Did you know that drinking to have beautiful skin is essential since our body is made up of 70% water? Our skin itself contains between 10 to 20% of all the water present in our body. Every day, we lose around 500 ml of water, or even more in certain climatic conditions, which directly affects the appearance and comfort of our skin.
Indeed, dehydrated skin quickly becomes dull, rough and gives an unpleasant feeling of tightness. To keep skin hydrated, it is generally recommended to consume between 1.5 and 3 liters of water daily, or approximately 6 glasses per day. However, the ideal quantity varies depending on gender: on average 2 liters for women and 2.5 liters for men. In this article, we will explore the links between water and skin, understand the benefits of drinking water on the skin of the face, and above all, discover what to drink to obtain a healthy-looking complexion.
Why is water essential for hydrated skin?
Water is much more than just a refreshing drink for our body. To understand what to drink to have beautiful skin, it is necessary to examine why hydration is fundamental to skin health.
The role of water in the different layers of the skin
The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. Each depends on water to function properly. The epidermis, the outer layer, contains around 15% water and forms our first barrier against external aggressions. The deeper dermis is made up of around 70% water and houses the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for skin firmness. Finally, the hypodermis, rich in adipose tissue, also contains a significant quantity of water.
When we drink enough, water circulates through our blood system before reaching skin cells. This process, called transcutaneous hydration, helps provide essential nutrients and eliminate toxins. Without adequate fluid intake, these mechanisms slow down, compromising the health of our skin.
Function of the hydrolipid barrier
The hydrolipid barrier constitutes a crucial element in maintaining hydrated skin. This thin protective layer on the surface of the epidermis is composed of water and lipids (ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol). It forms a waterproof film which:
- Locks moisture inside the skin
- Prevents dehydration by evaporation
- Protects against external irritants and allergens
When we ask ourselves what should we drink to have beautiful skin, the answer starts with understanding that water helps maintain the integrity of this barrier. Insufficient hydration weakens this natural protection, making the skin more vulnerable to external aggressions and accelerating its aging.
Link between water and skin elasticity
Skin elasticity, the ability of the skin to return to its shape after stretching, depends directly on its level of hydration. The benefits of drinking water on the skin of the face are manifested in particular by better tone. Water acts as a natural plasticizer which:
- Maintains the elasticity of collagen and elastin fibers
- Promotes cell regeneration
- Optimizes skin blood circulation
Skin that is well hydrated from the inside has more flexibility and is better resistant to daily mechanical pressure. Conversely, a lack of water causes a loss of elasticity, facilitating the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. This is why the effect of drinking water on the skin is not a myth but an observable physiological reality.
To summarize, water is the fundamental foundation of skin health, influencing every layer and function of our skin, from protection to elasticity.
The visible effects of good or poor hydration
Our skin constantly communicates with us, faithfully reflecting our internal hydration level. These visual and tactile signals are valuable indicators of what our body is asking of us.
Dull skin, fine lines and tightness
The lack of hydration quickly manifests itself on our face. Skin dehydration causes cells to shrink, making the skin dull and lack luster. The first expression lines deepen, especially around the eyes and lips. This unpleasant feeling of tightness occurs because the skin loses its natural suppleness.
Dehydration also compromises cell renewal. Our skin usually takes about 28 days to regenerate, but this process slows down considerably when we don't drink enough. Result ? Dead cells accumulate, creating a grayish and uneven complexion.
Improved complexion and suppleness
Conversely, what should you drink to have beautiful skin? The answer begins with adequate hydration which visibly transforms the epidermis. Well-hydrated skin regains its natural luminosity because the cells, properly hydrated, reflect light better.
Skin flexibility also improves thanks to water. In fact, the benefits of drinking water on facial skin include better elasticity. The skin bounces back more easily under finger pressure and superficial fine lines fade naturally. Hydration also optimizes cellular exchanges, facilitating the elimination of toxins which dull the complexion.
Reduction of imperfections and redness
Contrary to popular belief, water plays a major role in regulating sebum. Dehydrated skin often overcompensates by producing more sebum, paradoxically worsening acne problems. Drinking water effect on the skin results in a better balance of this production.
Redness and irritation also diminish with adequate hydration. Water for the face helps strengthen the skin's natural defense mechanisms. People suffering from skin sensitivity generally notice a significant improvement in their comfort when they maintain good internal hydration. Therefore, water is the first step towards soothed and even skin.
What should you drink to have beautiful skin?
To achieve glowing skin, the choice of drinks we consume is crucial. Let's take a look at the options that promote beautiful skin and which ones to avoid.
Mineral water: which one to choose?
Not all water is equal for skin health. Regularly choose natural mineral water to benefit from an additional supply of minerals and trace elements. Waters rich in magnesium and bicarbonates have a beneficial effect on the skin. For the face, dermatologists recommend low mineralized waters such as Evian or Vittel, low in sodium but rich in essential minerals which support skin repair.
