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, reports The Daily Express.

Report author Heather Yuregir said: "Just drinking water for the sake of drinking water really has no effect on improving the appearance of skin. It is just 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.

Yuregir said: "Fruit and veg can keep your skin functioning as it should and keep it looking healthy.

"And suncream is really recommended to prevent the signs of ageing because the majority of the signs of ageing that appear on the skin are caused by sun damage."

The BNF report, however, doesn't rule out water's importance. 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.