Hydratatie van binnenuit: wat water en voeding doen voor je huid

We smeren, reinigen, hydrateren en verzorgen. Maar wist je dat de gezondheid van je huid niet alleen in je badkamer begint?

Ook wat je drinkt en eet, speelt een rol. Je huid is tenslotte een levend orgaan dat, net als de rest van je lichaam, voedingsstoffen en voldoende vocht nodig heeft om goed te functioneren.

Dat betekent niet dat één glas water of een gezonde maaltijd meteen voor een stralende huid zorgt. Wel kunnen kleine, dagelijkse gewoontes op lange termijn bijdragen aan een gezonde huid. Van voldoende drinken tot gevarieerd eten en natuurlijk ook de juiste verzorging aan de buitenkant.

Water: a simple habit that counts

Drinking enough water is perhaps one of the simplest things you can do for your body. Your body needs fluid for many processes, and your skin is part of that.

If you structurally drink too little, it can contribute to drier skin and a tight feeling. However, drinking more water than your body needs does not automatically lead to better-hydrated skin. The most important thing, therefore, is to provide your body with sufficient fluid every day.

Exactly how much that is differs from person to person. Your needs depend on factors such as your age, activity level, environment, and temperature. On hot days or when you exercise a lot, for instance, you need more fluid.

A simple habit to get into? Keep a large bottle of water next to you and make it a habit to drink from it regularly throughout the day. At the office, on the go, or while exercising. Not complicated, but effective.

And one small reminder: tea, coffee, vegetables, and fruit also provide fluid. Your total fluid intake therefore does not come solely from your glass of water.

Your skin absorbs what you put on it.

Just like your body, your skin also needs various nutrients. A varied diet with enough vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein sources provides your body with the building blocks it needs.

A few nutrients deserve extra attention in this regard.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are found in, among other things, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Plant-based sources include walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds. They fit into a varied diet and play a role in, among other things, the normal functioning of the body.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is best known for its presence in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Among other things, this vitamin contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal functioning of the skin and helps protect cells against oxidative stress.

Zinc

Zinc can be found in pumpkin seeds, legumes, nuts, and whole grain products, among other things. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and supports various processes in the body.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants can be found in many colorful fruits and vegetables. Think of berries, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green vegetables. A colorful plate is therefore not only nice to look at, but is also a simple way to get various nutrients.

And what about sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed food?

You really don't have to give up every piece of chocolate for healthy skin. A healthy lifestyle isn't about perfection.

However, a diet high in added sugars and highly processed foods may be less beneficial in the long run than a varied diet with sufficient fiber, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, and proteins.

Alcohol can also affect your hydration levels. After a night out, for example, your skin may feel a bit drier or duller. This doesn't mean that one glass will immediately show on your skin, but drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly is less aligned with habits that support your body and skin.

So no: you don't have to deny yourself anything. Think of it more as a matter of balance.

Your skin itself can also use a hydration boost.

Drinking enough water and eating a varied diet are a good foundation, but of course you can also give your skin some extra attention from the outside. Ingredients such as aloe vera are great allies in this regard.

Aloe vera has been known for centuries for its nourishing and soothing properties. In skincare, it is often used to make the skin feel fresh and comfortable and to help retain moisture on the skin's surface.

At Self, you will find aloe vera in various products because we believe in ingredients that care for the skin in a gentle way. No complicated cocktail of dozens of active ingredients, but natural ingredients that deserve their place in your routine.

Taking good care of yourself from the inside and caring for your skin from the outside? As far as we are concerned, those two go hand in hand.

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