“Moisture is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty,” said Derek Zoolander. Ankita Mamgain finds out, that he wasn’t so wrong.
One of the things I found particularly annoying while reading or watching celebrity interviews was their pat reply about the secret of their flawless skin; “drinking lots of water”. Come on! It can’t be that simple; if it was so, everyone would have the perfect airbrushed complexion. Why don’t they just mention the zillion-dollar skin care products they use or the frequent trips to the dermatologist? It used to infuriate me every single time. Well, this was my reaction till I got an acute skin problem myself and the first thing the dermatologist asked me was how much water was I consuming per day.
Our skin is largely composed of water and has its own natural mechanisms to maintain correct hydration levels and protect against external elements. Staying hydrated is vital not only for the health of your skin but without enough water, our body simply won’t function properly.
When the skin isn’t hydrated it becomes dry, which is a problem if you suffer from acne, dermatitis or eczema, because dry skin can worsen the condition. Neglecting such an important part of your skin health can also result in wrinkles and blemishes.
When you workout and when the weather is warmer, you will naturally become more dehydrated. This is when you should increase your water intake.
When skin is well-hydrated, it is more plump and resilient. This is partly due to an ingredient in the skin called hyaluronic acid. Its job is to hold water. When there is adequate water from inside and out, the skin looks healthier and more vibrant and is less prone to wrinkles.
It is important to drink lots of fluids throughout the day for the best results. You’ve probably heard that drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is a good idea, but you may need more or less depending on your activity level. Coffee and sodas do not count, because they contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, meaning that they draw water out of your system and your skin. The best way to know that you are drinking enough water is to take a look at your urine when you next visit the toilet. If it’s clear or a pale yellow then you are well-hydrated.
Healthy skin is a reflection of your overall health and keeping your body hydrated improves circulation, digestion and toxin removal.
Drinking fluids is just one way of keeping the skin hydrated. We are now fighting against strong external elements like harsh sun rays, being in air-conditioned environments for prolonged periods and pollution. Here are some other ways that help skin retain moisture.
Eat healthy
Adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, olive oil, soybeans, navy beans, kidney beans, winter squash and ground flaxseeds, can improve the condition of your skin remarkably, often in a matter of just a few weeks. That’s because omega-3s are responsible for keeping skin cells well lubricated, thereby contributing to a rejuvenated appearance.
Use Humidifiers
Although Bahrain gets excessively humid during the summer months, during winter it can become uncomfortably dry as well, especially when it gets really windy. Humidifiers are ideal for reintroducing moisture back into the air inside your home, where the bulk of dry skin problems originate during this time of the year.
Add Moisture Back
Moisturise immediately after showering by patting the skin dry with a towel so that it is left slightly damp. Immediately seal in that dampness with your lotion or body oil of choice. Apply the body oil all over, massaging gently. Note that the oil won’t “sink in” the way a lotion will; you can expect to feel it for a little while.
If your skin is exceptionally dry, you can apply a coat of a rich body cream after a few minutes.
By keeping your skin hydrated and making sure its moisture isn’t lost easily, you will notice that it becomes plumper, smoother and has a radiant glow. The next time you feel thirsty, instead of reaching for that soda, grab a glass of water instead. Your skin, and the rest of your body, will thank you.
