Dermatologists Reveal What Drinking Water Can Do For Your Skin

Ask any dermatologist about their best advice for healthy, glowy skin, and most would probably answer the following: 1. Regularly wear an SPF 30+ sunscreen and 2. Stay hydrated.

While drinking water might be a relatively easy goal for Stanley-toters who always ensure their H2O is close at hand, others may struggle on the hydration front.

Maybe you have every intention of switching to water after this one last iced coffee, only to get your fifth or sixth coffee refill of the day (guilty!).

Or, as much as you would love to get your recommended number of cups of H2O per day , you simply just can’t stand drinking water— even with every friend, co-worker and family member asking you, “How can you not like the taste of water? It doesn’t taste like anything!”

But what does it mean for your skin if you aren’t drinking your water every day? Are there any alternatives to plain, boring water that can help you achieve your skin care goals?

Why hydration is so important for your skin.

With practically every health care professional from every field stressing the importance of staying hydrated, it’s no surprise that drinking water is also critical for maintaining healthy skin.

“ Our bodies, and all of the organs within them, require water as an essential nutrient,” said Dr. Angela Casey , an Ohio-based, board-certified dermatologist . “Ionic compounds and solutes dissolve in water, and this process allows for transportation of critical compounds to the cells and structures of the skin. ”

While water’s role in aiding in the transportation of compounds aesthetically benefits your skin, it also plays a critical role in maintaining your skin’s overall health.

“[When you are hydrated], the skin barrier function is optimized,