A new study has poured cold water on the theory that drinking lots of water gives you a glowing complexion.

In fact, according to researchers, a balanced diet and lots of sunscreen can prove helpful in keeping skin healthy.

In the Food For Skin report, experts at the British Nutrition Foundation have highlighted that the popular water advice is a common misconception.

According to the health experts, vitamins A, B, C and E contained in a range of fruit and vegetables are crucial for keeping the skin cells healthy. Also people who are fans of the
Sun should try to protect their faces from UV rays to avoid the onslaught of early ageing and wrinkles.

The study said that H2O is essential for optimum general health because it accounts for up to 70 per cent of total body weight and performs many vital functions within the body.

Stratum corneum, a layer of skin, needs to consist of between 20 and 30 per cent water.

Having a much lower water content than this results in reduced skin elasticity and surface roughness, the report added.

But researchers found no scientific proof to confirm that drinking lots of water actually helps plump up and hydrate the skin and improve its appearance.

“In light of the popular belief that water does indeed benefit skin health, there is an obvious need for more research in this area,” the report adds.