Does Drinking Water Help Your Skin?

Why Is Drinking Water Good For Your Skin?

Drinking water is essential for the optimal functioning of the body. It helps the nutrients reach the skin through proper blood flow. It also helps cleanse your system and hydrates the body. However, more scientific evidence is needed to demonstrate the relationship between better skin health and drinking water.

The skin is made of cells, and 60% of those contain water. These cells lose water due to sun exposure, pollutants, use of hot water, etc. This causes dry skin, and may accelerate the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging. The first affordable solution we often practice is drinking more water. Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking water may make the skin more vibrant, improve its texture, and minimize acne issues.

Here are some beneficial effects drinking water may have on your skin.

1. May Improve The Skin Tone

Drinking water helps flush out the toxins from the body and increases blood flow to the skin (1). Poor blood flow affects the delivery of vital nutrients throughout the body. A radiant complexion needs proper nutrient supply and proper blood circulation. These can be achieved by drinking water.

2. May Improve Skin Elasticity

Skin loses elasticity with age. It needs moisture to boost cell function, which, in turn, can stimulate collagen and elastin. Hence, drinking water may provide enough moisture to the skin. The skin’s cutaneous layer may also  receive more moisture with adequate water intake (2). This may enhance skin elasticity and potentially reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. May Improve Skin Barrier Function

The epidermal layer defends the skin against pathogens. The skin barrier may not function effectively if the water intake is poor. It may also lead to water loss from the body and cause dehydration. Hence, drinking enough water may improve the barrier function and keep your skin healthy.

4. May Hydrate The Skin

Drinking adequate amount of water prevents dry skin and improves skin function. It also may improve skin thickness and density (3). Dehydrated skin often causes skin issues like eczema, flakiness, and other allergies. Drink enough water as you follow your regular skincare regimen.

5. May Soften The Skin

Proper hydration may improve skin texture.  The enzymes and other components in the skin require a fluid-like environment for better functioning. The water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) may improve with dietary intake of natural mineral water (4). This may make the skin softer, smoother, moisturized, and prevent cracks.

6. May Help Maintain The Skin’s pH Balance

The skin is acidic with a pH value of 4 to 6.5 (5). It forms a barrier against pollutants and microbial overgrowth when its pH (a scale to define acidity and basicity of a solution) is balanced (6). Enough water content in the body helps maintain the pH balance of the skin.

7. May Help Prevent Acne

Dehydrated skin may result in excess oil production and acne. High water content and low sebum secretion are considered crucial for healthy skin (7). Sebum is the oily, waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands. Hydrated skin balances the oil and water content. It prevents sebum secretion and keeps the pores from getting clogged. Hence, adequate water intake may prevent acne.

8. May Accelerate Wound Healing

A moist environment reduces the time required for wound healing. Hence, hydrated skin may heal faster from external injuries and have a lesser chance of getting inflamed (8). Enough moisture on skin may also prevent scars – which can be achieved by drinking enough water.

It is clear that drinking water may benefit skin health. But how much water should you drink every day? Let us find out in the following section.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

The amount of water you should drink in a day depends on your level of physical activity and environment (9). However, according to experts, men and women between 19 and 30 years of age should drink 3.7 liters and 2.7 liters of water per day, respectively. You need to drink more if you sweat a lot, live in a hot climate, and indulge in heavy physical activity.

However, drinking more water than required can lead to hyperhydration (9). It occurs when the water intake is more than what the kidneys can flush out. Know how much your body needs and drink accordingly.

A beauty blogger posted a detailed note about her experience with increasing water consumption and how it impacted her skin. She admits to having been addicted to Cola with a reduced water consumption. She wrote, “I made sure water was the first thing to hit my stomach everyday to flush out my system, and then ensured I drank at least 2Litres of water per day. A week after I started doing this, I began to breakout like no other, like it was so bad. I decided to do some research and found this to be normal, as it was just the toxins leaving my system (i).”

Your body needs to be hydrated. But drinking regular mineral water alone won’t do. How else can you add more water to your diet?

Quick tip

Use apps or journals to monitor your daily water consumption and set goals. You can also use your phone’s reminder app to prompt yourself to drink water regularly.

How To Add More Water To Your Diet?

1. Fruits And Vegetables

Add fruits and vegetables with more than 80% water content to your diet. These include cucumber, tomato, spinach, watermelon, orange, apple, celery, zucchini, etc. These will keep you hydrated and also provide other nutrients required for the body (10).

2. Detox Drinks

Detox water helps flush out toxins from the body and offers hydration. It may also help improve skin health as the toxins will be expelled from the body. Some of the best detox drinks that may help your skin include:

a) Lemon And Honey Water

Drinking water mixed with lemon and honey may help expel toxins from the body. The antioxidant properties of lemon and the antimicrobial properties of honey may reduce skin damage and give you a fresher appearance (11), (12).

b) Turmeric Water/Milk

Turmeric is among the best antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herbs for the skin (13). Its anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent acne and skin infections. You can add turmeric to water or milk and drink it every day.

c) Tulsi Water

Adding tulsi to drinking water may also help improve skin health. Tulsi has the potential to fight skin diseases and boost wound healing with its antibacterial and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties (14).

Quick tip

You can swap normal water with lemon water to sip on in between workouts. Lemon water will keep you hydrated while you sweat to shed those extra pounds.

What Kind Of Water Is Good For Your Skin?

It is recommended to drink lukewarm or hot water. Be sure the water does not burn the tongue. Avoid extremely hot water for bathing or washing the face as it may damage the skin. Lukewarm water is gentle on the skin.

While drinking lukewarm water is recommended, a 2023 survey comprising 10430 US adults indicates that 53% prefer drinking water with ice. Further, 41% of them revealed they drank water with no ice, and 6% had a mixed reaction to it. The percentage was also nearly similar across genders. 52% of men preferred water with ice, while 42% drank it without ice. Similarly, 54% of women preferred their water ice cold compared to 40% who didn’t.

Other Ways To Keep Your Skin Hydrated

• Use moisturizers and serums with humectants like hyaluronic acid, retinaldehyde, etc.
• Avoid using deodorant soaps and skincare products containing alcohol (15).
• Avoid using hot water to bathe or wash your face (16).
• Apply moisturizers immediately after shower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does water make you prettier?

Water hydrates your skin and gives you an inner glow. Therefore, drinking water will help keep your skin healthy and plump.

Is ice water good for the face?

Yes, ice water applied on the face in moderation can be beneficial. It may constrict pores and reduce redness.

What is the best time to drink water for glowing skin?

There is no specific best time to drink water for glowing skin. However, some suggest drinking a glass of water upon waking on an empty stomach to help flush out toxins and before bed as well.

Can drinking water help with eczema?

While water alone cannot cure eczema, staying hydrated may improve its symptoms. It helps by keeping the skin hydrated, locking in moisture, and reducing dryness and irritation.

How long does it take for water to clear skin?

Drinking water won’t magically erase blemishes overnight. However, consistent hydration may visibly improve your skin.

Does drinking water help prevent sunburn?

No, drinking water does not directly prevent sunburn, but staying hydrated is essential for overall health. If you do experience sunburn, staying hydrated may aid in the healing process, as sunburn can lead to dehydration.

Learn the connection between hydration and glowing skin. Watch this video and learn how drinking water is essential in getting that desired glow and also uncover other key factors for getting a healthier complexion.

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Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

   

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries. He runs multiple laser centers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and has trained many doctors in lasers and...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more