Drinking water for clear skin?

Water is extremely important for our body - it is practically our elixir of life. We need it as a component of our cells and various body fluids, to regulate our body temperature, to transport nutrients and much more. But does drinking water also have an effect on our skin? Let's find out!

In this Guidebook you will learn...

• ... whether drinking water helps to achieve beautiful skin,
• ... the effects of a lack of fluids,
• ... which drinks are best suited
• ... and which tips will help you to drink enough water (for your skin).

Is water healthy for the skin?

Beauty magazines, influencers, bloggers and the like are constantly reporting on the positive effects of water on the skin. The numerous testimonials include statements such as:

• "Sufficient water intake prevents dry skin."
• "Water boosts the skin's metabolism."
• "With sufficient amounts of water, the skin retains moisture."
• "Drinking plenty of water helps to reduce skin blemishes."
• "Water makes the skin firmer and reduces wrinkles."
• "Sufficient hydration ensures a special glow."

It is generally believed that water promotes skin vitality and helps to improve the appearance of the skin. However, scientific research in this area is not yet very mature and cannot fully confirm this claim. However, there are some studies that suggest a connection between water intake and the appearance of the skin.

Influence of water on skin thickness and skin density

A study from 2007 investigated the influence of daily consumption of approx. 2 liters of water over a period of four weeks ^[1]. The study found that both Tapwater and mineral water had an effect on the density and thickness of the skin - especially in those people who had been infrequent drinkers before the study. In addition, smoother skin was observed in some individuals - although these were isolated cases without statistical significance.

Effects of water on skin moisture

Several researchers have looked at the effect of water on skin hydration. Mac-Mary et al., for example, found in a study that increased water intake improves skin hydration ^[2]. The test subjects also perceived their skin as softer and smoother.

Palma et al. came to similar conclusions in their study ^[3]. They were also able to prove that additional water consumption has a positive effect on skin hydration - but again mainly in those people who originally consumed less water.

Further studies confirm the connection between daily water intake and skin hydration ^[4]. Furthermore, improvements in the skin's appearance and elasticity were observed in a few individual cases.

Drinking too little: these are the effects

We lose large amounts of fluid every day through breathing, sweating, going to the toilet, etc. We have to compensate for this loss by taking in enough fluid again.

If the body receives too little of it, water is increasingly removed from the blood and tissue. Prolonged dehydration becomes life-threatening after just a few days. Typical deficiency symptoms of dehydration are ^[5]:

• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Concentration difficulties
• Circulatory problems

Whether and to what extent drinking too little also affects the skin has not been clearly confirmed by science!

Clean skin only with water? These drinks are suitable

Depending on age, gender, weight and activity, the daily fluid requirement of an adult is around 2-3 liters. In order to maintain various bodily functions, it is important that you know and meet your requirements.

Are you bored with 2-3 liters of water a day? No problem, then simply choose the following drinks: 

• Infused water: Take still or sparkling water and flavor it with various fruits, vegetables and/or herbs. It is an ideal, low-calorie alternative to normal water. Tip: It is best to use untreated fruit and vegetables so that no pesticides get into the water.
• Tea: On the one hand, the hot drink provides a change of flavor and on the other hand, you can do something good for your body with the various herbs. Whether hot or cold, unsweetened tea is a good thirst quencher for both cold and hot days.
• Lemon water: Squeeze half a lemon or a whole lemon, depending on your taste, and pour the juice into a jug of water. You have a wonderfully refreshing drink that is perfect for the hot summer months.
• Juice spritzer: If you want something a little sweeter, you can also try fruit or vegetable juices from time to time, but always in a ratio of 1:3 - i.e. ⅓ juice and ⅔ water. But beware, these juices naturally contain sugar and therefore calories.

You should steer clear of alcohol, light drinks and highly sweetened drinks such as soft drinks. The latter in particular can have the exact opposite effect and even promote blemishes.

Drinking water for beautiful skin: tips for everyday life

Whether drinking water ensures beautiful and clear skin cannot be said in general terms. Nevertheless, it is important that you cover your daily fluid requirements. The following tips will help you do this.

Use a reminder

Do you find it difficult to drink enough water every day? Then try keeping a drinking diary. You can use it to record exactly how much you drink every day and react accordingly.

There are also apps for your cell phone that remind you to drink something at certain intervals. However, using these apps is usually very tedious, as we can tell you from our own experience. Special drinking bottles are a much better option. These have time markers that motivate you to drink again and again throughout the day.

Always keep water to hand

Make sure you always have water close to hand - regardless of whether you are at home, at work or out and about. This way you can drink at any time and won't forget so quickly.

It's best to prepare your daily target in the morning using bottles, jugs or similar. This way you can keep a close eye on your fluid intake and monitor your progress throughout the day.

Choose foods rich in water

You don't have to cover your daily fluid requirements purely with drinks. Many foods contain a large proportion of water and also provide your body with fluids. These include, for example

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Paprika
• Watermelons
• Berries

Clean skin from drinking water - what more could you want?

There is no clear evidence that drinking water helps to achieve beautiful, clear skin. Nevertheless, water is essential for our body and should be consumed in sufficient quantities.

Therefore, always keep an eye on your daily fluid requirements and do something good for your body! One thing is certain: the water will certainly not harm your skin. At best, it will even benefit from it!

@rh2010 - stock.adobe.com

FAQs

Does drinking water improve the skin?

From a scientific point of view, this cannot be clearly confirmed. Various studies show that increased water consumption has a positive effect on the skin in some cases. However, no universally valid statements can be made.

Is drinking water good for wrinkles?

If you believe the various beauty magazines, bloggers and the like, drinking water actually helps to reduce wrinkles. However, there is no generalized scientific confirmation of this.

Is drinking water good for acne?

This cannot be clearly confirmed either. However, the fact is that sugar has a bad reputation for promoting acne ^[7]. So avoid sugary drinks at all costs and opt for water instead.

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