Since nearly 60 percent of our body is composed of water, water plays an important role in keeping our systems functioning properly. That means we need to stay hydrated, because water transports nutrients to cells while flushing away toxins. We need to drink lots of water to maintain optimum health—internally with the body’s systems and externally with our skin.
How to Stay Hydrated
Researchers continue to debate about exactly how much water is enough to keep skin hydrated, but the consensus is that at the very least, we need between four to eight cups of liquid per day. Preferably, that amount of liquid is in the form of water. When we perspire, whether it’s due to the weather or from intense exercise, we lose fluids, which need to be replaced. Otherwise, dehydration sets in, even if we don’t realize it.
An easy way to stay hydrated is to simply drink water throughout the day, regardless of your level of activity. When drinking water is a habit, there is no thinking involved. We can keep a water bottle with us everywhere—at work, in the car, at the gym and so on. Water doesn’t add the calories that are found in soda and juice, so it does a body good without any harmful side effects, such as weight gain and high triglycerides.
Foods with Hydrating Effects
Certain foods have a moisturizing effect on the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the skin’s natural barrier, which helps retain moisture. Foods such as flax seed, certain types of fish and walnuts boost Omega-3s in the diet and help moisturize the skin. A great source of Omega-3s is Laminine OMEGA+++, which contains one of the most potent types of fish oil found anywhere. Other research shows that foods with vitamin E, such as nuts and whole grains, also act as boosters for the skin.
If you eat lots of berries, chances are your skin is retaining lots of natural moisture. Berries not only contain juice to help hydration, but they’re full of antioxidants and vitamin C, all of which naturally protect the skin.
Foods that contain high percentages of vitamin A are known to be good hydrators. And, vitamin A is known to strengthen the skin. One vegetable that is particularly good for skin is spinach. Not only does it contain vitamins that benefit and hydrate the skin, but spinach also contains iron and other important minerals.
What Dehydrates?
Not all liquids help to keep us hydrated. Alcohol can have a dehydrating effect, because it causes the body to lose fluid more quickly than normal. Clinicians urge us to drink lots of water to compensate for the dehydrating effects of an alcoholic beverage, if we choose to indulge.
Caffeine is believed to have diuretic effects similar to alcohol, but not as intensely. To be on the safe side, we should take in lots of water in addition to the coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks we are consuming.
Depending on age, skin needs varying amounts of hydration, but everyone should be vigilant in applying sunscreen all year round. Overexposure to UVA and UVB rays puts us at risk for skin cancer and is the fastest way to dehydrate the skin. The negative result is premature aging and wrinkling. Preventing sunburn is one of the easiest ways to maintain a youthful appearance, because even the best skin moisturizers in the world cannot make damaged skin young again.