I turn 51 this year. FIFTY-ONE. (Insert crying-face emoji here.) Birthdays have always been my favorite, but I have to say, there are a lot of things about getting older that are starting to take away some of my birthday enthusiasm! Things like thinning hair, dull splotchy skin, weight gain... I could go on and on. I have a deep respect for women who embrace aging along with all of it's not-so-great side effects, but I'm not ashamed to admit that I am going to fight it as long as I can. I am not above Botox or any other aesthetic cosmetic treatment that can help push pause on the clock. In fact, I have recently started a new series of skin treatments called Laser 360 that I am in LOVE with! Ba-bye sun damage, age spots and fine lines! (I'll be sure to write about my experience with Laser 360 once I've completed the series.)
Modern aesthetic treatments are a great way to help keep things in check, but the best way to fight aging is to take care of our bodies. We are in week six of our "90 Days to Your Best Body" quest, this week I want to talk about the ultimate beauty treatment. It's one that is easily available to everyone. One with benefits that affect not just your health, but your appearance as well! It’s called water.
We all know that water is essential to our health. It aids in brain, heart and kidney function. It assists in better digestion. It regulates our body temperature. It even helps combat fatigue. But there are some pretty amazing things it can do for our appearance as well. Believe it or not, some of our biggest beauty problems (we're talking dull skin, thinning hair and even weight gain) can be addressed simply by drinking more water!
Let's talk about the beauty benefits of water.
Hydration is the key to beautiful, nourished skin.
Not only does this wonder liquid give you an inner glow thanks to all its benefits for your body, but it gives your skin a radiant glow that no amount of cosmetics can ever compete with!
• Drink up for clear skin: Certain toxins in the body can cause the skin to inflame, which results in clogged pores and acne. Drinking water helps flush out these toxins, encouraging clear, fresh skin.
• Hydrate to keep your skin tight and toned: When your skin is well hydrated it becomes more elastic, your body naturally fills cells with water to make them firm and tight, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Ditch the concealer, poor a glass of water instead: Lack of water is claimed to lead to formation of dark circles under the eyes.
• Moisturize from the inside out: Lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Chapped lips are sure signs of dehydration as well. Your lips are likely to become darker when they lacks of moisture. So it is important that you provide your body with sufficient amount of water to keeps your skin moisturized and your lips soft and pink.
Drinking water hydrates cells, and your hair is no exception.
Water is a natural miracle ingredient that supports vitamin consumption and assists in efficient and healthy hair growth. Water makes up almost ¼ of the weight of a hair strand, it is essential for gleaming and healthy tresses.
• Just like our skin, hair needs lubrication from inside out. Dehydration has a direct impact on the growth of hair. Lack of moisture results in dry and brittle hair. It may even stop growing at the maximum genetic rate if you don’t drink enough water to meet your daily needs. The roots of the hair are the means by which water is transported from the body. They soak up water and provide hydration to the rest of the hair strand.
• Problem scalp? Our scalp and roots have photosensitive and energy saving nerve endings which receive and transmit signals. Water energizes the nerve endings to enhance the natural vitality of the skin and hair roots. Drinking water also helps to eliminate hair problems like dandruff and Dermatitis Seborrhea.
Water promotes natural weight loss.
Water does not have magical properties that burn fat (sorry!), but it definitely can help you with your weight-loss! Drinking more water reduces hunger, increases your metabolism rate and makes you feel energetic.
• Are you really hungry, or could it be thirst? A lot of people confuse thirst for hunger. If you're craving a midday snack and want to make sure your pangs are caused by hunger, not hydration, have a glass of water first. Then see if you're still hungry 30 minutes later.
• Say no to sugary beverages, drink water instead: Drinking water means you're not drinking something else—such as sugary, high calorie beverages.
So how much water should you drink?
The amount of water people need per day is up for debate, but studies suggest adults need eight 8-ounce glasses per day, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. However this number varies depending on activity level, age, and how much water you are consuming in coffee, tea, or water-rich veggies and fruit. So how do you know if you are getting enough? Here are a few ways you can tell:
• Check your pee (yes, your pee): A hydrated body will produce clear or pale yellow urine as opposed to darker pigments, which indicate dehydration.
• Pay attention to your skin: Well-hydrated skin is sure to be supple and moist with water suspended in its membranes.
• How are your energy levels? Every reaction in our bodies, either directly or indirectly, uses water. High energy levels are a good sign that your body (made of about 60 percent water) is fueled and running efficiently. If you are fatigued and think it may be water related, you should experience relief within about an hour of drinking 16 to 32 ounces.
• Are you regular? (Again with the bodily functions.) The foods we eat bind water for easy elimination. Bowel regularity is a good place to ensure your water status is in check. When our hydration stores are low, our body will take water from wherever it can find it — especially the colon where it is needed to keep things "moving"... if you know what I mean.
Here’s how to keep yourself hydrated:
Begin by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up, and get in the habit of keeping a water bottle on hand at all times. If the taste beings to bore, spice up the taste buds with a squeeze of citrus to the glass! With your body feeling cleansed and in excellent working condition not only will you feel great, You'll look great too!
There you have it! The ultimate beauty treatment.
So pour yourself a tall glass of water darling, I'd like to make a toast: "To birthdays!"
Bottoms up!
