Approximately seventy percent of our body mass is composed of water. Without water, we would be unable to survive. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day is essential for healthy skin – skin that is refreshed, dewy and hydrated.

Water prevents dehydration and gives muscles their ability to contract. Drinking plenty of water also helps prevent the sagging skin that comes with age and often follows weight loss. Shrinking cells are buoyed by water – the skin on the face plumps and becomes clear, healthy and resilient.

Water helps rid the body of waste. When the body does not receive enough water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources – often the colon, which can result in constipation. Adequate water helps to flush waste from the body that can accumulate in the cells and cause the skin to appear sluggish and tired.

We should all drink at least eight glasses (8oz.) every day. Water should be consumed in small quantities throughout the day rather than large quantities all at once to avoid undue strain on the kidneys. Excessive liquids taken with meals dilute stomach acids and put undue strain on the digestive process.

A good rule is to avoid drinking too much liquid from thirty minutes before a meal to two hours after and to sip water slowly with meals. Preferably, water should be cool, not cold. Iced water with a meal may cause difficulty with digestion. Lemon with water also aids in digestion. Drinking warm water with lemon first thing in the morning gets the lymphatic system moving to flush out toxins and impurities.

So drink up for healthy, beautiful skin!