Here at Hip & Healthy we’re firm believers that beauty starts from the inside out. However, if your guilty of stockpiling superfoods, filling up on kale salads and cutting out sugar but are still suffering from problem skin – you may be overlooking one of the most crucial wellbeing secrets – drinking 2 litres of water per day.

Though the proposition may sound simple, the majority of people do not drink the recommended amount to stay happy, healthy and hydrated. Whilst we’re sure that most of the time you reach for a glass or bottle when thirst kicks in – what you may not know is that thirst does not develop until bodily fluids are depleted well below levels required for optimal functioning. When you are thirsty, it means your cells are already dehydrated and this only means one thing, unhappy skin.

When dehydration occurs, your body immediately pulls water from your skin cells to be transported to your blood and organs. In other words, when water supply is depleted, skin is completely neglected and drained of the hydration it needs to glow!

Not only is skin dehydration a glow-drainer, each day our bodies are exposed to a myriad of external toxins such as air pollution, pesticides and heavy metals, as well as hormonal and metabolic toxins that we need sufficient amounts of water to help us eliminate so our skin can thrive!

The solution? Ensuring you drink 2 litres of water every single day! And if you’re an avid exerciser, this amount should be your absolute minimum! Read on for the top 3 skin-specialised reasons we’ll never miss our dose a day again…

1.Detoxification

The first and most important skin-purifying ritual, drinking sufficient amounts of water is absolutely vital for flushing out toxins accumulated in the body that can show up as skin irritation and blemishes. To put it simply – when there is a toxic back-up in the body, the first place this shows is the skin!

More: If You Only Do 1 Thing This Week: Do A Daily Detox

2. Anti-ageing

Skin is the primary transport system in our bodies, and when insufficient water is consumed the toxins and waste products that accumulate in our cells result in skin-cell deterioration. As our skin cells die, the first signs of ageing occur. Additionally, when hydration needs are not met, blood turns acidic and becomes more condensed. As it does so, circulation and oxygenation decreases in the skin tissue – leading to less elasticity, more pronounced veins and the early onset of ageing.

More: IF You Only Do 1 Thing This Week: Eat For Your Age

3. Dryness

Suffer from skin dryness? One of the main causes of premature ageing, chronic dehydration of the skin can lead to increased wrinkles and deepened lines as well as skin rashes and eczema. However, making sure we drink lots of water to eradicate uncomfortable skin conditions associated with dryness is only the first step. Once you’ve got your water intake up to par, ensure you’re eating lots of healthy fats like avocadoes, nuts and raw coconut oil to really help to bring out that natural glow!

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Words by Zsa Zsa Vella

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