Did you know that 64% of our skin is made up of water? Skin needs water to keep its moisture. However, until now studies that examine water as one skin care is still small, making it difficult to get data about the effects of water for skin. In fact, the fact water has various benefits for our health.
A dermatology clinic found only one study examining the effects of long-term water intake on skin health. The study, published in 2007 in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, found that drinking 2.25 liters (9.5 cups) of water daily for four weeks can alter skin density and thickness, but the results are still contradictory. Then, a study by the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that drinking 500 ml of water can improve blood circulation in the skin.
What are the benefits of water for the skin?
Rachel Nazarian M.D., dermatologist from the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York also explained that without adequate water intake, our skin will look dull, wrinkled, and the pores even more prominent. Julius Few, M.D., director of The Few Institute and a plastic surgery clinic lecturer at the University of Chicago explained that the various skin structures that support collagen require water to work effectively. When the skin is hydrated, solid, and elastic, it tends to reduce the entry of external particles that can cause irritation and stains.
Nazrian also said that he found that his dehydrated patient had more severe acne. We know that small changes in the diet can affect the type of oil and sebum in your skin and can be associated with an increase in the appearance of acne. Dehydration can work in the same way to trigger changes in the oil glands in the skin.
Water can also ward off acne by reducing the concentration of oils on the skin. It is important to have a stable balance between water and oil on the surface of the skin. If the skin has too much oil compared to water, it can make clogged pores with stains and acne.
Although drinking plenty of water has a positive effect on your skin, it does not mean your skin will remain in the same condition for years to come. Nazrian says that although clinically hydrated skin can minimize the signs of aging, but at a histopathological level (when examined under a microscope) the wrinkles are still visible, so there is no permanent change in the skin. What is clear, if you reduce water intake, the signs of aging will be more visible.
For more details, below is a water benefit to the skin:
1. Water is important to maintain optimal skin moisture and provide essential nutrients for skin cells. Water complements the needs of skin tissue and improves skin elasticity. It helps delay the appearance of signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Water is the right substitute for all anti-aging treatments. Water can keep skin hydrated and shiny so it can improve skin tone. For smooth and elastic skin, drinking adequate amounts of water is more important than using topical creams.
Drinking enough water can combat skin disorders such as psoriasis, wrinkles, and eczema.
3. Water can also increase the metabolic rate and expedite the digestive system to remove toxins in the body. This will make you have healthy and glowing skin.
This has been proven by a 42-year-old woman named Sarah Smith on dailymail.co.uk. At first he only drank water at lunch and dinner. But after he felt many complications in his body like dizziness and bad digestion, he started drinking water as much as 3 liters per day. In addition to treating dizziness and improving digestion, water turned out to make Sarah's skin change.
After four weeks of consuming 3 liters of water per day, the wrinkles on his face faded, dark circles around the eyes disappeared because water can help skin renew its cells.
The level of dehydration in our body can also be seen from the skin turgor (skin elasticity). When a dehydrated person withdraws his skin and releases it, his skin will return to its original state in comparison to a person who has enough fluid in his body.