While it may seem that drinking water goes straight to your skin and “plumps” it up – that is not necessarily true – our skin is not like a plant. Although the image is a good one when making decisions about our skin care and the need for moisture, it is not that simple.
However, moisture is crucial to healthy, vibrant skin. This means that not only is it important to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, it is equally important to not deplete skin of moisture by doing things that dehydrate your skin.
As water is lost in large quantities every day, you need to replace it somehow. The truth about drinking water and skin is that water will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin. So, it's important to apply water to our skin and keep it there - this will not only show a visible difference in hydration, but it can prevent wrinkles, as well.
Your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or a veritable combo platter, is largely determined by your genes. That natural moisture level then fluctuates depending on what your skin’s protective lipid barrier is exposed to. This lipid layer helps keep moisture in and germs and irritants out. (That’s why dry skin can become red and itchy.)
Minimizing your exposure to depleting elements―low humidity, harsh winds, dry heat, high altitude, sun, alcohol, long baths―and avoiding stripping soaps can prevent the loss of natural oils. “Diet can play a role in strengthening your skin’s ability to maintain moisture, too,” says Leslie Baumann, a professor of dermatology at the University of Miami, in Florida. Foods rich in the essential fatty acids found in walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and olive oil can help skin cells stay hydrated.
The best ways to add water to your skin -
- Apply a hydrating moisturizer within 2 minutes of leaving the bath or shower. The skin is still porous and is vulnerable to products that are applied following the bath or shower, allowing better absorption. Try Vienne Intense Hydration Cream.
- Applying moisturizer directly after leaving the bath or shower will lock in and attract the moisture that is in the air.
- DO drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
- Use a humidifier in dry climates.
- If your skin is feeling very parched, try a water mist on your skin periodically to continue to add moisture to your skin.
- Include healthy fatty acids in your diet (like Omega 3 and Omega 6) found in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains.
Sources: - (1) www.uwhealth.org (2) www.realsimple.com
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