We all know the drill: mountains of expensive creams, complicated skincare routines, and the endless advice to drink more water to get your skin looking good. Amidst all the tips and tricks, many wonder if there is any truth to drinking water for clear skin. Does it really make a difference?
For Ndondo Qwabe, from Durban, suffering from skin issues has been a constant battle. She says drinking more water has been a game-changer for her skin.
“I’ve been a girl with very dry, or rather pale, skin for almost all my high school years, and I would use all these face products,” she says.
“I started hearing people with beautiful skin talking about drinking a lot of water and using only water to wash the face, using cotton wool or a dry towel, or letting it dry by itself. I then started to use that routine, and yes, the results were amazing!”
Drinking water changes skin complexion
“I drink about two litres of water a day, and my face is clearer and very soft now. I can even go a day without putting anything on it to moisturise it, and it’s not just the face to me, but the whole body. I just have fresh, beautiful skin because of simply drinking water,” says Qwabe.
Aphelele Jody from Johannesburg shares that drinking more water started as just an experience, however, within a week, he noticed changes in his skin and pee because of the amount of water he was drinking.
“When we say drink water to have clear skin, we are not just talking about a cup or two of water. To have clean pee, you need to drink lots of water. The clearer your pee, the cleaner your skin will become. I started drinking more water and noticed that my skin was getting clearer, dark spots were getting fewer, and my complexion was returning,” Jody explains.
“I drink about five litres of boiled water with lemon. I highly recommend boiled water with lemon because I believe lemon is good for everyone’s skin; it leaves your skin clear and healthy.”
Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe from Bloemfontein, a skin specialist, chief formulator at Epicutis Skincare Range, and the CEO of the South African Institute of Dermatology, explains that a good water balance helps in maintaining the body’s homeostasis. This in turn leads to the skin’s ability to be agile and adjust to ever-changing external conditions.
Water promotes body functions and anti-ageing
“We lose a sizeable amount of water through sweating. If the amount lost through sweat is not continuously replenished, some bodily functions can be negatively impacted, such as the optimal functioning of the kidneys. This holds true in all seasons, but more so in the summer. As a result of such losses, the body redirects water meant for the skin to the more vital organs, leaving the skin with a lacklustre look of dehydration and wrinkling,” he explains.
“Drinking water regularly and in adequate daily amounts thus leads to all body organs functioning optimally. The universal standard of at least eight cups of water daily has been scientifically linked to being a natural anti-ageing promoter.”
He also mentions other factors such as adequate sleep of at least eight hours, regular sunlight, avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and topical formulations to maintain skin moisture as crucial for maintaining clear and healthy skin.
“There is a direct, but not exclusive, link between adequate water intake and healthy-looking skin. In contrast, a long-term lack of adequate water intake can be seen as a doorway to discomfort through dry and itchy skin and an indirect invitation to some skin diseases.”
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