I think that by now, most of us are tired of being told to “just drink more water,” especially by people with genetically flawless skin. While this beauty tip has become far overrated, there is still truth to it. We all know that what we eat has an effect on our body and our skin, and we’re reminded of this in little ways like the inevitable acne flare up after a junk food binge session. If you’re struggling with your skin, and your skincare routine doesn’t seem to be helping, you might want to consider reevaluating your diet. Glowing skin is definitely a trend that seems to be sticking around, so everyone can benefit from adding some more vitamins and antioxidants into their everyday lifestyle.

There has been scientific debate over whether eight magical glasses of water is the actual amount we should be consuming daily. The amount of water you should drink everyday varies based on many factors, like your individual size and activity level. Still, even as active students, it’s likely most of us are not drinking enough, and if your body is dehydrated your skin will certainly show it. If you don’t already, try to carry a water bottle with you to class and place it within your line of sight. Just seeing it should be enough to remind you to keep drinking. Also, try to add a daily vitamin into your routine; look for something with Biotin in it. Biotin, or vitamin H, is known for its ability to strengthen hair, skin, and nails.

Another vitamin to make sure you have in your arsenal is Vitamin C. Fruits, broccoli, or the childhood favorite—brussel sprouts—are all high in Vitamin C and work to boost your body’s collagen levels. Collagen, the protein found in your skin, is responsible for your skin’s elasticity. Your body naturally produces less collagen as you age, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles, but factors such as a high sugar or sun exposure can also deplete the body’s natural collagen levels. You can incorporate collagen into your diet directly via collagen powders which are often found in the vitamin section of drugstores.

While there are so many supposed “miracle fixes,” the largest issue with most supplements is their impact on your daily life, especially as a student. Erin Crowley ‘19 says she does see a difference in her skin when taking Biotin or collagen. Her struggle is consistency: “I always forget,” says Crowley. Between classes and internships, it’s hard for her to find time to remember the simple things like drinking water and taking vitamins. However, it’s important to try to find time to slow down and take care of our bodies, not just for clear skin.

Unfortunately, there’s no magical water you can drink to make your skin glow overnight, but adding vitamins, vitamin rich foods, and that good ol’ H2O, in addition to your skincare regimen, can certainly help. Each person’s body is different so make sure to consult with your doctor if you have any health concerns that might interfere with adding supplements or vitamins into your diet. You don’t have to go to the extreme of a juice cleanse to help out your skin. Try to start by slowly incorporating healthier choices into your daily diet, and hopefully with time, you’ll feel more energized and confident, rocking your dewy complexion.

Illustrations by: Lillian Cohen