When it comes to achieving glowy, ageless skin, it seems that nearly every celebrity, model, and influencer always has the exact same advice: drink more water than you think you should. Even wellness experts will tell you that drinking adequate amounts of water is the first step to maintaining your looks. “When you’re hydrated, your joints are lubricated, your skin is being nourished, and your hair follicles are able to grow in healthfully,” nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, who works with A-listers like Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, recently shared with Vogue.
It makes sense. After all, there’s no doubt that drinking enough water is essential for maintaining optimal health—and, we all know that when we’re dehydrated, we certainly don’t look or feel our best. But can drinking more water actually take your skin from dull to dewy all on its own? And, if so, how much water do you really need to drink to radiate envy-inducing glow? Here, dermatologists weigh in to dispel the myths.
Hydration for health
It’s often said that water is life—and truly, we wouldn’t survive or even exist without it. Not only does it make up most of the volume of our bodies, but it serves as a vehicle for delivering essential nutrients to our cells and removing harmful toxins and waste. It also helps our bodies maintain a normal temperature, lubricates joints, and protects our sensitive tissues and important organs. “Being well hydrated supports the body’s overall health and ability to function,” explains Dr. Deanne Mraz, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology.
Of course, the body’s overall health also includes the health of our largest organ, the skin. “The skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside the body, so when the body is in balance and optimal health, the skin will reflect that,” Mraz explains.
The telltale signs of dehydration
Because being well-hydrated is so essential to our wellbeing, our bodies are experts at letting us know when we need to drink up. Aside from feeling thirsty, you might get a headache, experience brain fog and low energy, or even feel unexpectedly depressed.
Similarly, the telltale signs of dehydrated skin are pretty obvious as well. You may see dry patches, flaking, or have a feeling of tightness. You might feel itchy. Or, you might simply notice that your face doesn’t look as vibrant and youthful as you’d like. “Dehydrated skin may appear dull, which may result in the appearance of more noticeable fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles” Dr. Marisa Garshick of Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Centers and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, New York Presbyterian Cornell explains. “When the skin is dehydrated it can worsen the appearance of common signs of aging.”
