Can Drinking More Water Fix Dry Skin? Dermatologists Explain What Really Helps
Can Drinking More Water Fix Dry Skin? Dermatologists Weigh In on Winter Skincare
Winter weather brings crisp air, chilly winds, and indoor heating—factors that can all wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. As temperatures drop, you may wonder: can simply drinking more water help solve these winter skin issues? Many social media posts and wellness blogs claim that hydration is the secret to smoother, healthier skin, but dermatologists offer a more nuanced answer.
While water is essential for overall health, experts say that drinking more of it alone won’t necessarily improve dry skin—unless you’re already dehydrated. Here’s what dermatologists have to say about water and skin hydration, plus the best practices for achieving smooth, healthy skin during the winter months.
Does Drinking Water Improve Dry Skin?
Whether drinking more water can improve dry skin largely depends on your current hydration status, experts agree.
Hydration and Skin: A Complex Relationship
Dr. Nour Kibbi, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Stanford Medicine, explains that while drinking water can contribute to your skin’s health, it doesn’t directly fix dry skin caused by weather or environmental conditions.
“When you’re properly hydrated, your skin may appear more vibrant and healthy,” she says. “However, simply drinking more water isn’t going to magically fix dry or flaky skin unless you’re already dehydrated.”
Dr. Kibbi goes on to say that skin hydration is more about the health of your skin’s natural barrier, the lipid-rich layer that locks in moisture and prevents water loss. If this barrier isn’t functioning properly—especially during winter—no amount of water intake will provide lasting relief.
When Can Drinking Water Help Your Skin?
So, if drinking water doesn’t directly hydrate the skin, when does it help? For individuals who are dehydrated, increasing water intake can significantly improve the appearance of your skin. Dehydration can lead to dull, sallow skin that looks and feels dry. In this case, hydrating from the inside out can restore some of the glow and firmness that dehydration takes away.
Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, explains that “Drinking water helps your body maintain normal blood volume and circulation, which indirectly supports skin health.” She also notes that water is essential for binding with hyaluronic acid in the skin, which helps keep it firm and supple.
However, if you’re already adequately hydrated, additional water won’t lead to significantly improved skin health. “Drinking excessive amounts of water in the absence of dehydration may not do much for your skin, and could even cause a rare but dangerous condition called hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the blood drop too low,” Dr. Jacob adds.
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During Winter
If you’re already drinking enough water but still struggling with dry skin, there are other steps you can take to support your skin’s moisture levels. Hydrating your skin externally is key, and experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to skin hydration:
1. Use Humectants and Occlusives in Your Skincare
Dr. Kibbi suggests using moisturizers with ingredients that work together to pull moisture into the skin and lock it in. Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalene attract water to the skin’s surface, while occlusives like ceramides and petroleum jelly form a barrier that helps prevent moisture loss.
“Some moisturizers combine both types of ingredients,” she notes, “but you can also use humectants in the daytime and save thicker occlusives for nighttime use.”
By applying moisturizer to damp skin, you can further enhance its hydrating effects, as it helps to trap moisture on the skin’s surface.
2. Take Short, Lukewarm Showers
Hot showers may feel soothing, but they can strip away the natural oils from your skin, making it even drier. Dermatologists recommend keeping showers short (5–10 minutes) and using warm, not hot, water.
Dr. Jacob advises: “Hot water and long showers are a winter skin nightmare. Keep it lukewarm to maintain your skin’s natural barrier.”
3. Use a Humidifier to Add Moisture to the Air
Indoor heating can lead to dry indoor air, which accelerates moisture loss from your skin. A humidifier can help restore some of that lost moisture to the air, which in turn will help prevent skin from drying out.
“It’s all about keeping your skin from losing moisture to the air,” Dr. Kibbi says. “A humidifier helps to balance the air’s dryness, especially in winter when the humidity is naturally lower.”
4. Avoid Wintertime Habits That Dry Skin Out
In addition to hydration, lifestyle habits also play a major role in skin health. Dermatologists advise avoiding common winter practices that dry out the skin, such as:
- Using harsh soaps or fragrances: Stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Wearing irritating fabrics: Wool and rough clothing can aggravate dry skin.
- Cranking up the heat: Overheated indoor environments can sap moisture from your skin.
Winter Skin: Prevention is Key
For optimal skin health, the best strategy is a combination of proper hydration and skincare habits. If you’re well-hydrated and still experiencing dry skin, it’s time to look at external factors like moisturizing, avoiding irritants, and using tools like humidifiers to keep your skin protected.
Moreover, if you’re unsure about your hydration status, there are signs of dehydration to watch for:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Dark yellow urine
- Skin that doesn’t bounce back quickly when pinched
For those experiencing persistent dryness or irritation, consulting a dermatologist may be the best route to ensure your skin gets the care it needs.
Conclusion: How to Hydrate Your Skin Effectively This Winter
Drinking water is essential for overall health, but for dry skin, it’s just one part of the solution. To achieve and maintain soft, smooth, and hydrated skin this winter, focus on using high-quality moisturizers, keeping showers short and warm, and using a humidifier to prevent moisture loss. Remember, hydration is most effective when combined with the right skincare regimen and lifestyle choices.
