How Drinking Water Effects Skin Hydration

How much water should you drink to hydrate your skin? As a dermatologist, I am always interested in debated topics in skin care and this is a trending topic on Tik Tok right now. So-today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of skin hydration and the role that drinking water plays, if any, in moisturizing the skin. This topic has sparked considerable debate, with opinions ranging from how much water to drink to help dry skin, comments that drinking water does not hydrate skin, beliefs in water’s magical properties to skepticism about its direct effects on skin health. My goal is to shed light on this topic, guided by the idea that the state of your skin barrier (Oily Skin Type or Dry Skin Type) significantly influences how water intake affects skin hydration.

Before we get started, understanding how the content in this blog applies to you will be much easier if you know which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are. Take or free 3 minutes quiz to find out if you have an impaired skin barrier and are a dry skin type.

Does Drinking Water Hydrate Skin?

There is evidence that drinking adequate amounts of water can positively impact skin hydration if:

Your skin barrier is intact or you are wearing an occlusive moisturizer

You consume low amounts of water

However, if you have dry skin, your skin barrier is impaired, and you are not currently using an occlusive moisturizer or plastic wrap on your skin, then water can evaporate off the skin in a process called trans-epidermal water loss. It is impossible to hydrate skin by drinking water if water is evaporating off the skin at a rapid rate.

Research studies on drinking water and skin hydration

The studies noted in the references below suggest that increasing fluid intake may improve skin hydration, particularly in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. This effect appears to be more pronounced in individuals who typically consume lower amounts of water.

It is hypothesized that increased water intake may lead to a higher water content in the dermis, which can then be supplied to the epidermis. Aquaporins are a water channel that allows water to move from cell to cell. It is possible that these Aquaporin channels help get water from the blood stream to the epidermis, but I did not find any studies on this.

The water content in the upper layers of the epidermis (stratum corneum) is also influenced by other factors such as:

aquaporin channel function

natural moisturizing factors (NMF) inside the cell

the structure and size of corneocytes

the composition and ratio of intercellular lipids such as ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol that form the skin barrier.

which fatty acids make up the skin barrier

temperature

climate

circadian rhythm

blood flow

presence of histamine

You can see that their are many factors to cloud the issue, which is why there are many opinions on the subject. My opinion as a dermatologist is: drink water and use the best skincare routine for your Baumann Skin Type to keep your skin hydrated.

The skin barrier and skin hydration

Your skin’s barrier is your first line of defense against environmental threats and plays a pivotal role in hydration. This layer is composed of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, which are critical for maintaining its integrity and function. These lipids create a protective matrix that keeps water on the skin and guards against external irritants.

In oily skin types, this lipid barrier is well-structured and effective, keeping moisture locked in and ensuring the skin remains hydrated and resilient. However, when the barrier is damaged in any way, due to factors like harsh skincare products, environmental stressors, or genetic predispositions, the lipid composition can become unbalanced. That’s why barrier repair moisturizers are so important.

What is most important to understand is that a damaged skin barrier will not keep the skin hydrated, but a healthy skin barrier will absolutely hold moisture on the face.

Oily skin types have a healthy barrier, while dry skin types have an impaired skin barrier.

Water and Skin Hydration

It is well known that drinking water is paramount to the hydration of your skin and body. They’ve also discovered that the type of water you drink matters. You can check out our whole blog on different types of water in skin care here!

But it’s not just about drinking water. You can also help your skin by using moisturizers that repair your skin barrier and eating foods that are skin-friendly. If you have dry skin or conditions like eczema, combining drinking more water with the right barrier repair moisturizers can be a game-changer.

Dry vs Oily skin types

I’ve mentioned the difference between oily and dry skin types above, but here’s a little more detail. The Baumann Skin Typing system classifies skin into 16 distinct types, including Dry (D) and Oily (O) categories based on the skin barrier’s condition and sebum production.

Dry (D) Types : In dry skin types, the lipid barrier is often impaired, leading to increased moisture loss and susceptibility to dryness and irritation. The lack of adequate lipids disrupts the barrier’s protective function, emphasizing the need for targeted hydration and barrier-repair strategies.

Oily (O) Types : Oily skin types, on the other hand, typically have a more robust lipid barrier with increased sebum production. This natural oiliness helps retain moisture and protect against water loss, resulting in naturally more hydrated skin.

Keeping your skin hydrated

Here are some practical tips for maintaining hydrated, healthy skin across different skin types:

Drink Water: Aim for sufficient water intake daily to support overall hydration, including that of the skin.

Use Barrier-Repairing Moisturizers: Look for products rich in ceramides, cholesterol (or beta-sitosterol), and fatty acids to help repair and reinforce the skin barrier.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can support skin health and barrier function.

Protect Your Skin : Minimize exposure to harsh environmental conditions and chemical irritants that can damage the skin barrier.

Understand Your Skin Type : Knowing your skin type can guide you in choosing the most effective hydration and care strategies.

Conclusion

Drinking water plays a crucial role in skin hydration, particularly when you already have a healthy skin barrier that can hold in water. By understanding the composition of the skin barrier and how it can be impacted by various factors, individuals can adopt a holistic approach to skin care that includes adequate hydration, proper nutrition, and the use of barrier-supporting products. Regardless of your skin type, embracing these practices can lead to healthier, more hydrated skin.

Make sure to take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz to only get the best products for your skin type!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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