Using Water to Get Glowing, Vibrant Skin

I've mentioned your skin's need for water before, but it's such an important topic that it deserves a section all its own.

We sometimes forget our skin -- until something goes wrong! Your skin is the largest organ of your body. The skin protects us from infections, guards us against harmful effects of the sun's rays, and helps to regulate our body temperature.

But what most of us think about with the skin is how it looks. All of us have seen those with unhealthy skin or complexions. Their skin has a sallow look, pasty, or drawn. It's not a pretty sight.

And, of course, what the skin needs is moisture. When the body is inadequately hydrated, there's not enough moisture in the skin tissues, and that can contribute to the drawn and haggard look so many have.

The skin also needs hydration to clean the body of toxins. Your body is constantly in contact with things that are not good for us. Those things can come from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and things we come into contact with by touching. (And in some places in the world -- thankfully not usually in North America! -- even water itself can bring in those toxins).

The simplest way the body gets rid of toxins is through washing. Washing your hands is probably the very best thing you can do to prevent infections, whether your own or someone else's. Bathing or showering (and shampooing) also get rid of toxic materials our bodies don't need.

But the cleaning works internally, too. Water courses through your body, a never-ending stream flushing out harmful substances. And if there's not enough of that water, your body itself can become polluted, something like a river in a time of drought, when there's just not enough water to clean out all the junk.

Your body can operate like that, too. Because there's not enough fluid to clean out the toxins, they accumulate in the body's tissues. The whole body can start to act sluggish, but the place where we see it first is in our skin. And while we are quick to put on lotions and skin treatments, the primary and most important "skin treatment" you can use comes in a glass -- and it's available from the tap!

Again, the most important means of taking care of your skin is our regular, 20 glasses a day water plan. Keep drinking on a regular basis. You will find that it becomes a wonderful habit very quickly, and you come to miss it if you're separated from a water source for very long.

Prevention is of first importance, but if you find you've been exposed to something toxic (such as secondhand smoke), first wipe your face with cool (not cold) tap water, and then drink a couple of glasses of water right away. You want to give your body a chance to get rid of the toxins right away, and there's no better way than water.

You may also notice times when your skin looks drawn or haggard, even when you're drinking enough (or at least think you are!) In most of these cases, what has happened is that you have become busy or pre-occupied, and haven't been drinking enough. Whatever the reason, start pumping the water right away. You will even find that water will help you to look better if you've temporarily not had enough sleep. If you have to miss a few hour's sleep (or even a whole night) really load up on the water. It will make you feel better and look better until you can catch up on sleep.

Jim Huffman, RN specializes in natural and alternative healing therapies. His first book is 'Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career,' and is aimed at helping other nurses find satisfying, dynamic careers. His website is http://www.NetworkForNurses.com and his health blog is at http://www.shababa.blogspot.com

---

How to Reduce the Appearance of Age Spots

Age spots are mainly caused by long-term sun exposure. Although... Read More

Repelling the Sunshine Killer

A Protective Cover for Your Skin, with Sun BlockUV rays... Read More

Tanning Bed Safety

The facts about tanning bed safety are some what convoluted.... Read More

Are Parabens Really Safe

You've probably heard the news stories about parabens and the... Read More

How To Give A Manicure

This guide will give you the basic directions for nail... Read More

Natural Prescription for Eczema

-Identify food allergies and eliminate the offending foods from you... Read More

Look Younger Now!:

While we have made significant progress in our understanding of... Read More

Eye Spy - In Search of a Greater Lash

Shopping for mascara can be an "eye opening"... Read More

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Information

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a major... Read More

Effective Make-up and Beauty Tips and Products: Dos and Donts, Avoid These Most Common Mistakes!

With the amount of importance given to make-up these days,... Read More

Cholesterol Depostis on Facial Area - Large Pores

Cholesterol DepositsTHESE LITTLE BUMPS LOOK LIKE MILIA BUT ARE MORE... Read More

Can We Really Get Rid of Cellulite?

It has been the bane of every women's existence since... Read More

5 DIY Anti-aging Tactics

Do you want your life story to be a long... Read More

Skin Care - Learn the Basics

Skin types are unique and react in different ways to... Read More

White Asian Skin Against Tanning

The paler the skin, the higher the classPale skin has... Read More

Expert Tips For Smooth, Healthy, and Beautiful Skin

Beauty of the skin starts from inside your body! Your... Read More

5 Sunless Tanning Lotion Tips For Summer

If you use sunless tanning products it's probably because your... Read More

The Benefits of Sunless Tanning Sprays

Some people desire enough of a tan for just one... Read More

A Beautiful Skin is Every Man and Womans Dream!

She was so upset that day. She could not concentrate... Read More

Skin Care: Caring for your Skin in Cold Weather

When temperatures drop it is time to think of how... Read More

How to become a Dental Assistant

Becoming a dental assistant offers one of the fastest educational... Read More

Does Your Skin Tell Your Secrets?

Age - It is going to affect each and everyone... Read More

Rosacea Treatment & Rosacea Skin Care - Can You Cure Rosacea? There is a Solution....

Rosacea is a fairly common skin disorder that primarily affects... Read More

Skin Care and the Physiology of the Skin

The largest organ of the human body is the skin.... Read More

Look Younger with Antioxidant

What does Antioxydant have to do with anti-aging? You might... Read More

How to Have Great Looking Skin

Great skin is something that nearly everyone can cultivate. Our... Read More

Lady Godiva Hair

I love long hair! Especially mine.Yes, I live in a... Read More

Ways to Create a Healthy White Smile

If you do not have the money to go to... Read More

Tips on Choosing the Best Skin Care Product for You

Your face is the first thing that people notice when... Read More

Tired Of Tweezing? A Better Way To A More Beautiful You

Any drug store has a section full of products to... Read More

Contact Lens Prescriptions Explained

Don't let the name fool you. Nonprescription contacts do require... Read More

Beauty Tips

1. Your foundation will look only as good as the... Read More

Whats Up With Botox?

BOTOX® is part of a family of drugs called "botulinum... Read More