Let’s get straight to the point – H.Y.D.R.A.T.E.
Drinking enough water, or staying hydrated, is the key to keeping a healthy lifestyle and glowing skin! Now who doesn’t want glowing and beautiful skin? Water – it’s readily available and usually free – but do you drink enough? If you are like me, you probably think you do, but really don’t.
Did you know that our bodies are able to sustain weeks without food but yet just a few days without water? It’s highly recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. If you are not drinking a minimum of 8 full glasses daily, you’re not drinking enough!
Rejuvenate from the inside
Our body consists of 70% water. Using this basic theory, you can probably figure out what our body needs the most – you guessed it – water! Our skin is an organ and just like any other part of the body, skin is made up of cells. And just like any other cells in our body, our skin needs to be fed water in order to function at its best.
The phrase “you are what you eat”, or should it say what you “drink”, may just be the key to youthful, healthy skin. Spending a fortune on advertised skincare products and treatments may help, but the secret is to rejuvenate the inside.
Premature wrinkling, aging, and complexion issues – this is what dehydration will do to your skin! Sounds scary but it’s true. Dehydration also leads to saggy skin, hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. All those hours outdoors in the sun, or even indoors under the air conditioner, and not drinking enough water is one of the ways your skin starts aging!
We all know it is vital to stay hydrated for our general well-being. As water plays a significant part in your absorption and dissemination, it is also imperative for our skin’s health.
The benefits of drinking water for your skin
(1) Improved Digestion
Hydration is directly linked to your digestive health, and digestive health has a major influence on your skin health. Knowing the right timing is as important as consuming your daily 8 glasses of water per day. Drinking a glass of water after waking up helps to activate internal organs and remove toxins before indulging in your first bite.
(2) Improved Skin Tone
Staying hydrated can also improve blood circulation which will give your skin an even tone.
(3) Prevents Premature Aging
The elasticity of the skin tends to weaken as it ages, causing it to sag and wrinkle. Providing enough hydration to your skin will increase the elasticity in the skin, therefore, prevents premature aging such as appearance wrinkles and fine lines.
(4) Faster Healing
If you have sensitive skin that gets easily sunburned, drinking water can speed up the healing process. This applies to any healing process of the skin.
(5) No More Puffy Face
Your skin retains and stores water when it’s not hydrated enough which causes your face to look swollen – especially in the morning. To avoid this, reduce swelling by drinking enough water throughout the day! Just FYI, drinking water also helps with all-over weight loss.
(6) Helps Fight Acne
Water can also help with your skin breakouts. The build-up of toxins in your body contribute to skin troubles such as acne. To avoid toxins from building up in your body, make sure you are drinking enough water to flush the toxins out. Dry skin can also trigger excess oil production, which can also contribute to acne.
Tips on how to include more water in your diet
(1) Don’t leave home without it
Remind yourself to take a bottle of water with you wherever you go – have it ready in your bag/car before you leave the house.
(2) Keep a bottle of water nearby your bed and at your desk
One of the most common reasons we don’t drink enough water throughout the day is simply because we forget to. This is why we need to place our water bottle where we can easily spot it. Make sure to have one near your bed to make it more convenient to get a glass in the morning or one at your desk for a quick sip during working or studying hours. The more visible it is, the easier it is to reach!
(3) For every drink you order, order a glass of water too
When eating out, try your best to just drink water with your meal, but if you must order a drink (alcoholic or non), just make sure you get a glass of water on the side – this will help you increase your water intake for the day as well as reduce your intake of sweet drinks!
(4) Drink a glass when you wake up in the morning
There is no fresher feeling than chugging a glass of water first thing in the morning! It wakes you up, increases your energy levels, and boosts metabolism! Also, drinking a glass of water in the morning will help activate digestive systems which will eventually flush toxins out of the body more effectively!
(5) Keep it chill
Although lukewarm water is the best option, nothing is quite as revitalizing as an ice-cold glass of water on a hot day. Place water bottles in the freezer for about 30 to 60 minutes for an extra cold water treat or you could add some ice to your water glass and leave it for a couple of minutes before drinking.
(6) Set a daily water target
Set a water daily target goal! The recommended amount is 8 glasses, why don’t you start with that and work your way up to more.
(7) Use a Hydration App
You count your steps, it’s time you started counting your water intake as well! There are many daily reminder apps on your phone that you can download to track and calculate how much water you should drink.
(8) Buy a fancy water bottle
A new stylish water bottle in your favorite color might be the motivation you need to actually use it and drink more water. It’s worth a try!
(9) Add ingredients to your water for better taste & more benefits!
If you’re bored with drinking plain tasting water, you can spice it up with different ingredients which will further enhance the benefits!
Fruit – raspberries, oranges, cucumbers, or whatever you fancy. Add it to your water to give it a kick.
Mint – boil a few leaves in water, strain them and add them to your water once they cool down. This will enhance your digestion and detox process.
Lemon – Squeeze lemon in your water to add a refreshing taste. Lemon contains vitamin C which will cleanse your liver and activate collagen which will contribute to radiant, glowing and brighter skin.
Ginger – Ginger is known to stabilize blood sugar. High blood sugar will interfere with hormones that may cause pimples or acne. By adding a few slices to your water, it will improve blood circulation and calm blood sugar fluctuations.
Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is well known for detox and for clearing acne!
The “secret” to healthy, youthful skin – yes, it is that simple – drink more WATER! The key is to stay consistent and motivated. After just a week you should be able to see a difference!
Good luck and happy drinking!
-xoxo-
SuperMommy
