Key Takeaways
- Drinking more water is one of the simplest ways to revitalize skin, particularly in winter when indoor heating and cold outdoor air cause significant skin dehydration.
- Drinking a glass of water while your morning coffee or tea brews is an easy way to start the day hydrated after eight hours without fluids during sleep.
- Carrying a reusable glass or stainless steel water bottle throughout the day makes it easier to sip consistently rather than waiting until thirst becomes noticeable.
- Adding fruit to water, such as lemon or cucumber, improves the flavor and makes it more enjoyable to drink throughout the day for those who dislike plain water.
- Tracking daily intake with a log or app helps build consistent hydration habits, especially for people who tend to forget to drink water during a busy workday.
We all know it: drinking more water is one of the simplest ways to revitalize your skin, especially in the winter. Indoor heat and cold winds are especially drying, and drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin plump and moist, and protects your skin from wrinkling and premature aging. So why dont we all drink as much water as were supposed to? Its easy to forget to do it, especially during the busy work week when were all constantly on the go. Here are a few tips to help you increase your water intake, and therefore protect and nourish your skin:
1. Drink a glass of water while your coffee is brewing or your tea is steeping. When you wake up in the morning, its been about eight hours since you had a glass of water. Start the day off right by drinking a glass of water while you wait for your morning cuppa to be ready. Its a simple way to sneak in some early-morning hydration.
2. Carry around a water bottle. Invest in a glass or stainless steel one that wont break in your purse or leak all over your stuff. Having water on hand constantly will mean you can reach for it whenever you think of it, or when you get thirsty, instead of running to the vending machine for a soda.
3. Dont buy other beverages. Soda, sports drinks, juice- these are all high in sugar and can be dehydrating, which will make your skin look worse. Just dont buy them- then when youre thirsty youll reach for water because itll be all you have.
4. Serve water with dinner, even if youre also serving wine or other drinks. Having it there will make it easy to take a few sips between the salad and the main course. Its also smart to drink a glass of water before your meal- itll fill you up so you wont be as hungry, and help keep you hydrated throughout the rest of the evening.
5. Set a reminder on your smartphone. Everyone has smart phones these days, and even if you dont most phones come with an alarm function. Set it to go off every hour on the hour, and drink a glass of water when you hear it.
Drinking more water will have a wonderful effect on your skin. Fine lines and wrinkles will fill in a bit, youll get back a glow (one youll not see on many people in the winter time), and your skin wont be as dry and itchy because its properly hydrated.
If you have any questions about skin care, please call our Northern Virginia offices at (703) 574-2588.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is winter a particularly important time to stay hydrated for skin health?
Indoor heating systems and cold outdoor air both strip moisture from the air and the skin during winter months. Combined with the body's lower thirst signals in cold weather, many people become chronically dehydrated during winter without realizing it. Staying well-hydrated helps counteract the skin-drying effects of low-humidity winter environments.
What is the easiest way to remember to drink more water daily?
One of the simplest strategies is to tie water drinking to an existing morning habit, such as drinking a full glass while your coffee or tea brews. This replaces waiting until you feel thirsty and ensures you start every day with adequate hydration before other commitments compete for your attention.
Does it matter what kind of water bottle I use?
Carrying a reusable water bottle throughout the day is one of the most effective strategies for increasing water intake. Glass or stainless steel bottles are recommended over single-use plastic both for health and environmental reasons. Having water visible and accessible throughout the day serves as a constant reminder to drink.
How can I make plain water taste better if I don't enjoy drinking it?
Adding slices of fruit such as lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries to your water naturally enhances the flavor without adding significant sugar or calories. Herbal tea, sparkling water, and coconut water are also hydrating alternatives that some people find more enjoyable than plain water while still contributing to daily fluid intake.
How much water should I drink each day for healthy skin?
The standard recommendation is eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which totals approximately two liters or half a gallon. Individual needs may vary based on body weight, activity level, and climate. Using a tracking app or marking your water bottle with time-based goals can help you build and maintain the habit consistently.