One thing people often forget when trying to stay healthy is staying properly hydrated. This is especially crucial during the cold winter months because keeping hydrated protects your skin and ensures your body works at its best. So, are you drinking enough water?
We all know we need to stay hydrated. We understand that our bodies are mostly water and that exercise makes us lose water. It seems straightforward, so we often don’t worry about it too much.
But what exactly does proper hydration do for your body? That’s the key question.
A significant part of our bodies is made of water, even from birth. Drinking the right amount of water influences everything, from digestion to circulation and the condition and appearance of your skin.
Skin cells, like all other cells in your body, contain water. The amount of water in these cells affects how your skin looks. Water gives your skin its natural bounce and flexibility. When you don’t have enough water, your body quickly shows the effects.
Once you understand how water affects your skin, you need to learn how to identify signs of dehydration in your skin. One simple method is the “pinch test.” Pinch a bit of skin between your thumb and forefinger, squeeze gently for a couple of seconds, and let go. If your skin springs back immediately, it’s in good condition with enough fluid. If you’re dehydrated, your skin will stay in place and take a bit longer to return to its original state.
Poor hydration can also lead to dry skin. Issues like rashes, flakiness, and other skin problems can be frustrating and impact your confidence. While medical conditions should be handled by a health professional, many skin problems can be solved with one of nature’s best remedies: water. Drinking more water can keep your body hydrated, which improves your skin’s condition and appearance, reducing dryness.
The same goes for dry, chapped lips. Environmental factors and a lack of moisture can make your lips dry out and crack, which can be very painful. Replenishing lost moisture can help relieve this dryness.
To combat chapped lips and dry skin caused by dehydration, start by evaluating how much fluid you’re consuming each day and find ways to increase your intake. Although many enjoy coffee or tea at work or while studying, some research suggests these drinks can be dehydrating because of their caffeine content. Sugary sodas might provide liquid but can increase your need for fluids because your body needs to balance the glucose intake.
This means you might be consuming less water than you think. A useful tip is to drink more plain water. It might not be as exciting as other drinks, but water is the best tonic for your body and skin. You can add natural flavors like lemon, ginger, or mint, or choose caffeine-free teas and decaffeinated coffees for variety.
Experts have different opinions on how much water to drink daily, but a general guideline is around 8 glasses a day. So, if you want to get rid of chapped lips, solve dry skin issues, and take good care of your body, try drinking more water for a few weeks and see how you feel.