Water and Your Skin

Why Drink Water

There are so many good reasons to drink water. Drinking an adequate amount of water daily is important for overall good health because water aids in digestion, circulation, absorption and even excretion. If ultimately keeps your body healthy.

Water acts like a moisturizer, but from the inside out. Drinking water will help flush toxins out and enable your cells to function properly.

Myth: You can hydrate your skin by consuming water.

“Humans aren’t like plants. Our skin doesn’t perk up when we consume water,” says Katie Rodan, a dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay area and a coauthor of Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change. In fact, when you ingest it, “water doesn’t go straight to the skin,” she says. “It goes through the intestines, gets absorbed into your bloodstream, and is filtered by kidneys. Then it hydrates cells.” When it comes to moisturizing skin, drinking water falls short.

One of the best ways to do this is to apply a hydrating moisturizer within 2 minutes of bathing or showering. The skin is most vulnerable to products that are applied at this time since it is still porous. This allows for better absorption and creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in. This is true after washing your face as well.

You may want to consider adding hyaluronic acid before your moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid holds 1,000 times its own weight in water, thus attracting water to the skin and holding it there. (source: www.uwhealth.org)

What You Should Avoid

It is important to minimize your exposure to depleting elements such as low humidity, harsh winds, dry heat, sun, alcohol, long baths as well as avoiding stripping soaps which can prevent the loss of natural oils.

Diet and its Role in Skin and Hydration

“Diet can play a role in strengthening your skin’s ability to maintain moisture, too,” says Leslie Baumann, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami, in Florida. Foods rich in the essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and olive oil can help skin cells stay hydrated. A study by the Institute of Experimental Dermatology, in Germany, also revealed that women who took flaxseed- or borage-oil supplements (2.2 grams a day) for 12 weeks experienced a significant increase in skin moisture and a reduction in roughness.

Summary

Balance is key. Yes, you need to try to get your 8 glasses of water a day to stay healthy and keep your organs happy. But remember self care and the importance of skincare. It is the multi levels of care that will provide you with the best skin and ultimate results.

Cheers!

Ashlyn