Can drinking water take 10 years off your face?

Skin is the human body’s largest organ. Our skin does so much for us such as protection from toxins and germs. It also helps us prevent dehydration and regulate our body temperature.

There are not too many of us who would say no to healthier and younger looking skin. Our skin and its natural glow are both the fabric and framework for our facial features.  One of the many reasons my patients visit me at Derm Clinic MD is to achieve brighter rejuvenated skin. However, procedures at the office are only one of the ways to support healthier skin-the other part of the process is achieved by patients outside the office through their own diligence.

Everyone wants a quick fix when it comes to making their skin look youthful and overall healthier. Can drinking eight glasses of water daily help? Water lovers got a shock hearing news that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold. Apparently, the old suggestion to drink eight glasses a day was nothing more than a guideline, not based on scientific evidence.  Yet, don’t rush to conclusion—water lovers do not put your water bottles down just yet!

Our skin is made up of three layers. The outermost layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum. This important membrane keeps harmful substances from entering the body. Technically, skin is the first line of defense in your innate immune system. It also plays a role in making sure that excessive levels of water do not leave our bodies, leaving us dehydrated. In other words, it helps us stay hydrated. Proper hydration can help skin’s overall tone. Dehydration can present in the outermost layer of skin by losing its ability to spring back if you push on it, and if you rehydrate, your skin bounces back.

Many ask if water is the ultimate solution for their skin concerns. Water is not going to magically erase our wrinkles!  However, in a small study, they found that drinking 2.25 liters of water daily of mineral or ordinary tap water for 4 weeks did have some effect to improve the skin. People who routinely drank little water before the start of the study did see an increase in skin thickness.

As we age, our skin loses density because of collagen and elastin breakdown. We can wind up with some sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Our ability to retain moisture is reduced as well. When you’re younger, your skin is thicker, though it might be a little rough or a little oily. As you age, skin thins. Drinking more water really won’t help either scenario. Thankfully non-surgical methods such as dermal fillers and Botox can help in turning back time to some degree.

Generally, doctors agree that water is important for good health. Does it minimize wrinkles and perk up your skin? Well, it really comes down to moisturizing and an overall healthy lifestyle. Drink your water, limit alcohol, don’t smoke, moisturize, wear sunscreen, and improve your nutrition. I have personally seen some remarkable improvements in skin when people start eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. The improvement of the skin and deep wrinkles can be further improved by utilizing dermal filler and Botox. Here at Derm Clinic MD, I have helped thousands of my patients achieve their youthful and rejuvenated look. My priority is my patients’ well being and natural aesthetic results.

The takeaway is clear: drink your water because it’s important to your good health. Just don’t expect it to get rid of your deep wrinkles.