Drink More Water
Originally published July 2017, Updated April 2025.
Water can solve many of our skin care problems, so why aren't we drinking enough of it? Most doctors recommend 8-10 cups of water each day. I'm lucky if I can finish two 16.9 fl oz. bottles. What gives? Drinking H2O is a necessary part of our survival. It protects our internal organs, keeps our joints lubricated, and detoxifies the body. We can't sweat or dispose of waste through urination or bowel movements without water. It's essential.
Surprisingly, a lot of us are walking around dehydrated and don't know it. We think that just because we are drinking something throughout the day, that means we're covered. But drinking coffee, tea, sodas, or juices don't offer the body the same hydration benefits as water. Proper hydration is vital to maintaining your skin's health. Having dehydrated skin can lead to breakouts, dry patches, and even excessive oiliness—all things we'd like to avoid. But does drinking water lead to skin hydration? It’s complicated. Read below for helpful hacks and tips on how to drink more water daily.
The Many Benefits of Proper Hydration
Beyond potential skin benefits, staying well-hydrated offers numerous benefits for your entire body:
Improved cognitive function: Even mild dehydration can affect your ability to concentrate and may contribute to headaches
Better physical performance: Proper hydration helps maintain energy levels during exercise and daily activities
Enhanced digestion: Water helps break down food and assists with nutrient absorption
Effective detoxification: Adequate fluid intake supports kidney function and helps flush toxins from your body
Temperature regulation: Water helps your body maintain a healthy temperature through perspiration
Joint health: Proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and may reduce discomfort
Heart health: Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood more efficiently
If you "don't like the taste of water"...
Try adding fruit to give a natural flavor. Lemon and cucumber in water is a natural way to help with digestion. Other fruits like melon, strawberries, raspberries—as well as herbs like mint and thyme—provide antioxidant properties.
If you really need to detox...
Chlorophyll water is the wave. If you didn't already know, chlorophyll is a dark green pigment found in plants that helps with photosynthesis. Because it is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, more people are starting to add chlorophyll to their water (or take as a supplement in capsule form). You can get chlorophyll in the form of liquid drops or powder and follow the directions on the label to make sure you're adding the right amount to your water.Chlorophyll is especially beneficial if you're looking to detox as it helps cleanse the liver as well as the digestive tract. In addition to cleaning your system internally, chlorophyll helps to give your skin a healthy glow as well!
If you just really need a water hack...
You can mark your water bottle by time intervals to help pace your water intake throughout the day. Keep your bottle close by and sip, sip, sip! There are also smart bottles on the market that come with apps to help track your daily water intake.Did you know there is one other way you can get more water without actually drinking anything? It's in your fruits and vegetables. So be sure you're getting the healthy amount of fresh fruits and veggies daily.
While drinking water alone won't transform your skin overnight, proper hydration remains foundational to overall health, which ultimately affects your skin's appearance. Combined with effective topical treatments, a well-hydrated body creates the optimal environment for healthy, radiant skin.
Remember that consistency is key—both in maintaining proper internal hydration and in following a suitable skincare routine. Pay attention to how your body and skin respond to different hydration levels and adjust your habits accordingly.
How do you keep yourself hydrated? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
