4 Reasons Your Skin Wants You to Up Your Water Intake

By Meghan Burnham

• 01/04/22

Did you know that your skin is actually an organ? In fact, it is the largest organ in the human body, and its main function is to serve as a layer of protection against germs and to regulate body temperature.

So, it stands to reason that taking care of our skin should be one of our top priorities…and one of the best ways to do that is to ensure we’re drinking enough water. You might be surprised to learn just how big a role hydration plays in the life of our skin. Today, we’ll look at why water consumption is so important and discuss 4 reasons you should up your intake ASAP.

What’s the big deal about water?

We all know we’re supposed to drink fluids to avoid dehydration, but water plays an important role in other bodily systems by helping:

Regulate your body temperature
Lubricate your joints
Protect your spinal cord
Remove body waste
Hydrate skin cells

You may be surprised to learn about some of the ways water affects your skin. Let’s take a look.

Improves Skin Tone

Drinking water improves the blood flow to your skin, improving skin’s appearance. In a study conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia, researchers found that increased blood flow to skin can improve tone and complexion.

Increases Skin Elasticity

Ask any dermatologist and they’ll likely tell you—proper hydration is critical for plump and springy skin. When you forgo your water consumption your skin responds in kind, becoming dry and tight and losing the elasticity that makes it looks so good. It can also cause the delicate skin under the eyes to thin, making eyes appear sunken and leading to the appearance of dark circles.

Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay buoyant and stretchy, increasing its density and improving its appearance.

Accelerates Healing

There’s not much worse than the pain that comes from spending too much time exposed to the sun without proper sunscreen. A sunburn is just that—damage to the skin caused by the sun’s rays. When skin is burned, it begins drawing fluids out of the body to start the healing process. Staying properly hydrated, particularly after experiencing a sunburn, allows the body to replenish lost fluids and actually speeds up the healing process.

Improves Acne

Certain types of acne, like bacterial acne, can be reduced by increasing your water intake. Keeping your skin properly hydrated helps to remove toxins and bacteria from the skin, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores which can lead to an acne flare-up.

Staying hydrated also helps with skin cell turnover and collagen production, both of which help reduce inflammation, heal acne, and prevent scarring.

How much water should I drink each day?

You’ve probably heard the recommendation to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day, but the truth is your ideal water consumption depends upon several factors including your age, health conditions, and any medications you may be on.

According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should try to consume 15.5 cups of water each day while women should try to drink 11.5 cups.

Your skin is critically important to your overall health and wellness. Keep it moisturized, protect it with sunscreen, and remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your skin…and the rest of your body…will thank you for it.