When skin is well-hydrated, it is more plump, softer to the touch and more resilient. This is due, at least in part, to an ingredient in the skin called hyaluronic acid. The job of hyaluronic acid in the skin is to hold water. When there is adequate water from inside and out, the skin looks healthier, more vibrant and is less prone to wrinkles. It is important to drink lots of fluids throughout the day for best results. Water also has a role in flushing out toxins from your body and your skin. You’ve probably heard that drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is a good idea but you may need more or less depending on your activity level. Coffee and sodas do not count as water because they contain caffeine which is a diuretic, meaning that they draw water out of your system and your skin.

Here are some tips to make sure you are hydrating properly:

1. Carry around a re-usable water bottle. The more accessible it is, the more likely you are to drink it. Whether you’re driving in your car or sitting at your desk working, you’re more likely to pick up your water bottle without even thinking about it because it’s right there for you.
2. Drink a glass of water before each meal. People often mistake being hungry for being thirsty. If you make sure to drink a glass of water before each meal, you’ll be able to recognize the difference while fitting in another one of your 6-8 glasses. If you eat three meals a day, that’s three glasses right there!
3. Eat hydrating foods. Fruits and vegetables can be packed with water too, contributing to your hydration level. Cucumber, celery, radishes, iceberg lettuce, green peppers and cauliflower all have a high water content. Reach for these vegetables the next time you put together a salad! As for fruits, watermelon is over 91% water (hence the name), so you can get your sweet fix while hydrating your body at the same time.
4. Avoid alcohol. Have you ever woken up after a night out and you can’t seem to drink enough water? This is because alcohol is extremely dehydrating. It deprives your skin of the vitamins and nutrients it needs, as well as even lead to detrimental long-term effects such as rosacea.
5. Don’t overdo it. There is such a thing as drinking too much water, and that can have it’s own downsides such as dizziness, headaches and nausea. The best thing you can do is listen to your body and pay attention to outside factors that may require you to up your water intake like heat or exercise.