Since the rise of “maskne”, skincare has been more important than ever. Protecting your skin barrier can be done with a variety of treatments and products, but drinking water is an easy way to help your skin and your health. We’re here to tell you how much water to drink for clear skin, and the benefits drinking water can provide.
Benefits Of Drinking Water
#1. Tighten Your Skin
Age and extreme or rapid weight loss can cause the skin to sag. Some people choose to reduce sagging by water fasting but this is actually opposite to what you should do. By drinking enough water you can slowly tighten your skin because it helps retain its elasticity to shrink to the muscle better. Additionally, if you have sagging skin due to weight loss, it can help you maintain your weight because water is zero calories and has no sugar. Water fasting is unsafe so get to chugging!
#2. Balance Your Skin
When your’re thinking of how much water to drink for clear skin, consider what water you’re drinking. Your pH balance can also impact the state of your skin. If you remember from your middle school science experiments- the pH of anything can range from 0-14. 14 is the most alkaline and 0 is the most highly acidic. A pH value of 7 is neutral and pure water should also be a pH of 7 (cue the middle school science experiment). If you are drinking pure water, it can help balance your skin and give you a healthy glow. Here is a resource to help you test your water at home. Washing your face regularly especially after using products like face wash also helps neutralize products and correct the pH balance of your skin.
#3. Make Your Gut Happy
When you drink enough water, the toxins will be regularly flushed from your body. Drinking water helps regulate your bowel movements by having to use the bathroom more frequently. This also helps with digestion and the happier your gut is- the clearer your skin will be. So by drinking enough water, you can flush out toxins inside your body and physically see clearer skin. A recent diet fad is to go on juice cleanses, but regular water will detox you just the same! If you’re looking to add some flavor you can always squeeze some lemons or add cucumbers to your drink for flavor.
#4. Slow Down the Clock
Like I said earlier, water can help retain the elasticity of your skin. There is no shame in getting older, but if you’re looking to prevent wrinkles and improve your help then you should keep drinking water. Drinking large amounts of water helps prevent scars, wrinkles, and soft lines. As you age, it becomes more difficult for your body to retain water (thus the wrinkles). When you drink lots of water, you’re giving your body and skin some extra help to stay hydrated.
#5. Clear Your Skin
Dirt, makeup, and leftover cleanser products can clog the pores on the epidermis of your skin. While you should be cleaning your skin regularly with water, you can also help improve the look of your skin by drinking water. The more hydrated you are, the less your pores will get clogged.
One of my favorite treatments at Lemon & Honey Day Spa is the hydrafacial! In combination with drinking water, you can help jumpstart your journey to clear skin by trying a hydrafacial- detoxify, rejuvenate and protect your skin.
#6. Heal Faster
I think we have all had a sunburn so bad you can barely move. If you find yourself sunburnt after a hike or beach day, drinking water can help heal your sunburn. Sunburns draw fluids out of the body so by replenishing your body with water, you can help speed up the healing process and decrease inflammation. I’m sure you’ve also been told to apply aloe vera as well, which is also soothing and moisturizing for the skin. Also be sure to wear your sunscreen!
#7. Protect Your Moisture Barrier
Water also helps maintain moisture in the skin. While it can clear your acne and blemishes on the skin, by pushing out blemishes and unclogging pores- your moisture barrier can improve. When you’re thinking about how much water to drink for clear skin, consider the time of year and your lifestyle. Even in the coldest months when you’re less dehydrated, drinking water is essential and prevents you from getting dry skin patches in the winter. In the summer, it’s even more important as you sweat more and your sweat can dry your skin.
#8. Say Bye Bye to Dark Circles!
I’ve mentioned elasticity a few times so far. If you’re not drinking enough water, you might have a lack of elasticity in your skin. To check, pinch your skin and see if it goes back to normal easily. If it doesn’t, you may be dehydrated.
When you’re tired and dehydrated you might have dark circles around your eyes. Try drinking water before you go to bed and getting a full night’s rest to cure your dark circles! If you really can’t seem to beat dark circles- here is a list of other methods to get rid of them.
#9. Regulate Your Body Temperature
If you overheat easily, drinking water can help regulate your body temperature. Whether it be from exercise or hot temperatures, water is important to replenishing your body fluids and bringing your temperature down. When you get too hot, you can develop heat boils or hot rashes on your skin. By drinking enough water, you can prevent this.
#10. Decrease Inflammation
When your skin or under eye looks puffy, it is trying to retain water in your face because you’re dehydrated. Like I said before, try drinking water before you go to bed. By drinking enough water, you will stay hydrated and reduce swelling/puffiness.
How Much Is Enough?
So, how much water do you need to drink for clear skin? You should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day but this should definitely increase if it is hot out or if you are exercising frequently. You should be drinking water when you get thirsty because thirst is a sign of dehydration. Don’t ignore your body when it tells you it needs water. You should also start and end your day with water to decrease dark circles and puffy eyes. Lastly, you should be drinking water before and after meals to help with digestion.
Water should be what beverage you consume the most, but other drinks are okay in moderation. If you are an avid coffee or soda drinker and want to transition to just drinking water, there are things you can do to add flavor to your water while still being healthy.
