skin barrier working effectively.
How much water should you drink on a daily basis?
Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis helps to maintain energy levels, detoxify the body, and keep skin hydrated and youthful looking. Your body constantly loses water throughout the day, mostly through urine and sweat. To prevent dehydration its important to drink the recommended 8 glasses (roughly 2 litres) of water per day!
Apps like Plant Nanny, Daily Water Tracker Reminder, and Hydro Coach are great ways to get reminders to stay hydrated and track your daily intake.
How can you tell if you’re getting enough water?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Though it might easy to just drink when you feel thirsty, this is not the best option as at the time thirst strikes you could already be feeling the effects of dehydration i.e headaches and fatigue. Instead check the colour of your urine; pale, clear urine is a sign that you’re well hydrated.
Although there is limited research around face-mapping (an ancient Chinese practise that views the face as a map, with each section connected to/representing a different part of the body), it suggests that breakouts and skin concerns on the forehead and under eye area indicative of dehydration!
Tips to increase water intake
Add Fruit
Adding fresh fruits to your water adds minerals and vitamins, increasing the nutritional benefit while also adding a refreshing, tasty flavour! Our favourite fruits to add for a delicious way hydration fix are Lemon, Cucumber, and Strawberries!
Alternate Drinks
If you're a big coffee drinker make sure to alternate your caffeinated drinks with decaffeinated beverages (i.e. water) as caffeinated beverages are diuretics. Diuretics actually increase the excretion of water from the body rather than hydrating!