While some people may not realize it, hydration is an essential part of skincare. And while moisturizing the outside of your skin is a step in the right direction, keeping your entire body hydrated also plays a key factor in skin health. However, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there about how much water you should drink. Is it eight 8oz glasses? 2 liters? Or 37 glasses a day, as one football player suggested?
The truth is, it’s most likely none of these statistics will apply to any of us. 37 glasses would drown most of us, and even the eight 8oz glasses is a bit much. While our bodies do need water to survive, they can only process so much at once. In normal conditions, your kidneys can only process around ¼-½ a liter of water an hour. Drink over this amount, and your body will only absorb what it needs and simply flush out the rest, leaving you with no extra benefits.
So, what’s the best way to get your water? Eat it. Fruits and vegetables provide the hydration you need, but it isn’t processed all at once. Instead, as your food is digested, it’s slowly released into your system and you’re less likely to just flush water out. Along with getting healthy vitamins and fiber, you will also have a glowing complexion, thanks to your skin being able to retain the right amount of water.
Instead of carrying around a gallon jug and painstakingly forcing yourself to drink, reconsider how much water your body needs. Drink it, or eat it, in healthy ways, and your skin will thank you for it.
