Does Drinking Water Really Improve Your Skin?

Short Answer: Yes—drinking water can improve your skin’s hydration, elasticity, and overall health, especially if you’re not getting enough to begin with. But it’s not a standalone miracle. Great skin requires a consistent, comprehensive approach—including a solid skincare regimen.

From Olivia Wilde to Beyoncé, it’s practically a celebrity rite of passage to claim that their glowing, youthful skin is thanks to drinking "lots of water."

“I cut all the alcohol completely and overdo the water.” – Rihanna“I started drinking a gallon of water a day. It’s made a tremendous difference with my hair, skin, and nails.” – Gabrielle Union“Hydration, hydration, hydration all round.” – Jennifer Aniston

So, is it hype? Or does water really make a difference in the skin?

Yes—especially if your baseline intake is low.
While earlier skeptics claimed there was no research supporting the water-skin connection, a 2015 study found otherwise.

Participants: 49 women aged 24–43

Groups: Group 1 (less than 3.2 liters/day) vs. Group 2 (more than 3.2 liters/day)
Intervention: Added 2 liters of water per day for 4 weeks
Results: Significant improvement in skin hydration—especially in Group 1

Increasing water intake boosts skin hydration and elasticity, similar to how a topical moisturizer would. In short: hydrated skin = plumper, smoother, more resilient skin .

Improves circulation of nutrients

Flushes toxins

Supports collagen and elastin structure

Reduces dullness caused by dehydration

That said, water alone won’t fix issues like acne, sun damage, or uneven tone. That’s where targeted skincare products come in.

Lightweight aloe vera gel with humectants and antioxidants to soothe and deeply hydrate. Perfect after sun, exfoliation, or shaving.

Ultra-hydrating. Ultra-calming. Ultra-light. Use this natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory moisturizer to restore and revive dry, mature, irritated or overly-exfoliated skin.

Even if you’re drinking enough water, your skin may still be dehydrated due to:

Environmental stressors (sun, wind, pollution)
Air conditioning/heating
Over-exfoliating or harsh cleansers
Dehydrating ingredients (like alcohol-based toners)
Diet (excess caffeine, sugar, or alcohol)

• Drink water throughout the day (aim for 2–3 liters depending on activity)

• Add lemon, cucumbers, or berries for flavor and antioxidants

• Eat water-rich foods: cucumber, watermelon, celery, oranges

• Use humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid

• Seal in moisture with barrier-repairing ingredients

• Apply SPF daily to prevent trans-epidermal water loss

• Avoid harsh alcohol-based products and over-cleansing