Why Do We Need Water For Healthy Skin?

One of the simplest ways to ensure that our skin is well cared for is to make sure to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water each day is a great way to help our bodies function properly and help out those skin enzymes keep us looking our best! Here are some great skin secrets for any season.

Why do humans need water?

Pure, clean water is our lifeline on Earth. Our bodies are comprised of 60-70% water and water plays an integral role in keeping us well-balanced, healthy, and functioning properly. Without enough water, our  bodies are prone to constipation, hypertension, even allergies and asthma. It’s also required to remove toxins from the body. Water can actually relieve fatigue, headaches, and migraines, and improve your mood!

According to the Institute of Medicine, women should consume an average of 2.2 litres of water per day, and men, 3 litres. This is just the baseline for keeping the body functioning properly and doesn’t take into consideration vigorous exercise or extra hot days. So make sure to listen to your body and adjust your water intake accordingly.

Water is good for your skin

The skin is the biggest organ in our bodies. Skin cells, like any other organ cells, require water to function properly. In the summer and dry indoor heat in cooler months especially, sweat and heat can leave the skin dehydrated, which leads to the shutdown of important enzymes in the skin. These enzymes are responsible for building, repairing, and signaling the body when to slough off dead skin cells. If the enzymes aren’t working well, it can lead to inflammation, clogged pores and accelerated aging.

Water is essential to maintain optimum moisture levels in the skin, to deliver nutrients and to remove toxins. Staying well-hydrated helps to combat skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, and helps prevent skin flakiness, tightness, and wrinkles. Making sure to meet your daily intake of water is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated, supple, and youthful.

Tips for the skin

• Drink water throughout the day at regular intervals.
• Don’t drink excessive amounts of water at night, particularly within 2 hours of bedtime, as it might lead to puffiness under the eyes in the morning.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, which adds water to the diet as well as antioxidants and fibre.
• Drink milk and fresh fruit and vegetable juices for additional sources of water.
• Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids or take a daily supplement.

Lemon and Mint Infused Water

Need to amp up your water intake? Try creating fun infused waters using fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs!

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is needed for collagen synthesis, and cucumbers are a good source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which is essential for healthy skin cell production. Mint has a cooling effect and it contains minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which are also healthy skin building blocks.

• 1 whole lemon, sliced
• 4-5 slices of a cucumber
• A bunch of fresh mint leaves
• 2 litres of spring water

Combine the ingredients in a pitcher and let it infuse for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.

*Originally published July 12, 2017