As we age, our skin becomes drier. Our production of sebum decreases, and our cells are more prone to losing moisture. Dry, lined skin is the result.

Doctors tell us that drinking enough water is the key to keeping all of our cells hydrated, including those of our skin. Is drinking lots of water really beneficial to the skin? Can it slow the signs of aging, reduce wrinkles or ease problem blemishes? Let's look at the role of water in the skin.

Our bodies are composed of 70% water. Skin is the largest organ of the body. It follows that our skin contains a lot of water! Our cells need constant hydration. Although moisturizers are useful in keeping skin from drying out, nothing can take the place of drinking three to four pints of water daily.

Water purifies. It increases blood flow efficiency to help carry toxins out of the body. This happens on both a systemic and on a cellular level. This aids the transport of toxins through the kidneys and liver, which are filtering organs, preventing them from traveling to cells all over the body. Water also helps the body flush waste from individual cells, keeping them healthy. As well as helping to transport toxins and impurities away from the skin, it also carries vitamins and minerals into the cells.

Dry skin is, of course, the first sign that your body is not getting enough water. The resultant fine lines will deepen into serious wrinkles. Baggy skin under the eyes is another sign. If you gently pinch the sensitive skin under your eye and it does not quickly bounce back to its original shape, this can be a sign of dehydration. Puffy eyes and dark circles are also results of not getting enough water.

Blemishes are often a problem for those in the aging population. The buildup of oils and impurities in the cells of the skin leads to redness and inflammation. Those eight ounces of water every day can help to gently flush away excess oils and toxins that lead to blemishes.

Using a good moisturizer is a great weapon in your battle against aging, blemished skin. Quality moisturizers have a rich formula that will lock in the natural moisture in your skin, increasing the benefits of all that water you're drinking! In addition, the very best moisturizers have ingredients including a wide variety of anti-oxidants, collagen stimulators and wrinkle aids will keep your skin looking and feeling young, smooth and blemish-free.