Fact or Fiction: Water and Acne

2022-07-15T18:45:46.559Z

Apostrophe

Slather - Fact or Fiction: Water and Acne

A blog article written for Slather, Apostrophe's blog, entitled Fact or Fiction: Water and Acne

Aimee Paik, MDDoctorateDegreeAmerican Board of DermatologyBoard Certified DermatologistChief Medical OfficerDermatologist100A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist can identify and treat more than 3,000 conditions. These conditions include eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among many others.
California

Apostrophe

Dermatology

2022-07-15T18:45:46.559Z
Group CopyCreated with Sketch.
Slather Blog LogoBlack words on clear background depicting the word `"`Slather`"`.
search-512Created with Sketch.

General

Fact or Fiction: Water and Acne

Slather post photo
Slather post photo

General

Fact or Fiction: Water and Acne

Medically reviewed by Aimee Paik, MD

Written by Apostrophe Team

Last updated 7/5/2022

It feels like every time you open up social media there is a wellness guru or influencer telling you that drinking water is the key to staying healthy and glow-y. You know staying hydrated is important for your overall health, but can it keep your acne at bay?

The truth about water and acne

Like the earth, your body is about 70% water. Much of your water content is contained in bodily fluids like blood, lymph, and mucus. These fluids serve two critical functions in keeping your organs happy and healthy: 1) carrying vitamins and nutrients in, and 2) flushing toxins and waste products out. When you become dehydrated, your skin, your body’s largest organ, loses the fluid it needs to carry waste and bacteria out which leaves your skin dry and congested.

Commit to the real deal

Don’t try to fake your fluid intake with soda, milk, or coffee. Other drinks won’t hydrate you the way good old H2O does, and drinks high in sugar or dairy may make acne worse. The Mayo Clinic suggests aiming for approximately 11-15 cups a day. While that may sound like a lot, keeping a bottle of water on hand can help make hydrating a habit and make it easier to remember to drink. Your body will thank you!

Water isn’t a miracle cure

Despite its many benefits, drinking water is not a cure-all for acne. Our medical director, Dr. Aimee Paik, states, "The water you drink has no impact on your skin's hydration. It is important to not overstrip the skin by overwashing or using harsh soaps or scrubs. Moisturizers are also very important for the skin." For those with very mild acne, over-the-counter ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid might be all you need. For those with moderate to severe acne, a prescription medication may be necessary, which can only be obtained through a dermatologist or healthcare provider (like one from Apostrophe!).


CUSTOMIZED ACNE TREATMENT

Prescription acne treatment plans personalized to your unique skin.


Mom may have been right about drinking water to stay healthy, but it won't zap your zits. Don't let that stop you from staying hydrated, though! Drinking water works from the inside out to help you feel your best.

Sources:

1. Liakou AI, Theodorakis MJ, Melnik BC, Pappas A, Zouboulis CC. Nutritional Clinical Studies in Dermatology. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2013;12(10):611-616. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bodo_Melnik/publication/257300802_Nutritional_Clinical_Studies_in_Dermatology/links/55eeab9a08ae199d47bf1064/Nutritional-Clinical-Studies-in-Dermatology.pdf. Accessed February 27, 2019.

2. Melnik BC. Evidence for Acne-Promoting Effects of Milk and Other Insulinotropic Dairy Products. Milk and Milk Products in Human Nutrition Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series: Pediatric Program. 2011;67:131-145. doi:10.1159/000325580

3. Water: How much should you drink every day? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256. Published September 6, 2017. Accessed February 27, 2019.

Like what you just read? Sign up for our email list to get the scoop on skincare science delivered straight to your inbox.
Email IconBlack outline of an evnvelope at a 45 degree angle.
Group 9Created with Sketch.

General

What is milia?


Read More

General

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin


Read More

General

How to build a face care routine


Read More

General

What is milia?

What is milia? Today, we’re jumping into one type of bump that you may have heard about most commonly in infants — milia.

Read More

General

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin

If you have combination acne-prone skin, figuring out which moisturizer is best for your skin might be tough. In this guide, we break down the best moisturizer for combination, acne-prone skin.

Read More

General

How to build a face care routine

As you get into skincare, it might seem overwhelming, especially trying to figure out the order you're supposed to apply products in. Below, we detail how to build a face care routine for your skin!

Read More

sign up for our newsletter here

Group 9Created with Sketch.
Email Icon LightTan outline of an evnvelope at a 45 degree angle.

Apostrophe's Products

Apostrophe's Service

Education

Deep Dives

Apostrophe LogoLarge black A with the bottom left point turned into an apostrophe.