Almost everyone has heard of the legendary Fountain of Youth, a spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters. And, it may be as simple as that – water may be the key to better looking skin and a properly functioning body.

As an esthetician or makeup artist you are probably used to examining people's faces on a daily basis. If your client comes to you asking what they can do to have better looking skin, you may want to recommend "drinking more water" along with a "perscription" of skincare products and proper makeup.

It's as simple as this, says Dr. Susan Stuart, a board certified La Jolla, California dermatologist:

"Skin cells are made up of water. Without water, our organs (including your skin) cannot function properly. When your body is not getting sufficient amounts of water it's taken from other places in the body to aid against dehydration. (Do you see sunken skin? You could be suffering from dehydration)."

"Unfortunately, we are not plants and do not revive almost instantly when drinking water. Water is ingested and will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are drinking enough water to satisfy your body’s needs."

Dr. Stuart tells us what drinking water can do for our skin. PLUS SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to see the unbelievable case study Daily Mail Writer Sarah Smith conducted. By drinking the recommended amount of water per day, she took 10 years off her face.

Make You Look Younger

Drinking water is a natural, simple and cheap anti-aging secret. Dr. Stuart says, “Water replenishes skin tissue, which keeps it from drying out. Dry skin causes less elasticity, making the skin more prone to wrinkles. A lack of hydration in skin will also result in more redness and dark spots. So remember to stay hydrated to keep those wrinkles from appearing sooner than later.”

Reduce Acne & Breakouts

A major benefit of drinking water is that it flushes out toxins from the body. Toxins in our bodies can cause our pores to clog and our skin to become dull and oily. This can lead to a breakout of pimples, white and black heads, and blemishes. Dr. Stuart adds that, “While water is not the cure to all acne problems, it can sure help. The elimination of toxins and waste products can in fact result in healthier clearer skin.”

An Aid to a Better Workout and Building Muscle

Franci Cohen is a Manhattan certified trainer and nutritionist. She always encourages her clients to drink more water.

As Franci Cohen explains, it is important to stay hydrated before, during and after your workout for many reasons.  When you exercise, you can lose a significant amount of fluid from increased perspiration and respiration, which can greatly compromise you body's electrolyte balance. It is important that you drink enough water to replace that lost fluid, so that your body can continue to function at its best. Being properly hydrated can also result in a better workout. It will help avoid muscle cramps, nausea and dizziness.”

Builds Stronger Muscles and Joints

Water acts as a lubricant for your muscles, joints and vital organs. When exercising, you are adding weight and stress to your body. Without the proper fluid intake, you can really harm your joints. Water gives this protective fluid your joints need for optimum performance and added life.

Cohen points out that,   “Water is the healthiest and cheapest energy drink out there.”

How Much Water Should You Be Drinking?

The amount of water you should drink before and during your workout varies depending on your weight, the type of workout you are doing and the climate. Cohen recommends starting with 8 to 16 ounces of water before your workout. Then consume a glass of water for each 20 to 30 minutes during your workout.

If you are working out in a mild climate, you can lose about 4 to 8 cups of water through sweating depending on the intensity of your workout.

If you are working out in a hotter and humid climate, you can sweat a lot more and therefore dehydrate quicker. The loss of fluid during exercise will result in fatigue as well a decrease in your performance. Franci stresses that,  “ Also, if you do not drink water after exercise, your performance the following days will suffer.” 

CASE STUDY:

Many studies suggest that drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is recommended for optimum health and hydration. Daily Mail Writer Sarah Smith decided to conduct an experiment about this -- she says in her blog, "What would happen if I drank the recommended amount every day for a month?" See the results below:

The photograph of me taken the day I started this trial demonstrates perfectly - and rather frighteningly - what a lack of hydration does to a face.

I am 42, but have to admit I look more like 52 in this picture, which is shocking. There are dark shadows under and around my eyes, which make me look exhausted, a profusion of wrinkles and strange reddish blotches, and my skin lacks any lustre. It looks dead.

After a month, Smith said she couldn't believe the difference in her face. The dark shadows around my eyes have all but disappeared and the blotches have gone. My skin is almost as dewy as it was when I was a child. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable."

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