For years we’ve heard that drinking 8 glasses of water daily can help to remedy dry skin leaving it feeling soft, supple and hydrated. Fact or urban myth?
We are made up of mostly water; it comprises about 60% of our body weight and you shouldn’t underestimate the water’s many benefits to health. It flushes toxins out of vital organs, helps push food along our digestive tracts, carries nutrients to our cells and provides a moist environment for tissues in our ears, nose and throats. Yes, water keeps us hydrated, but since the outermost layer of skin is made up of dead skin cells, it just isn’t possible for this area to absorb it when we consume it internally.
Our skin’s moisture levels are determined by a combination of factors including:
- The external environment. Is it hot, cold, humid, dry?
- How much oil your skin produces
- The health of your skin’s barrier system (can it keep beneficial elements in and harmful ones out?)
Drinking water will help your body’s internal processes including replenishing fluids lost while exercising or in hot weather. If you’re feeling thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated. And, as you age, your body may be less able to sense that dehydration is setting in. For this reason, try to drink when you can – a glass of water with each meal and between each meal is a good idea. Drink before and after exercise. What you eat also provides water – many fruits and vegetables are primarily water by weight. Beverages including milk, juice, coffee and tea also contribute to your total intake, but water is still your best bet.
When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, treat it well:
- Cleanse gently. No harsh cleansers or aggressive scrubs which will strip away natural oils and damage the skin’s delicate barrier system. We stock a wide range of cleansers to suit all skin types here.
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells that leave skin looking dry. Skin will feel softer, smoother and be better able to absorb any beneficial ingredients put on top of it. Our customers love M2 HP Skin Refinish, a high potency yet gentle exfoliant.
- Moisturize with a product suited to your skin type. Apply to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture. One of our top sellers is La Roche Posay Hydreane and view our extensive selection here.
Here’s to your health!
What about you – how much water do you drink daily?
