It’s the most repeated beauty tip on the internet: drink eight glasses a day and your skin will glow. Water matters for your whole body, but when researchers looked for proof that extra water changes your skin, they found less than you’d think.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against peer-reviewed research and American Academy of Dermatology guidance
Does drinking water help your skin?
A little, maybe, especially if you don’t drink much to begin with. One small study found that adding about two liters of water a day for a month improved measures of skin hydration, particularly in people with low usual intake[1]. But a systematic review of the research concluded the evidence is limited and weak[2].
Caveat: For dry skin, moisturizing and gentle bathing habits have much clearer benefits than drinking extra water[3].
Sources: Palma 2015 · Akdeniz 2018 · Verified 2026-09-28
In this article
What did the studies actually find?
There isn’t much research on this question, which surprises most people. Here are the two most useful pieces:
- A 30-day study in healthy women asked participants to add about two liters of water a day. Skin hydration and some measures of skin elasticity improved, and the effect was stronger in women who usually drank less water[1].
- A systematic review gathered the available studies on fluid intake and skin hydration in healthy adults. It found that more water might modestly increase hydration of the skin’s outer layer, but the studies were few, small and of limited quality, so the conclusions are weak[2].
Put simply: there’s a plausible, modest benefit for people who are under-hydrated, and little evidence that pushing well past your normal needs does anything extra for your skin.
Why doesn’t extra water go straight to your skin?
Water you drink supplies your whole body first. How moist the skin’s surface feels depends a lot on the skin barrier, which controls how quickly water escapes into the air[4].
That’s why dry, cold air, hot showers and harsh soaps can leave skin dry even when you drink plenty. It’s also why moisturizers, which slow that water loss, are the go-to recommendation from dermatologists[3][4].
What actually hydrates your skin better?
If your goal is skin that feels less dry and tight, these steps have stronger support[3]:
- Apply moisturizer after bathing and whenever skin feels dry.
- Keep showers short and warm, not hot.
- Use a gentle cleanser.
- Use a humidifier when indoor air is dry.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables also counts toward your fluid intake, and in one study more produce led to measurable, healthy-looking changes in skin tone[5]. See foods for glowing skin for more, and our guide to realistic ways to eat more fruits and vegetables if getting enough produce is a struggle.
Why does skin feel drier some months even if you drink the same?
If your water intake stays the same all year but your skin feels tight every winter, the weather is the likely reason. A review of the research found that low humidity and cold temperatures weaken the skin barrier and increase water loss from the skin, and that skin conditions like eczema tend to flare in colder, drier months[4].
Indoor heating dries the air further, and long hot showers strip away the skin’s natural oils[3]. None of that is fixed by drinking an extra bottle of water. A humidifier, shorter showers and a thicker cream do more[3]. The same logic applies in air-conditioned offices and on long flights, where the air is also very dry.
So how much water should you drink?
Drink enough that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is pale. Needs vary with body size, activity and climate. There’s no need to force down large amounts for your skin’s sake; the research doesn’t support a special “skin dose.” If you’re someone who goes most of the day on coffee alone, though, adding water is a sensible habit, and your skin may be one of the places you notice it[1].
The honest summary
- Extra water may modestly help skin hydration, mostly in people who drink little[1].
- Overall evidence is limited and weak[2].
- Moisturizing and gentle bathing habits do more for dry skin[3].
Heading into colder months? See why skin gets so dry in winter.
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Frequently asked questions
Can drinking water clear up acne?
There’s no good evidence that drinking water treats acne. See what the diet and acne research shows.
How long does it take for water to improve your skin?
In the one study that found a benefit, changes were measured after 30 days[1]. Results were modest.
Does drinking water reduce wrinkles?
There’s no good evidence that drinking more water reduces wrinkles. The research looked at hydration and elasticity measures, not wrinkles[1][2].
Do hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon help skin?
They count toward your fluid intake and add vitamins, but there’s no research showing they hydrate skin better than water. Eating more produce overall has been linked to healthier-looking skin tone[5].
Is it better to drink water or use moisturizer for dry skin?
For dry skin, moisturizer has clearer benefits. Drink enough to stay hydrated, and moisturize right after bathing[3].
Sources
- Palma L, Marques LT, Bujan J, Rodrigues LM. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:413-421. doi:10.2147/CCID.S86822
- Akdeniz M, Tomova-Simitchieva T, Dobos G, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review. Skin Res Technol. 2018;24(3):459-465. doi:10.1111/srt.12454
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
- Engebretsen KA, Johansen JD, Kezic S, Linneberg A, Thyssen JP. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):223-249. doi:10.1111/jdv.13301
- Whitehead RD, Re D, Xiao D, Ozakinci G, Perrett DI. You are what you eat: within-subject increases in fruit and vegetable consumption confer beneficial skin-color changes. PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e32988. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0032988
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
