The Benefits of Water for your Skin
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The Benefits of Water for Your Skin
We all know that drinking enough water is important for our general health and wellbeing, but what about our skin?
You've probably heard the advice to "drink plenty of water for healthy skin", but is there actually any truth behind it?
The simple answer is that staying adequately hydrated is an important part of looking after your body, and healthy skin is part of that picture too.
However, drinking more water isn't a magic cure for every skin concern. Your skin is influenced by many different factors, including your genetics, hormones, age, diet, environment, skincare routine and overall health.
So let's take a closer look at the relationship between water, hydration and healthy skin.
Why Does Your Skin Need Water?
Water is essential for almost every process in the body, and your skin is no exception.
The outermost layer of your skin helps form a protective barrier between your body and the outside environment. Maintaining this barrier is important because it helps your skin retain moisture and protect itself from environmental stresses.
When your body doesn't have enough fluid, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration can affect your overall wellbeing and may also make your skin feel dry or less comfortable.
However, it's important to understand the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin.
Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin
Dry skin is generally a skin type. It tends to produce less sebum, or natural oil, and may feel tight, rough or flaky.
Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a lack of water in the skin and can happen to any skin type, including oily skin.
You can therefore have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time.
This is one reason why simply applying more moisturiser isn't always the answer to every skin concern.
Does Drinking More Water Improve Your Skin?
If you're already drinking enough fluids, drinking excessive amounts of water isn't going to suddenly transform your skin.
However, making sure you drink enough to meet your body's needs is an important part of maintaining good health.
There is some evidence that increasing water intake in people who previously consumed relatively little water may have a positive effect on skin hydration. However, the relationship between drinking water and specific skin concerns is much more complicated than the beauty industry sometimes suggests.
So my advice is simple: drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated, but don't feel that you need to drink enormous quantities of water simply to improve your complexion.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
There isn't one exact amount of water that everyone needs.
Your fluid requirements vary according to factors such as your age, body size, activity levels, the weather, your diet and your individual circumstances.
A useful general approach is to drink regularly throughout the day and pay attention to your body's signals, including thirst.
Tea, coffee, milk and many foods also contribute to your overall fluid intake.
Water and Your Skincare Routine
Drinking enough water is only one part of looking after your skin.
Your skincare routine is also important.
For healthy-looking skin, consider the following:
Cleanse your skin gently rather than using harsh products that leave it feeling tight, moisturise regularly, protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and use a suitable SPF during the day.
If your skin is dry or dehydrated, look for moisturising products containing ingredients designed to support the skin barrier and attract or retain water, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and other humectants.
It is also important not to over-exfoliate. While removing dead skin cells can leave your complexion feeling smoother, excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin and compromise its protective barrier.
Other Things That Affect Your Skin
If you're concerned about your skin, don't automatically blame dehydration.
There are many factors that can affect the appearance and condition of your skin, including hormones, stress, sleep, diet, environmental conditions, temperature, central heating, smoking, alcohol, sun exposure, medication, underlying health conditions and the products you use.
This is why a good skincare routine needs to be personalised to you.
Professional Facial Treatments
Sometimes your skin simply needs a little professional attention.
A facial can provide a thorough cleanse, appropriate exfoliation, a suitable mask, facial massage and moisturisation, with the treatment adapted according to your skin type and current concerns.
If you're unsure whether your skin is dry, dehydrated, sensitive, oily or combination, a professional consultation can also help you understand what your skin needs.
At Revive, I offer a range of facial treatments designed for different skin types and concerns.
You can find out more about my facial treatments or contact me if you're unsure which treatment would be most suitable for you.
Don't Forget the Rest of Your Body!
Although we often focus on our face when talking about skincare, your skin covers your entire body!
If your hands, elbows, knees or legs become particularly dry, regular moisturising can help keep the skin feeling comfortable and soft.
And just like your face, your body benefits from gentle cleansing, appropriate exfoliation and protection from the elements.
The Bottom Line
Drinking enough water is an important part of looking after your overall health and wellbeing, and staying adequately hydrated supports your body in many ways.
But if you're hoping that drinking gallons of water will cure dry skin, wrinkles, acne or every other skincare concern, unfortunately it isn't quite that simple!
Think of hydration as one piece of the skincare puzzle.
Drink regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and use skincare products that are appropriate for your individual skin type and concerns.
And if you're still struggling with your skin, that's where a professional skincare consultation can be really useful.
Your skin is unique, so your skincare routine should be too.
Until next time,
Zoe
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