Drinking water for skin care is one of the most important steps in your beauty routine. We all know our skin looks better when we drink a lot of water, but did you know why? Let take a look at what water does for your skin and how you can maximize its beauty benefits.

Water’s Function in the Body

Water has one of the largest job descriptions of any element in the human body. It acts as a temperature regulator in our cells and keeps our tissues and glands moist. It is used for cleaning the digestive system of food waste and toxins, and helps disperse and absorb nutrients and minerals throughout the body. It keeps our skin looking young, clear and healthy. Suffice to say, without ample water, our internal systems don’t function as well and our health declines. The good news is that upping your intake of water costs next to nothing, requires no special equipment, and can be incorporated into the busiest of schedules.

Benefits of Consuming Water

Despite its abundant availability, many of us are walking around in a continual state of mild dehydration, imposing negative effects on virtually every function of the body. Many individuals do not pay any attention to their water consumption unless they are extremely thirsty. Even then, they may choose something other than water to quench their thirst. However, failing to put conscious thought into this simple activity can deny your body a vital resource that will affect your health and wellness, energy, and appearance. Hydrating consistently throughout the day is smart, because no matter what you are doing, you’re losing water all day long. Water exits the body all day long through breathing, sweating and digestion – you are constantly excreting it. If too much water exits your system without being replaced, your body becomes dehydrated.

Consequences of Dehydration

Dehydration, even in its mildest form, can have serious negative effects on the body. The composition of the human body is between 55% and 78% water, depending on your age, sex, and weight.  Without sufficient water, every organ in the body is affected and cannot perform at full capacity.  The kidneys, liver, stomach and brain all require water to function properly, and without an adequate supply, that functionality is decreased and your overall health suffers.

How Much Water Do I Need?

There’s been quite a bit of debate about that over the last 10 years.  While the old estimate of eight 8-oz glasses a day is no longer considered a hard and fast rule, you may actually need more than that.  In 2004, the Institute of Medicine issued new guidelines recommending a total fluid intake of 91 ounces (closer to 11 eight-ounce glasses) for women and 125 ounces (15 eight-ounce glasses) a day for men.  You should expect to increase that if you exercise or live in a warmer climate. You might want to talk to your doctor to find out how much water is recommended for you in your area.

Some of that total fluid intake can also be in the form of food.  Water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can be an important source of hydration.  Nutritionists estimate that we may be able to obtain about 20% of the water we need from our diets, however, that still leaves 80% from drinking fluids.

Consuming Beverages Besides Water

While some may argue that juices, sodas, coffee, and tea also contain water and are just as adequate, you shouldn’t fool yourself into thinking it’s the same as drinking pure water.  Fruit juices contain loads of sugar, which can add to your waistline and glycemic index.  Sodas contain phosphorus, which robs calcium from our bones, not to mention the sugar or artificial sweeteners they contain.  These types of sugary, caffeine filled beverages can actually contribute to dehydration rather than the proper hydration that our bodies need. Soda especially contains so much sugar that the amount of liquid it takes to digest is more water than the soda contains. Because of this, soft drinks can actually leave you thirstier than before.

Benefits of Drinking Water

In addition to being a medical necessity, the benefits of drinking water are numerous. Among the top reasons you might want to start upping your intake of H20 include:

• More energy. Water has been proven to have a direct effect on your mood and energy levels. The number one trigger of daytime fatigue is lack of water, which is easily remedied with adequate hydration.
• Help maintaining and losing weight. Not only can drinking water help you to feel full before meals so that you eat less, drinking one liter of water temporarily boosts your metabolism.
• Adequate hydration can help prevent breakouts because water decreases the concentration of oil on your skin.

