Drink More Water to Help Acne?
If you have a teen in the house, you may be working in all the ways to fight off the familiar acne years. Or maybe you, yourself are struggling with it. (Nope, it doesn’t always stay away as we transition to adulthood!)
“Did you know… your skin is the largest organ you have! So of course you want to keep it clean and healthy.”
Acne can pop up for many different reasons. For children going through growth spurts and puberty, it may simply be changing hormones. But air quality, allergies and other health conditions can also be culprits. Acne is a symptom of clogged pores, bacteria and inflammation.
Can water help? Well, drinking water is super important and beneficial for most functions that happen inside the body. While it’s not the end-all solution for acne, staying hydrated can be helpful for overall skin health and keeping skin healthy and clear.
How can water help with acne?
Like we said earlier, water may not be the only solution, but it can definitely help your body. Here are a few reasons we reference water as “liquid gold”.
It keeps you hydrated. Well, duh! This may be a no brainer, but water is hydrating! When you’re hydrated, so is your skin. Good hydration helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, keeping it healthy and promoting a clear complexion. When you have improved skin hydration, your skin is less prone to dry patches, irritation and inflammation. A good skincare routine and a balanced diet will also go a long way to keeping your body in check. Eat hydrating foods and replenish electrolytes after heavy bouts of activity or exercise.
It helps eliminate toxins. Water boosts your immune system and helps flush out toxins and waste products in your body. This can indirectly benefit the skin. By getting rid of all the yucky toxins, you take some burden off the body which can help promote stronger skin. After removing toxins, the overall health of your skin may improve. This can help reduce the likelihood of breakouts in the future.
It just makes you healthy. Water is so critical for all bodily functions. That means it’s super important for maintaining your overall health! Drinking enough water supports how well your body absorbs nutrients that you eat. It also helps with circulation, temperature regulation and proper cell growth. A healthy body will get you one step closer to healthier skin. Staying hydrated will help promote a strong and healthy body.
How much water should you drink?
This is a great question. You’ve probably heard that you should have eight glasses of water per day. That’s a great start! But the amount of water you really need depends on, well…you! Age, weight, activity level, lifestyle and the climate where you live can all account for your water needs. In general, it’s probably a good idea to drink more water!
Yes, too much water can be a bad thing, but most people are not going to reach the amount of water intake it takes to cause a problem. With the availability of juices, sodas and yummy caffeinated beverages, a majority of people are actually walking around dehydrated. So drinking more water can only help.
The good news is you don’t have to guess! We have a great hydration calculator that can recommend how much water you should be drinking with just a few clicks. Answer a few questions and we’ll tell you what you should aim for each day.
Although water alone may not be a magical solution for acne, it definitely can’t hurt. It can only help with hydrating your skin. Be sure to eat a balanced diet, stay active and practice good hygiene to also prevent dry skin. And don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you need additional support.
How Can I Drink More Water?
There are so many ways you can work more water into your daily routine. These are some of our favorite go-to tips for increasing your water intake.
Make it the first thing you do! Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning to help you rehydrate from the fluids you lose while you sleep.
Have a water snack between meals. Drink a full glass of water between your meals to keep you hydrated and energized. This may also indirectly help with weight! We tend to mistake thirst for hunger. So next time you think you’re hungry, try drinking some water first!
Eat more fruit and vegetables. A well-balanced diet with plenty of produce will help with your hydration goals. Fruits and veggies have a high water content, and it absolutely counts toward your daily intake!
Make it more delicious! Add a flavor enhancer, like a True Lemon Hydration Helper. These are made with only simple, non-GMO ingredients. They’ll help brighten up the taste of your water, so you’ll love filling up your bottle again and again!