One thing often overlooked when it comes to staying healthy is hydration. Staying properly hydrated is super important, especially during the cold winter months, as it helps protect your skin and keeps your body running smoothly. But, are you drinking enough water?

We all know we should stay hydrated. It’s common knowledge that our bodies are made of water, that we lose water when we exercise, and so on. It seems simple, but we often don’t think much about it.

So, what does staying hydrated actually do for your body? That’s the key question. A large part of our bodies is made up of water—even when we’re born. Getting the right amount of water affects everything from digestion and circulation to the condition and look of your skin.

Just like other cells in your body, skin cells contain water. The fluid in these cells impacts your skin’s appearance. Water is what gives your skin its natural bounce and flexibility. When you don’t get enough, your body quickly shows the signs.

Once you understand how water affects your skin, it’s important to learn how to spot the signs of dehydration. One simple way to check is by doing a ‘pinch-test.’ Pinch a bit of skin between your thumb and forefinger, gently squeeze for a couple of seconds, then let go. If your skin has enough hydration, it should spring back immediately. If you’re dehydrated, your skin will take longer to return to its original state.

Aside from these signs, poor hydration can lead to dry skin. Dealing with dry, flaky skin or rashes can be frustrating and can affect your confidence. While some skin conditions need medical attention, many issues can be helped simply by drinking more water. Staying hydrated can improve your skin’s condition and appearance, reducing dryness.

The same goes for dry, chapped lips. Many people struggle with this, but the solution is often simple. Environmental factors and lack of moisture can dry out and crack your lips, making them sore. Keeping hydrated can help relieve this dryness.

So, how do you get rid of chapped lips and dry skin caused by dehydration? First, consider how much fluid you’re drinking each day and find ways to drink more. Even though many of us enjoy coffee or tea, the caffeine in these drinks can dehydrate you. Sugary sodas can also dehydrate you because your body needs more fluids to process the sugar.

To counter this, drink more plain water. It might not be as exciting as other drinks, but water really is the best thing for your body and skin. You can add natural flavors like lemon, ginger, or mint, or switch to caffeine-free teas and decaf coffee for a bit of variety, but plain water remains the best option.

As for how much water you should drink daily, experts are divided, but aiming for around 8 glasses a day is generally a good target.

So, if you want to get rid of chapped lips, solve dry skin issues, and take better care of your body, try drinking more water for a few weeks and see how you feel.