You are always told to drink plenty of water but what is the importance of water for our bodies and skin?  Humans cannot live without water.  In fact, our bodies are two thirds water.  It is estimated that we lose an average of 2.5 liters of water daily.  Just breathing uses water as we hydrate the air we breathe in. 

I see many clients with “dry” skin.  It is important to distinguish if the skin is oil dry, or dehydrated.  For this article, I am referring to dehydrated skin.  There are two indicators you can look at to determine if the skin is dehydrated. 

The first is obvious-how much water are you drinking?  Experts disagree on how much water you should drink on a daily basis.  The most common recommendation is between six to eight, eight ounce glasses a day.  It is assumed we get the rest from our food.  If your skin is tight and has fine lines, it is assumed to be dehydrated. 

The second indicator is the radiance of the skin.  Does the skin have a glow or luster, meaning it reflects light, or does it look dull and flat? 

Dehydration can be caused by several factors other than the amount of water you drink.   Medications such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, strong skin care products, air conditioning, or a dry environment can all pull the water from your skin.  Using a good moisturizer can help hold in those six to eight daily glasses. 

Need more reasons to drink your water?

1.  Your Heart-A six year study published in 2002 by the American Journal of Epidemology found that people who drink more than 5 glasses a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack than those who drank under two glasses.

2.  Your Weight-If you replace high-calorie drinks like juice, alcohol, or soda with water you could lose weight.  It is a great appetite suppressant and often we are thirsty when we think we are hungry. 

3.  Your Head-Ache that is.  They are often a symptom of dehydration. 

4.  Your Exercise-You should increase water intake when exercising.  You lose more water through increased breathing rates and sweating.  It is more difficult to work out when you are dehydrated.   I am all for making my work outs as effective and easy as possible!

5.  Your Energy- Dehydration can make you feel more tired by leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and even dizziness.  Being thirsty is the first sign of dehydration.  

6.  Your Kidneys-If you do not drink enough water, you are more susceptible to kidney stones.  A friend just spent a week in the most excruciating pain she has ever had trying to pass a kidney stone.  Her doctor indicated that drinking adequate water daily would help reduce the chances of having another.  She has decided that it is a simple lifestyle change to make to ensure she doesn’t have to go through that again!

7.  Your Tummy-You need water to digest your food properly.  Some who have suffered with excess stomach acid have had relief by drinking more water.

8.  Your Life-Drinking adequate water has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 45% and bladder cancer by 50%.  And many times constipation is a result of dehydration.  It is also important to have adequate levels of hydration so your body can eliminate toxins properly. 

So, drinking adequate amounts of water will not only make you feel good, you will look good doing it!  What are you waiting for-bottoms up!