The Secret to Flawless Skin: Chug, Chug, Chug

Jennifer Aniston claims "drinking lots of water" keeps her looking ageless. To her credit, she's the Smartwater spokesperson, so perhaps she's financially inclined to make such claims... Regardless, I'm on the Aniston-water bandwagon myself and guzzle H20 throughout my day. Not only do I feel better, but my skin is more radiant when I'm fueled with an ample water supply. While it only seems logical that hydrating gives you better skin (and from my personal experience, this is true), there isn't much research available to back up water as a skin treatment, or declare it a myth.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Water plays a vital role in digestion, blood circulation, nutrient absorption, detoxification and organ function. The Institute of Medicine currently recommends a daily intake of 15 glasses (8oz each) of water for the average make and 11 cups for the average female. However, these can vary significantly depending on the ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, activity level, caffeine intake, etc.

Skin is the largest organ in your body and, just like all other organs, the skin is made up of cells that require water to function. Hydrated skin looks plumper and livelier as opposed to dry or dehydrated skin, which can appear dull and flaky. More water intake means better cell productivity, which in turn gives you healthier-looking skin. Dermatologists will tell you that water contributes to good skin and a healthy appearance overall, but water alone isn't enough to give you a flawless complexion. Combine proper hydration from the inside, with a solid skincare routine to help your skin retail moisture. 

Another Way to Hydrate Your Skin

The latest trend in the beauty industry is no doubt, hydration. Open any beauty magazine and you'll see ads serums that claim to be "like a glass of water for your face." Even drugstore brands, like Neutrogena, market Hydro Boost gel that's loaded with Hyaluronic Acid to "drench your skin." Serums are often the missing step in an effective skincare routine. You've probably been told that an effective skin care routine includes a good cleanser to wash away dirt, then moisturize, and finally protect with an SPF. In between cleansing and moisturizing, however, is a small but crucial component you're likely not paying enough attention to: serums. Think of your moisturizer as "locking in" the moisture, but if you're skin isn't hydrated to begin with (enter hydration serums), then you're missing a critical step.

The options for serums can be overwhelming, and each product promises a different result for varying skin types. When you're browsing for a high-quality serum for anti-aging be sure the top ingredients contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Hyaluronic acid plumps your skin and attracts water, literally filling in lines and wrinkles. Glycerin is 100% natural and is a humectant, meaning it attracts water, and when applied to the skin, it seals in moisture that might otherwise escape.

I was able to get my hands on Rodan+Fields new Active Hydration Serum (disclaimer: I'm a consultant for the company) and after just two weeks of nightly use my skin was smoother and firm. As Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields put it: "Dry skin lies. It says you're older than you are. All skin, regardless of type, can benefit from more hydration. That's why we developed Active Hydration Serum, which raises the skin's hydration level by 200% from the very first use."

 Read more in Allure about the latest hydration serum from Rodan+Fields.