Ask any dermatologist about their best tip for healthy, glowing skin, and most would probably have the same answer: 1. Wear an SPF 30 regularly 2. Hydrate yourself at the right time, the right way. But what exactly does the second advice mean? What is the best time to drink water for glowing skin, huh? We’ve got the answers.
Is Water Good For Your Skin?
Definitely one of the most asked questions. The simple answer is, yes. “Our bodies, and all of the organs within them, require water as an essential nutrient,” says Dr. Angela Casey, a board-certified dermatologist.
It’s not possible to live without water, of course—but its importance goes beyond that. You don’t need water merely to exist. Your skin (one of the largest organs of the body) would lose its glow, hydration, and health if not provided with the necessary amount of liquid.
Staying hydrated is basically the most effective (and affordable) beauty treatment. Your skin will definitely thank you. Note: Remember, that doesn’t mean you skip an effective skincare routine; it’s equally important, and will show even better results if you drink water, as needed.
Now, we know it’s hard to keep up with your daily water intake requirement. But perhaps understanding the incredible benefits will make it easier—and keep you motivated.
Improves Skin Tone
Water increases blood circulation near the skin, which, in turn, improves your overall complexion.
Prevents Premature Aging
The better the hydration, the better the elasticity of your skin. The better the elasticity, the slower the signs of ageing will appear.
Reduces Puffiness
Puffiness means your body is retaining water to prevent dehydration when you’re not drinking enough. Increasing your hydration levels prevents that swollen look every morning.
No More Acne
More water means better digestion (and better bowel movements). The gut gets rid of harmful toxins, so your skin remains spot-free.
Elevate Your Everyday
The Veganced 30-Day Glow-Up
The Ideal Times to Drink Water
Sure, hydration is great for the skin. However, there needs to be a proper water drinking schedule.
1. First Thing in the Morning: Kickstart Your Skin’s Hydration
Don’t reach for that bleary-eyed coffee first thing in the morning. Your body has gone through a long fast, and it must be super dehydrated (unless, of course, you drank water throughout the night, which isn’t really a possibility). Two cups of water on an empty stomach can give you a refreshing start. Bonus points if you add half a lemon for additional vitamins (antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium) like this cucumber lemon detox water recipe.
Once you take your body up to the baseline, then, yes, you can go get your coffee. It counts as fluid too (but never a replacement for water). Though caffeinated drinks can be hydrated, an option like Java can be a good choice, according to one study. But still, you need a glass of water first.
2. Before Meals: Enhances Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Water definitely plays a role in weight management. Though this might be a new fact for some, choosing the best water hour for your body can do wonders. “Filling a part of your stomach with water makes you feel full, and helps prevent overeating,” says Melissa Mitri, a registered dietitian based in Monroe, Connecticut. In fact, a small study in 2018 proved people who drank water before their meals felt just as fulfilled with a smaller amount of food as those who didn’t hydrate themselves before eating. Even better if it’s iced. A study in 2019 showed men and women ate less than those who drank lukewarm water. The science is simple. Cold fluid (at around 35 degrees F) slows down digestion (and reduces appetite).
3. Between Meals: Avoids Overeating and Keeps Skin Hydrated
As important as a glass of water 30 minutes before a meal is, sipping on some between meals is just as beneficial because it…
- Prevents overeating
- Maintains the skin’s hydration
- Helps with digestion
- Increases nutrient absorption
Water between meals is also a particularly helpful tip when consuming high-fiber foods. Fiber moves through the digestive tract, absorbs water, and facilitates stool formation. So if you’ve packed your plate with plant-based foods (as you should!), sip on water, too.
4. Mid-Afternoon: Combats Dehydration and Keeps Skin Refreshed
We all experience those dreadful mid-afternoon dips. The time when there’s a downward slide of energy, around about 3 p.m., when you want to reach for a cup of coffee (or perhaps a sugary snack) to get through the day. Resist the urge. Right then. Please. It’s an easy shortcut, but not the better way out. A glass of water is what you need at that moment. Yes, it’s actually the best time to drink water for glowing skin—and better health.