Fruit-infused waters and herbal teas
Infusions perfectly contribute to hydration while providing specific properties. Chamomile and rooibos have soothing and antioxidant properties that beautify the skin from the inside out. Green tea, in particular, has scientific evidence associated with skin benefits, particularly for preventing skin cancer.
To vary the pleasures, create water flavored with slices of lemon, cucumber or mint, thus increasing vitamin intake while making hydration more pleasant.
Drinks to avoid: coffee, alcohol, sodas
Certain drinks significantly harm the quality of the skin. Sodas, high in sugars and lacking in essential nutrients, contain additives that promote the appearance of premature wrinkles by dehydrating the skin. Alcohol, for its part, causes premature aging of skin tissues, making the skin less elastic and favoring the appearance of wrinkles.
Excess coffee has a diuretic effect which can increase dehydration. Limit yourself to three cups daily to preserve the radiance of your skin.
Recommended amount based on weight and activity
The medical world generally recommends drinking between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day. However, a more accurate method is to calculate approximately 30 ml of water per kg of body weight. So, an 85 kg person would need around 2.5 liters daily.
This quantity varies depending on ambient temperature and physical activity. Don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate, because dehydration sets in before you feel thirsty.
Drinking water effects on the skin: myth or reality?
The impact of hydration on the skin is scientifically proven. When you are well hydrated, the skin's barrier function optimizes, protecting you against infections and pollution. External moisturizing products, while helpful, cannot replace the benefits of adequate internal hydration.
In the long term, chronic dehydration can lead to kidney problems and even affect cognitive functions. Properly hydrated skin appears plumper, reducing the visibility of wrinkles, but without completely erasing them.
Supplements and treatments to strengthen hydration
Although internal hydration is fundamental, certain supplements and external treatments allow us to maximize its effects on our epidermis.
Role of omega-3 and vitamins
Omega-3s, found in fatty fish and vegetable oils, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, vitamins play a crucial role: vitamin E protects against free radicals while vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, essential for maintaining skin elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid and collagen
Hyaluronic acid, a true molecular sponge, retains up to 1000 times its weight in water. Taken as an oral supplement, it hydrates the skin from the inside. Likewise, marine collagen, more easily absorbable than other types, significantly improves skin hydration when consumed regularly.
Suitable moisturizing cosmetic treatments
Cosmetic formulas containing ceramides and glycerin complement the action of drinking water for the face. Depending on your skin type, choose suitable textures: gels for oily skin, rich creams for dry skin. Application to damp skin optimizes the absorption of moisturizing active ingredients.
Importance of a gentle facial routine
A respectful routine preserves natural hydration. Avoid aggressive cleansers that alter the hydrolipidic film. Prefer lukewarm water to hot water and finish with a mist of thermal water so that what you need to drink to have beautiful skin is complemented by appropriate external gestures.
Conclusion
Water is undoubtedly the fundamental element for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Indeed, our epidermis faithfully reflects our internal hydration level. Adequate water consumption not only helps preserve skin elasticity, but also reduces imperfections and strengthens the hydrolipid barrier.
However, not all drinks are equal when it comes to the health of our skin. Mineral waters, particularly those rich in magnesium and bicarbonates, offer considerable benefits. Likewise, herbal teas and fruit-infused waters provide additional benefits thanks to their antioxidant properties. On the other hand, alcohol, excessive coffee and soda compromise skin hydration and accelerate aging.
Furthermore, the ideal amount of water varies according to each individual. The rule of 30 ml per kilo of body weight is an excellent starting point, adaptable according to physical activity and climatic conditions. Certainly, internal hydration works optimally when supported by supplements like omega-3 and appropriate topical care.
Finally, taking care of your skin starts with this simple daily gesture: drinking enough. The effect of water on our skin is not a myth but a scientifically proven reality. Thus, by adopting these hydration habits and choosing our drinks wisely, we offer our skin the best conditions to remain beautiful, supple and radiant with health over the years.
Discover the secrets of optimal hydration to reveal the natural radiance of your skin with advice from dermatological experts.
- Drink 30 ml of water per kg of body weight daily to maintain skin hydration and preserve the elasticity of your skin
- Favor mineral waters rich in magnesium and bicarbonates such as Évian or Vittel, supplemented by antioxidant green tea herbal teas
- Avoid alcohol, soda and excess coffee which dehydrate the skin and accelerate its premature aging
- Combine internal hydration and external care with omega-3 supplements and cosmetics containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Water strengthens the natural hydrolipidic barrier which protects against external aggressions and maintains skin moisture
Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin. Adequate water consumption visibly improves the complexion, reduces fine lines and strengthens the natural defenses of the epidermis. This scientifically proven approach constitutes the first beauty gesture to adopt for radiant, healthy skin.
