Water: Skin's Best Friend

Water is the second most important nutrient for life, after oxygen. Aside from the many good effects that water does to the body, the effect of water on our skin is one thing that we should be aware of. Taking enough amount of water is essential in maintaining skin's elasticity and suppleness. Skin would look glowing because water flushes out toxins. Lack of water intake could make the skin dry and look "leathery".

Even without sweating, the body is losing water through the skin. Therefore, there is really a need to replace the moisture that is being lost. When hydration is not done, skin cells are dry, they crack, peel and change color. In effect, the skin would be itchy, painful and unsightly. Although lotions and creams can aid with these concerns, they may give temporary solutions. Healing comes from within, and that can be done by drinking plenty of water.

So in order to maintain proper hydration, take note of these tips:

1. Drink at least 8 eight-ounce servings of water each day. It would be better to add to your intake if you are overweight, after a brisk workout, or it the day is to warm and dry. Cold water is preferred, because it is said to be absorbed into the system more quickly, compared to hot water.

2. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. A certain damage has already been done to your body once you feel that you are already thirsty. When you are involved in a workout, drink water 10 or 20 minutes before starting the exercise. Drink in the middle of your activity, and naturally, drink when your workout is over.
3. Drink water all throughout the day. The trick is to always keep a glass or bottle near you at all times. Have a bottle or glass wherever you go. Bring it with you in the car, at work, while waiting for the train, while in the bank line, while doing your grocery. Even if you are doing stuff around the house, bring with you your handy water container so you can take a gulp every now and then. That would be whether you are doing the laundry, gardening outside, or cleaning your windows, whether you are reading a book, or playing with your kids. If you have a glass or container filled with water next to you, you won't feel lazy to fetch a drink anymore.

4. Don't substitute caffeinated or sugary sweet coffees, teas and sodas for water. Caffeine and sweets act as a diuretic causing you to lose water through increased urination. Beverages containing alcohol do the same thing. You may drink several glasses of water in the morning, and you would not greatly crave for your caffeine or sweet fix. Besides you would feel too full already.

5. Start and end your day with a serving of water. Even while sleeping, the body tends to lose water from the moisture in our breath and the water that evaporates through the skin. So drink water before going to bed. Put a glass of water next to your bed, or somewhere in your bedroom, so you can take some in the middle of the night. The best time is when you need to make a trip to the restroom. Upon waking up, drink water again to replace the lost water from your body.

Remember, water is your healthy skin's best friend.

Sources:
http://www.jaxmed.com/articles/nutrition/water.htm
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37211.asp
www.dwtz.com