Staying hydrated has a long list of benefits. Internally, it’s critical to your brain and bodily functions. Externally, it keeps your hair and skin glowing.
When it comes to your skin’s health, one of the key benefits of water is promoting strength and elasticity, which keeps your skin soft and prevents the formation of dark circles. When your skin lacks moisture, it’s more likely to become itchy and flaky while drawing out fine lines and wrinkles.
So, if you’re experiencing dry skin, it’s time to get serious about your hydration. You’ll end up improving your skin’s pH balance, reducing puffiness, and flushing out acne-causing toxins too.
You might have heard that 6–8 glasses of water a day is enough. While this is a decent guideline, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how much water we should all drink.
The amount of hydration you need depends on a number of factors—for example, men tend to need more water than women on average. You’ll also need to up your intake around the warmer seasons of the year and if you’re engaged in any intensive activity.
Your body does a great job of letting you know when it’s thirsty, so reach for your water bottle—not a fizzy or caffeinated drink—when you’re feeling parched. This alone should do wonders for your skin.
Like all things, even water should be consumed in moderation. For one, you shouldn’t drink large amounts of water before bedtime, as this can cause sleep disruptions and upset your stomach. You should also moderate your water intake during the day by keeping in mind that the kidneys can only process 0.8–1 liter of water per hour. If you overdo it by drinking several liters of water in a short space of time, this can lead to water intoxication.
In severe cases, water intoxication can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death, but this is incredibly rare! Dehydration, which can be equally detrimental, is a far greater concern, and unfortunately, many people suffer from chronic dehydration without even knowing it.
One of the most effective ways to hydrate is by carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. Most people will find themselves reaching for a sip absentmindedly and staying hydrated with little effort.
But if you struggle to drink enough plain water during the day, you’re not alone. There are several ways to increase your hydration, and taking a holistic approach can be far better, especially for your skin.
Herbal teas offer all the hydrating benefits of water while packing great antioxidants and other healing ingredients that your skin will absolutely love.
If you love a warm, sugary cup of coffee, a steaming cup of tea is a great non-inflammatory replacement. Some great teas for your skin include Dandelion, Rooibos, Rose, Hibiscus, and Green Tea.
If you find regular water boring, infusing your H20 gives it a colorful and flavorful boost, making it far more exciting to drink.
You can throw some fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a big pitcher or toss them straight into your water bottle for a drink on the go. There are tons of combos to try, but some ingredients like cucumber, lemon and mint are particularly good for your skin.
Eating plant foods is a great way to hydrate, as your body slowly absorbs their water for lasting hydration. At the same time, you benefit from the fiber and antioxidants found in fresh fruit and veg, which are great for the skin.
Lots of greens are mostly made up of water; most famously, cucumbers are said to be 96% water. Other foods that are largely water-based include watermelon, tomatoes, celery, mushrooms, lettuce, radish, broccoli, and yellow melon.
The importance of drinking enough water cannot be understated, but making sure your skin is getting moisture directly is vital if you want to see glowing results.
Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, using hydrating skin care is essential. Many people with oily and acne-prone skin are under the impression that they should avoid moisturizing products. This is a huge misconception, and it can backfire by leading to even oilier skin.
What’s really important is choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type.
You can also switch up products as the seasons change. In winter, you might want to reach for a rich, hydrating cream to combat the cold, dry hair. For your summer skincare, you can swap out these heavy, creamy products for a lighter serum or hydrating oil.
You also want to remember your sunscreen, even on cloudier days, as sunlight can dehydrate your skin quickly.
Environments with low humidity can seriously dry out your skin. If your bedroom has low humidity, this is problematic, as you spend a significant portion of time in your room, especially when you’re asleep.
A humidifier will put moisture back in the air, and this can be particularly helpful during the colder, dryer months. To get the most use out of your humidifier, turn it on during your 6–8 hours of sleep (also essential to healthy, hydrated skin).
On the topic of facilitating a good environment for the skin, don’t blast your air conditioner or heater too high, as this saps moisture from the air.
Hydration is the key to smooth and healthy skin. If you know how to optimize your hydration to meet your body’s needs, you’ll reap revitalizing benefits, inside and out. From drinking enough water to using sunscreen, getting enough moisture and keeping it locked in is essential.
Using these tips, you can create a hydration regime that helps you to splash your way to skin that glows.
