· By Macy Schmitt
Does Drinking Water Actually Clear Your Skin?
You’ve probably heard people say that drinking more water will help clear your skin. Of course, you know that staying hydrated is good for your overall health—but is it really that effective in solving your skincare woes? There’s actually a lot of science behind why this is a common saying. Read on to find out more!
Why Water Matters For Our Skin
Water is literally essential for our survival. Every system and organ in our bodies, including the skin (yes, it’s an organ!) relies on proper hydration to function well. Without sufficient water, your skin can become dry, flaky, and irritated. In response to dryness, your body may overproduce sebum in an attempt to hydrate the skin. Too much sebum can clog pores and lead to more acne and breakouts.
Properly hydrated skin also maintains its barrier function, which helps protect against environmental stressors like dirt, grime, sun exposure, and harsh weather. Without this barrier, your skin is more vulnerable to damage, making skin issues more likely. Drinking enough water gives your skin a baseline level of hydration, decreasing its susceptibility to outside irritants. But remember—hydration alone isn’t the only step to healthy skin.
Exploring The Science
Think of healthy skin like a puzzle—a system made up of many different factors that work together for the best results. Each piece is important, but they must all fit together. Hydration is a key part of the puzzle, but it’s not the whole picture.
Acne forms when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Factors like stress, hormones, diet (see our post about that here!), and genetics can all influence your skin’s ability to prevent and heal breakouts. The amount of water you drink is just one element of this complex equation.
A study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that proper hydration can improve skin brightness and reduce the appearance of roughness and wrinkles. It can also help keep your skin balanced and, as mentioned before, strengthen its protective barrier. Clearly, there are plenty of benefits to drinking water!
The Other Puzzle Pieces
For radiant skin, water alone isn’t enough. Here are a few essentials:
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A gentle cleanser – Removes impurities without stripping your skin.
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A nourishing moisturizer – Hydration from the outside matters too.
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SPF protection – Defends against sun damage every day.
As you age, you may also consider adding products like exfoliators or serums, but these are usually not necessary until you're in your 20s and should still be used in moderation.
A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve clarity. And don’t forget the basics: getting enough sleep and managing stress are just as important.
Simplifying Skincare
At this point, skincare might sound more like a 5,000-piece puzzle than a simple process—but trust us, finding the right brand can be a game-changer! Girlyish Skincare’s 3-Step Glowing Girly Routine is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and hormone disruptors, and covers all your skincare basics in fun, trendy packaging. With Girlyish Skincare and healthy daily habits, like drinking enough water, you’ll be well on your way to happy, healthy, and beautiful skin!