The Importance Of Water For Beautiful Skin
Beauty From Within
When it comes to beautiful skin water is your number one skin-friendly tool when it comes to fighting off the aging process.
The benefits of drinking water for the skin are numerous and what’s more this is a cheap way for anyone, no matter what their budget, to improve the overall appearance of the skin on the face and on the body.
The Wonder Of Water
Around 70% on average of your total bodyweight is made up of water. Blood is composed of around 90% liquid and it may come as a surprise to find out that even your bones contain around 20% liquid. Muscles contain around 75% water and all the cells of your body contain water.
So as our bodies are made up of so much water it makes sense that we need a good, regular supply of the stuff to function. The body constantly loses water via perspiration, urination and even from breathing and this needs replacing.
Water helps all your vital organs to function at optimal levels and, importantly for those who are interested in holding back the years, helps to retain moisture levels in the skins cells.
Water And Your Skin
It’s little wonder that water is referred to as the ‘essence of life’. We literally cannot survive without water and water plays an important role in maintaining our health and the health of our skin.
Water is vital for skin health in many ways as it:
- Helps to maintain body temperature
- Aids the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to all the cells of the body
- Helps with the elimination of bodily toxins and other waste products
- Nourishes and detoxifies the system
- Replenishes the skin cells moisture levels
The fact is that water plays a large part in maintaining a healthy and youthful looking complexion. With an adequate supply of water the moisture levels of the skin’s cells are replenished and this in turn give the skin a smooth, moist and fresh appearance.
As muscles also contain water this amazing liquid is needed to keep them looking plump and full and to help them grow.
For anyone working on a facial muscle exercise program the benefits of water are twofold. Water improves the texture and condition of the skin to give a glowing complexion and it also helps to plump out the facial muscles thus contributing to a younger looking appearance.
The Problem Of Dehydration
Not getting enough water can cause dehydration of the body and the skin and lead to dry, wrinkled skin and a gray, haggard looking appearance.
What’s more it can also lead to urinary infections like cystitis, poor elimination of waste, aggravate constipation and cause halitosis (bad breath).
Being dehydrated can also make us feel lethargic and sluggish, we may tire more easily both physically and mentally.
Finally the bottom line is that an inadequate supply of water can dry out the skin and be a major cause of fine lines and ultimately deeper wrinkles – we can’t emphasize enough that drinking enough water is vital for beautiful skin.
Water And The Aging Process
It is thought that at birth the body is made up of around 90% water but this level decreases with age. By the time we reach full adulthood water levels in the body will be between 60 – 75%.
The aging process causes the body’s cells to become impaired and die off and the removal of waste products and other toxins from the body becomes less effective.
Drinking enough water each day helps to purify the bodily systems by ensuring effective elimination of waste products. Water encourages cell renewal – vital for the appearance of your skin – and helps to reduce the effects of wrinkling and skin aging.
How Much Water Should I Drink?
Ideally you should aim for around 1.5-2 liters (6 to 8 glasses) of water taken slowly throughout the day although you may need more if you live in an area where the climate is very hot.
Water helps to replace any lost fluids and encourages the kidneys to flush out accumulated bodily wastes and toxins.
How Do I Know It’s Working For Me?
Once you begin to commit to drinking more water you will start to see clearer looking skin in around one week. Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes should also disappear indicating that your kidneys are now eliminating toxins from the body effectively.
What Kind Of Water Should I Drink?
Unless you are fortunate enough to live in an area that has excellent quality drinking water it is best to avoid tap water.
Bottled water can be expensive but if you choose this option go for a low sodium variety as too much sodium can be dehydrating and have the reverse effect.
Filtering you water is one way to drink it cheaply and safely and there are many good, inexpensive water filters on the market.
What About Tea And Coffee?
Water is best taken in its pure form.
The debate rages on as to whether you can include tea and coffee as part of your daily water intake but for beautiful skin it’s best to avoid these two drinks.
If the idea of giving up your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea is too much for you to contemplate then it is fine to enjoy these drinks in moderation.
Too much tea or coffee can overwork the kidneys and liver and rob the body of vital nutrients so for skin health enjoy tea and coffee as an occasional treat.
And it goes without saying that caffeinated colas, energy drinks and alcohol will have a negative effect on your hydration levels and ultimately your skin.
Herbal teas and coffees are a viable alternative and may be included as a part of your daily water requirements.
Raw fruit and vegetable juices are also an excellent way to add water to your diet, particularly if you use juices that are made from fruit and veg that has a high water content like melons, tomato, celery and cucumbers.
For A Younger Looking You…
The power of water and the effects it has on your skin are undeniable – water has been called the fountain of youth after all!
Drink enough water to plump out your muscles and you will soon have a face you can be proud of!