Can drinking water help clear skin?

Does Drinking Water Clear Skin?

No, drinking water does not clear skin—there is no scientific evidence that increased water intake improves acne, blemishes, or other skin conditions, and no major medical guideline recommends water consumption for skin "clearing" purposes. 1, 2

The Evidence Against Water for "Clearing" Skin

No Clinical Support for the Common Belief

• The widely promoted recommendation to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily for healthier, less wrinkle-prone skin has no scientific proof supporting these claims 2
• No major medical guideline or professional society recommends water—plain or otherwise—for any dermatologic condition beyond basic hydration needs 1
• The American Heart Association, American College of Physicians, and Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize plain water as the primary beverage for hydration without mentioning any skin benefits 1

What Water Actually Does (and Doesn't Do) for Skin

Limited Impact on Skin Hydration:

• Increased water intake (>2L/day for 30 days) can modestly improve superficial and deep skin hydration measurements, particularly in individuals who habitually drink less water 3
• However, this effect is primarily seen in those with baseline low water consumption (<3,200 mL/day), and the clinical significance for actual skin appearance remains unclear 3

Water Type Matters More Than Amount:

• Drinking >2L/day of mineral water decreased skin density and slightly increased skin thickness, while tap water had opposite effects (increased density, decreased thickness) 4
• These physiologic changes do not translate to "clearing" skin or treating any specific dermatologic condition 4

External Water Exposure Can Harm Skin Barrier:

• Repeated water immersion (30 minutes daily for 5 days) significantly increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin pH, indicating barrier disruption 5
• This demonstrates that water exposure can actually compromise skin barrier function rather than improve it 5

What Actually Works for Skin Health

Topical Moisturization is Superior

• Application of moisturizers has more favorable impact on skin hydration compared to additional water intake 6
• In participants with high daily water intake, moisturizer application significantly increased stratum corneum hydration at multiple anatomical sites (forearm, hand dorsum, shin) by week 4, while additional water intake alone did not 6

Proper Skin Care Recommendations

• For general skin health: Use bland, thick emollients (creams or ointments with minimal fragrances/preservatives) 7
• Bathe with water alone or nonsoap cleanser 2-3 times weekly, followed immediately by emollient application to improve skin barrier function 7
• For atopic dermatitis: Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing to lock in hydration; bathing additives like oatmeal may provide symptomatic relief but don't decrease transepidermal water loss 8

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't recommend increased water intake as treatment for acne, eczema, or other skin conditions when no evidence supports this practice 1, 2
• Don't substitute water consumption for evidence-based topical treatments (moisturizers, prescription medications) that actually improve skin conditions 6
• Don't encourage patients to spend money on specialty waters (hydrogen water, alkaline water) when plain water provides equivalent hydration at lower cost and no water type "clears" skin 1
• Avoid delaying appropriate dermatologic care by suggesting water intake modifications for conditions requiring specific medical interventions 1

The Bottom Line for Clinical Practice

For patients asking about water and skin health:

• Adequate hydration (approximately 2.7L/day for women, 3.7L/day for men from all sources) is important for overall health, with thirst serving as an adequate guide for most healthy individuals 1
• However, drinking extra water beyond normal hydration needs will not "clear" skin, treat acne, reduce wrinkles, or improve most dermatologic conditions 2
• Direct patients toward evidence-based topical skincare (appropriate cleansing, moisturization, sunscreen) and dermatologic evaluation for specific skin concerns rather than focusing on water intake 7, 6