Water: The essential skincare secret for a radiant complexion

"Hell no H20!" Actually HELL YES! Anyone around my age (cough, 37) will know of the film ‘Coyote Ugly’ and most probably remember the part where the customers get sprayed with water, whilst everyone in the bar chants "Hell no H20" if they asked for anything other than an alcoholic drink! Anyway, I’m not here to talk about films or alcohol (sorry), I’m here to talk about water and why it's so important to get enough of it leading up to your wedding day!

Drinking enough water helps your digestive system flush out toxins from your body which in turn will improve skins texture, reduce spot breakouts, and help give you that glow. It also reduces puffiness. By keeping your body hydrated, it doesn’t need to retain so much fluid. Think under eye bags? Drink more water and it should help reduce them! Another thing water can do is help your mood, if you’re hydrated, you won’t feel as tired or stressed and no one needs extra stress when planning a wedding! If you’re less stressed, you’re less likely to reach for those quick fixes like chocolate or biscuits and reducing your sugar intake can also majorly benefit your skin!

The benefits of water are fabulous and so easy to obtain with a little (sometimes a lot – depending who you are) of discipline and motivation. When I got married 5 years ago, I set myself a goal 2 weeks before the wedding to drink 2 litres of water a day. I bought 14 two litre bottles of water from the supermarket to make tracking my water intake super easy. If a long-term goal seems daunting and you don’t think you will stick to it, this idea could work for you too.

What I noticed after those two weeks was how much better my skin looked! I have always had very oily, acne prone skin, but it’s also dry in places, probably the worst combo to have. Yet after those two weeks, the oil had evened out, and the dry patches were hydrated and smooth! Even after that short space of time. If you really want to help your skin, also cut out sugar for those two weeks. It’s worth it I promise!

So to summarise...

Q: How does drinking water benefit my skin?

A: Drinking enough water aids in flushing out toxins from your body, improving your skin's texture, reducing breakouts, and enhancing your glow. It also helps reduce puffiness by preventing your body from retaining excess fluid.

Q: Can water consumption affect my mood and stress levels?

A: Yes, staying hydrated can positively impact your mood, making you feel less tired and stressed. This is particularly beneficial during busy periods like wedding planning, as lower stress levels can lead to healthier skin.

Q: How much water should I aim to drink daily for better skin?

A: Aiming for at least 2 litres of water a day can significantly improve your skin’s appearance. However, the exact amount can vary based on individual needs and lifestyle factors.

Q: What if I find it challenging to drink enough water each day?

A: Try setting short-term goals, like drinking 2 litres a day for two weeks, to make it more manageable. Buying bottles in advance to track your intake or using a water tracking app can also help.

Q: Will cutting out sugar improve my skincare routine?

A: Yes, reducing sugar intake, alongside increasing water consumption, can further improve your skin’s appearance. Sugar can trigger breakouts and affect your skin's texture, so cutting it out can lead to clearer, more radiant skin.

Q: Is it necessary to drink water even if I have oily skin?

A: Absolutely. Drinking water can help regulate oil production and hydrate dry areas, even for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Balanced hydration is key to managing oily and dry patches.

Q: Can water really reduce under-eye bags and puffiness?

A: Yes, by keeping your body adequately hydrated, it reduces the need for fluid retention, thereby lessening under-eye bags and puffiness.