Can You Hydrate Your Way to Healthy Skin?

“Excessive hydration is unlikely to benefit the skin,” says Kathleen C. Suozzi, MD, director of aesthetic dermatology at Yale Medicine and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, who was not involved in the study. The skin is hydrated from the inside out by pulling fluid from the capillary blood flow in the skin, she explains, but if there isn’t enough water to pull from — like when you’re dehydrated — skin can effectively dry out.

All the same, dermatologists, including Dr. Suozzi, say that it makes sense to include water in your healthy-skin routine. “Skin hydration is a reflection of total-body hydration,” she says. “If a person is dehydrated, there is less water being transferred to the skin from the circulation.”

Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City, adds that getting enough water can improve blood flow in the skin and body. She notes that the body’s cells and tissues are mostly made up of water. “It’s important to stay hydrated,” says Dr. Jaliman, who is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. “If you feel thirsty, that’s your body asking for water. Drink enough water throughout the day so that your body doesn’t get a chance to feel dehydrated.”

Beyoncé and Gabrielle Union have said that a gallon of water a day keeps them looking good. And, as Suozzi points out, maybe you’ve spotted those huge water bottles on social media that seem to promote “super hydration.” But drinking this much water is likely unnecessary for most people.

Other dietary factors, such as drinking caffeinated beverages or eating water-rich foods, can also influence the body’s hydration levels. Generally, though, you want to aim for the aforementioned net intake, give or take a glass or two.

To maintain optimal hydration levels (and thus your skin’s), follow these expert-backed strategies.

Eat Your Water

Limit Alcohol and Sweets

Try Humectants

“When topical products called humectants are applied to the skin, they can be absorbed and pull in water,” Suozzi explains. Hyaluronic acid, a common skin-care ingredient, is one example of a humectant. Suozzi adds that emollients like creams and ointments help retain moisture by reducing fluid loss in the protective outermost layer of the skin.

Exfoliate Your Skin

Add a Serum

After exfoliation, using a good serum will also help with the hydration process. Jaliman suggests trying Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, a “great serum” boasting the active ingredients retinol and hyaluronic acid, plus glycerin. “The hyaluronic acid plumps the skin,” she explains. “It’s super hydrating and has anti-aging properties. It’s a natural humectant. Glycerin really moisturizes the skin. This serum is great for mature skin.”

Hydrate Your Air

A humidifier effectively boosts moisture in the air, so “adding a humidifier to your home is also a great idea to add more hydration to the skin,” suggests Jaliman. “As the air becomes drier and cooler, your skin will need more moisture, because the dry air sucks the moisture out of your skin,” she explains. “Anytime you add moisture to dry air it will benefit your skin and, for some, help alleviate other issues such as allergies.”

Optimize Your Shower Routine

Nazanin Saedi, MD, a specialist in laser and aesthetics surgery at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting in Pennsylvania, suggests avoiding hot showers and washing your face with hot water, as the heat “absorbs the moisture from your skin.” Lukewarm water is ideal for skin.

Finally, when you apply your products can impact skin hydration levels. “Moisturize right after coming out of the shower,” Dr. Saedi suggests. After getting out, lightly pat your skin dry with your towel and apply a thick layer of moisturizer to increase its absorption, she advises.

If you aren’t maintaining proper hydration levels, drinking more water may be beneficial to your skin health. But if you are already drinking the recommended daily amount of water and feel sufficiently hydrated, drinking additional H2O likely won’t improve the health or appearance of your skin.

But incorporating hydration into your skin-care routine via exfoliation and applying products with effective ingredients right after showering or washing your face could have a noticeable effect on your skin. Additionally, you can help your skin stay hydrated by avoiding contact with hot water, upping your intake of water-rich foods, and using a humidifier.

If you have further questions, consider visiting a dermatologist to get specific recommendations based on your skin’s needs.

• While scientific research has proven the importance of adequate hydration for skin health and overall health, there isn’t evidence to support the common belief that drinking excessive amounts of water will lead to glowing skin.
• Getting adequate hydration by drinking enough water (about 74 ounces per day for an adult woman) and eating foods with high water content, as well as limiting alcohol and sugars, will help ensure that your skin is as healthy as possible.
• Additionally, establishing an effective skin-care routine, avoiding hot showers, and maintaining adequate air humidity levels can also help keep your skin feeling supple.
• Talk to your dermatologist about the best regimen for your skin — don’t rely on what works for others.