Does drinking water actually do any good for dry skin?

Numerous people, including celebrities, claim that water is the key to smooth skin. There are many reasons to drink water, don’t get me wrong. It is refreshing, it helps maintain energy, your brain function, regulates body temperature and keeps your body healthy. You wouldn’t be able to survive for more than a few weeks without drinking it. Is maintaining hydrated skin one?

Dermatologists say that water is not sufficient to moisturize skin. Although hydration is essential for the body’s proper functioning, oral hydration does not directly affect your skin’s health.

Joshua Zeichner MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, says, “It’s a complete myth” that water is necessary to maintain healthy skin. Water first enters the bloodstream, where it is then filtered through the kidneys. It is not clear whether drinking more water or less water has an effect on the quality of your skin. There is no evidence to suggest that you should not drink eight glasses of water per day.

It is true, however, that skin can become “thirsty”. Like the rest of our bodies, skin is made up of cells that are mostly made of water. Through physical activity, environmental pollutants, and living a full life, cells lose water throughout the day. Flaky, dry skin can lead to wrinkles, skin aging, and other conditions.

Charlotte Palermino, a skin expert, explains that skin’s water retention is affected by TEWL (or transepidermal water loss). Your barrier may be weak or impaired if you have dry skin. This is because your skin doesn’t have enough oil and lipids to retain the water you have. You will need a cream to replenish your skin.

Dr. Zeichner agrees that the solution is more topical than internal. Applying a moisturizer to dry skin is far better than drinking water. Keep to the basics of skincare. Dermatologists recommend that you moisturize and cleanse your skin. Brands such as Malin+Goetz offer entire lines dedicated to this two-step process.

Healthy Hydration Practices

“The three most important ingredients to look out for when choosing a moisturizer are stearic Acid (a fatty acids), emollient Ceramides and cholesterol. Yes, cholesterol. It won’t affect your body cholesterol levels if it’s applied topically,” states Leslie Baumann MD, a dermatology professor at the University of Miami. A cream rich in the ingredient might be beneficial if you are on a cholesterol-lowering medication that can lead to skin dryness.

Apply hydrating cream to the skin when it is still slightly damp, after a shower, in order to lock in moisture. Targeted serums can be used if your skin requires extra moisture.

Your body and skin still need water to function properly. Dr. Zeichner says that it is crucial to maintain adequate hydration for our overall health. Extreme dehydration can lead to serious consequences in the functioning our hearts and kidneys.

Avoiding harsh winds, low humidity, sun, alcohol and long baths can help to reduce your exposure to these depleting elements. It is also possible to avoid stripping soaps, which can cause the loss of natural oils. Dr. Baumann adds that diet can also help to strengthen your skin’s ability maintain moisture. Skin cells can stay hydrated by eating foods rich in essential fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, olive oil, and flaxseed.

The Institute of Experimental Dermatology, Germany also found that women who used flaxseed or borage oil supplements (2.2g per day) for 12 consecutive weeks saw a significant improvement in their skin’s moisture and roughness. Dr. Baumann suggests that a healthy diet with three to five meals per week of fatty acid will be sufficient for most people.

Dry skin can be caused by both environmental and genetic factors. This cannot be corrected solely with oral hydration. To ensure that your skin is well hydrated, there are many factors to consider.

Katie Rodan MD, a dermatologist from the San Francisco Bay Area, and coauthor of Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change says it best: “Humans don’t look like plants.” Our skin doesn’t respond to water. A quarter-sized dollop of lotion can do more for your skin that a gallon of water.