Tips To Drink More Water

So, let’s get practical.  Here are a few tips to encourage you to drink more water throughout the day:

• Start the day on the right track by drinking a full glass of water right when you wake up. Add a slice of lemon for added flavor and anti-oxidants, and this can quickly become a refreshing part of your daily routine. Go the extra mile and keep a pitcher of flavored water in the fridge. Mint, cucumber, lemon or strawberries are each delicious options to add to your pitcher.
• Drink water with every snack or meal. This will not only aid in hydration and digestion, it also helps avoid mindless overeating. If you experience late evening or midday hunger or cravings, try drinking a glass of water instead, and often the hunger will disappear.
• Keep water handy. Keep a glass with you at your desk, by your bed, and by your chair as you’re watching TV. Make a habit of refilling it every time it is emptied. Bring a sports bottle along in your car or bag when you’re out running errands.
• Keep track. It’s easy to overestimate how much water you’re drinking.  One simple way to keep track is to fill a large pitcher or container with the amount of water you hope to consume.  As you drink from it throughout the day, you’ll see exactly how much you need to consume to meet your daily goal.
• Buy a water filter. There’s no need to buy expensive bottled water if your tap water isn’t the best.  A good filter can eliminate any residual chlorine taste or odor, and deliver a purer product.

Skin Benefits of Water

Skin – our largest organ – needs adequate hydration for optimal health and appearance. As an aesthetician, it’s very apparent to me when I see dehydrated skin.  Skin appears dry, dull, lines and wrinkles are more prevalent, and it lacks the elasticity of properly hydrated tissue. In addition, your skin can be more prone to breakouts when dehydrated because there is not enough water to dilute oils that clog pores, and potentially lead to acne issues. If you want to take steps toward a healthier body and glowing complexion, water is an excellent place to start. The benefits of drinking water for your skin are endless.

Water From the Outside In: Hyaluronic Acid

Hydration can be accomplished in many ways, and none is greater for your overall health than drinking pure clean water. When it comes to your skin, however, Hyaluronic Acid is the next best thing. Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally produced by your body to hold and retain moisture, and has been shown to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. As we age, our production of this important substance decreases, and our skin’s storage areas for water begin to dwindle. When this happens, our skin loses its firmness, giving way to fine lines and wrinkles. To restore this wonderful component to your skin, consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine to retain  much-needed moisture. In addition to ultimate hydration, this incredible ingredient possesses anti-aging properties as well as antioxidant components to protect skin from premature signs of age or damage, and promotes collagen production to help skin regain firmness.

Choosing a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Serums are a dime a dozen on the beauty aisle; finding the right one is never as easy as it should be. There are a few simple ways, however, to narrow down the selection:

• When looking for the benefits of a specific ingredient such as Hyaluronic Acid, check the list to see where that ingredient appears. The higher Hyaluronic Acid Serum is on the ingredient list, the higher the overall content
• Beware of products containing alcohol, a skin irritant that removes moisture, the opposite of what we’re trying to accomplish here!
• Know your ingredients. The source and quality of the raw ingredients used in Hyaluronic Acid serums can vary wildly. Many HA serums us Hyaluronic Acid made from bird protein derived from rooster combs. The Hyaluronic Acid on OZNaturals HA serum is naturally derived from Cassia Angustifolia seed.

OZNaturals’ Hyaluronic Acid Serum has gained a huge following among beauty aficionados because it is so effective. The serum deeply hydrates and plumps skin, leaving your face smooth, soft, and resilient. In addition to containing the moisture magnet Hyaluronic Acid, the serum also contains Vitamins C, A, and E, Rose Hips and Green tea, all of which contribute the antioxidant and healing factors that take the results of this product above and beyond the competition. And as always, OZNaturals’ products are cruelty-free.

Adding Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare Routine

The best part about using Hyaluronic Acid Serum is that it will get you the most out of your moisturizer, which should be reason enough alone to try it out. The hydration harnessing power of this ingredient will draw in more moisture and retain it longer than your skin can naturally absorb on its own. Using this serum before your moisturizer will leave you with softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin than you could attain without it.

Start your routine with cleansing and toning. Then apply a few drops of serum, spreading it to a thin layer and allow it to dry. Don’t forget your neck and décolleté (and even the backs of your hands.) Follow up with your moisturizer, and then facial sunscreen. You can generally expect to see long-term results within 30 days, though the increased softness and hydration is evident immediately.

Conclusion – Water Benefits on Skin

For the healthiest looking, most beautiful skin, the key is to make adequate water intake and optimal hydration a daily habit, through both drinking and topical application. Stay consistent and you’ll notice the results in a matter of weeks, or even days. Your body’s digestion and circulation will improve, nutrients will properly absorb and toxins will be flushed out of the body, and clearer, more luminous skin will be the icing on the cake.  And we’ll drink (a glass of water) to that!