They say drinking more water will give you a better complexion. While staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin, that doesn’t mean drinking more water will instantly improve dry, dull, or acne-prone skin. When it comes to healthy, glowing skin, water is just one small part of the equation.
Hydration isn’t just about how many glasses of water you drink each day. Many factors, including your diet, your environment, your skincare routine, anxiety, and even your body’s ability to retain water, can affect your skin’s moisture levels. While drinking water every day is a beneficial habit, it won’t suddenly make your skin feel better if your other skincare routines aren’t helping your skin retain moisture.
You must work both inside and outside to truly keep your skin hydrated. That means keeping your body hydrated by eating and drinking the right foods and beverages, and locking in moisture by forming a protective layer on the surface of your skin. If you don’t, the water you drink may not reach the parts of your body that need it most.
Why Water Isn’t the Answer to Everything
Your body sends water to your brain, heart, and kidneys before it goes to your skin. That’s why your skin is one of the first places you notice that you’re not getting enough water or calories. Dry, flaky skin can be a sign of dehydration, but it can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency or reduced skin protection.
If your diet doesn’t contain enough hydrating nutrients or the skin care products you use are drying out your skin, drinking more water won’t help. Transepidermal water loss refers to the loss of water through the skin’s surface. This can happen when your skin is dry, takes a hot shower, or exfoliates too much.
That’s why foods high in water, vitamins, and salt are so important. These substances improve the body’s water utilization and help skin cells retain moisture. Combined with the right care, water can reach the skin’s surface and stay there, where it needs it most.
Nutrients and Foods That Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Eating is just as important as drinking water to stay hydrated. Some foods are naturally high in water, and the fiber, vitamins, and minerals in them help the body retain water. Some foods contain essential fatty acids, which help form the skin’s lipid barrier, which is important for retaining moisture and keeping allergens out.
Citrus fruits, cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery are all high in both water and salt. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and oily fish are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help strengthen the skin’s protective layer. Bell peppers and strawberries are high in vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen to keep skin firm and elastic. Vitamin E, found in nuts and seeds, helps protect cells from damage and softens the skin on your face.
To help you understand how hydrating foods can improve your skin health, here’s a quick overview:
| Food Item | Key Nutrients | Water Content (%) | Skin Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber | Water, silica, potassium | 96% | Deep hydration soothes inflammation |
| Watermelon | Water, lycopene, vitamin C | 92% | Boosts glow, supports elasticity |
| Avocado | Healthy fats, vitamin E | 73% | Strengthens lipid barrier |
| Chia Seeds | Omega-3s, fiber | Soak in water | Locks in hydration from within |
| Orange | Vitamin C, potassium | 87% | Supports collagen, reduces dryness |
| Salmon | Omega-3s, protein | N/A | Prevents dryness, improves texture |
| Bell Pepper | Vitamin C, antioxidants | 92% | Improves skin tone, boosts collagen |
| Spinach | Iron, vitamins A and C | 91% | Enhances repair, detox support |
Adding these foods to your daily meals doesn’t just support hydration—it improves overall skin health, texture, and clarity.
How Topical Skin Care Keeps Your Skin Hydrated
To keep your skin hydrated, you first need to make sure your body is getting enough water. Skin care is essential in this regard. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera are all ingredients that keep your skin hydrated. However, to keep your skin hydrated, you need squalane, shea butter, or natural oils with occlusive properties.
If you cleanse or exfoliate too harshly, you can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to dryness. It is advisable to use a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer on top of that to seal in moisture. This means that if your skin feels tight after showering, you may need to repair your skin barrier.
Avoid taking long, hot baths or breathing dry air without an indoor fan. Both of these situations can dry out your skin. Staying hydrated isn’t just about drinking water, it’s also about making sure your body and the environment around you are in balance.
Create a complete hydration plan
For radiant, fresh-looking skin, your skincare routine should work on multiple fronts to keep your skin hydrated. For example, sip water slowly throughout the day instead of all at once; eat hydrating foods; use skincare products that protect your skin; and avoid habits that dry out your skin. Pay attention to your skin, too. Flaking, dry patches, or dull skin are signs that your skin needs more than just water.
First, eat more water-rich foods and invest in lotions that are suitable for your face. For a vitamin boost, try green tea, coconut water, or water with lemon or cucumber slices. Choose the middle ground, not the other way around.
To get the glow you want, you need to take care of your face from the inside out. When you take care of both, your skin becomes more elastic, plump, and radiates a natural glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drink more water to keep my skin hydrated?
Not always. While hydration is important, your skin also needs good fats, nutrients, and moisture from outside to help it retain moisture. Water alone won’t fix dry or dull skin.
How many glasses of water should I drink per day to keep my face healthy?
Most people need about 8 glasses (2 liters) of water per day, but your needs may vary depending on your activity level, the weather, and your diet. Pay attention to your body’s thirst signals and stay hydrated.
What’s the difference between dehydrated and dry skin?
Dry skin lacks oil, while cracked skin lacks moisture. Oily skin can still become dry. By using both internal hydration and external moisturizing cosmetics, you can solve both problems at the same time.
Can my diet keep my face hydrated?
Yes. Foods rich in water and good fats help keep your skin hydrated. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and oily fish all help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Should I use a fan to keep my skin hydrated?
Of course. A humidifier can increase the humidity and help prevent dry skin, especially at night, in dry areas, or in the winter.
What hydrating skincare products should I choose?
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, ceramides, aloe vera, and plant oils are all good choices. These ingredients can attract and retain moisture, keeping your skin smooth and refreshed.