A caffeinated drink, or a sweet treat, disrupts sleep. Even if it’s 6 hours before bedtime! Water, on the other hand, addresses the root cause of the problem: dehydration. Your fluid intake directly affects your memory, mood, and visual perception (according to a review published in 2019). You see, 2 to 3 liters of water in your diet can fix so much, really!
5. Before and After Exercise: Supports Skin Detoxification
Healthy hydrating begins at least a day or two before exercise. Chugging down a liter of water right before a heavy workout wouldn’t be the best choice. No one wants to feel bloating and sloshing when moving around. You need to make sure to give yourself enough hydration on the days leading to a tough cardio day.
For moderate workouts (like a jog in the morning or hopping on a recumbent bike), drink a cup of water 30 minutes prior. Don’t forget to sip during exercise. Even the slightest dehydration will reduce energy. When you’re done, top off the lost water (through sweat) with another few ounces of water.
How Much Water Should You Be Drinking A Day?
The answer varies for everyone. Kids, teenagers, men, women, elderly, active/inactive, environmental factors, etc.
Here’s a quick guideline to keep in mind.
| Age Group | Water Intake |
| Toddlers (1 to 3 years) | 4 cups (1 liter) |
| Kids (4 to 8 years) | 5–7 cups (1.2–1.6 liters) |
| Teenagers (9 to 18 years) | Girls- 7–9 cups (1.6–2.1 liters) |
| Boys- 8–11 cups (1.9–2.6 liters) | |
| Men (19+ years) | 13 cups (3 liters) |
| Women (19+ years) | 9 cups (2.2 liters), 10 cups if pregnant, 12 cups if breastfeeding |
| Elderly (65+ years) | 7–9 cups (1.6–2.1 liters) |
There are further details to keep in check, too, such as—
- What’s your activity level? If there’s high exertion activity, like marathons, you will need to account for both salt and sodium losses.
- What are the outside temperatures? The higher the temperature, the more the water intake should be.
- Are you taking any medicines? How is your overall health? If you’re on NSAIDs (medicines that make your body retain water), there’s a chance you might consume too much water.
- What is your age group? Elderly people might not sense thirst as much as young ones. This can be a problem if they’re on medication that causes fluid loss, such as diuretics.
Warning Signs of Dehydration
- Urine that’s dark yellow in color
- Low blood pressure
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
FAQs
Can drinking too much water improve my skin?
A question that almost everyone has asked at least once. Yes. Drinking water can improve your skin. But the secret isn’t drinking “too much” liquid. It’s actually figuring out the best time to drink water for glowing skin. First thing in the morning, for example, should be a must. Before meals and between meals work for weight loss (and better digestion). Mid-afternoon hydration should not be skipped, ever. Before and after exercise, of course, is super important, too. A few more essential times when water can be a life-saver are when…
- You have a headache
- You’re sick
- You’re on a plane
- You get a massage
- Before your period
- Before bedtime (but not too close, not too much in quantity)
Does drinking water really help with acne?
The short answer is yes, but you need to know “how” before you go on guzzling gallons of H2O. Acne begins with clogged pores and excess oil formation. Though water isn’t a magical elixir that zaps zits overnight, staying hydrated really helps because water…
- Flushes out toxins
- Reduces oil production
- Improves blood flow
- Prevents dryness (and irritation)
Are there any signs that show I’m not drinking enough water for my skin?
We’ve talked about common dehydration signs above, but there are also a few that show up on the skin. For example, you will notice—
- Dryness
- Flakiness
- Dull complexion
- More prominent fine lines
- Increased oiliness
- Dark circles
- Puffiness
- Slow healing of acne
Final Words
An effective glowing journey is all about figuring out the best time to drink water for glowing skin—but with that, you need to customize the water intake quantity to fit your age group and health condition, too. And let’s not underestimate the power of a good skincare routine and balanced diet.
