Is Drinking More Water Actually Going To Hydrate My Skin?

Experiencing dry skin is annoying and even uncomfortable. To remedy dry skin, it can be tempting to turn to celebrity interviews and beauty magazines for advice. If you do this, you’ll likely find the same thing over and over: Drink more water.  

What does the science say?

The idea that drinking more water will lead to better skin is so popular, it’s surprising to learn that the supporting research just isn’t there. 

In 2007, a review from the Kaplan Medical Centre in Israel found just one study looking at how water affects the skin. The results were contradictory at best. According to a small 2-week-long study, those who drank water saw no difference in their skin in terms of wrinkles and smoothness. However, those who drank mineral water (as opposed to tap water) did see a slight decrease in skin density, suggesting that the skin retained more moisture. 

Since then, a 2015 study following 34 healthy females found that drinking an extra 2 liters of water per day positively influenced their skin water content. However, the study didn’t comment on skin appearance, which is not reliant on skin water content. Also, the study was small, and the researchers admitted to needing further studies to confirm their results. 

While there’s no proof that extra water can help your skin look smoother or improve your complexion, there is proof that severe dehydration will cause reduced skin turgor (skin’s ability to change shape and return to normal), making wrinkles look more prominent. But the emphasis here is on severe dehydration, which is a pretty serious medical condition that requires urgent treatment. If you’re drinking enough water (determined by the color of your urine), extra water likely won’t help. 

Maria Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, agrees with the literature, stating that “​​more research needs to be done looking into this question.”

Explaining why drinking more water doesn’t lead to skin hydration, she told GoodRx, “Most of the water you drink is absorbed in your small intestines. From there, it contributes to your blood volume and can be used in and around your cells and by certain organs. So it’s a myth that the water you drink goes straight to your skin.” 

What will hydrate your skin?

“To hydrate your skin,” said Robinson, “focus on moisturizing it from the outside and developing good skincare habits.” She recommends the following tips:

• Shorten hot baths and showers.
• Avoid irritating soaps, scrubs, and washcloths.
• Try a humidifier, especially in the winter.
• Choose non-irritating laundry products.
• Use hydrating ointments and creams.

The bottom line: By all means, drink more water. It’s essential for your health, and staying well hydrated will contribute to you feeling good. But if you’re drinking extra water with visions of immediately supple skin or reversing signs of aging, you’ll probably be disappointed. If you want to hydrate your skin, look for hydrating ointments and creams, and shorten your time in the hot shower.

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