Does Drinking Water Clear Acne? The Real Answer

"Drink more water" is one of the most common pieces of advice for acne. It sounds logical: water is healthy, hydration is good for skin, so drinking more water should help acne, right?

The reality is more complicated. While staying hydrated is important for overall health, drinking extra water is not a proven acne treatment.

The Claim vs. The Science

The Common Claims

Drinking more water flushes out toxins
Water hydrates skin from within
Dehydration causes acne
8 glasses a day will clear your skin

What Research Actually Shows

There are no scientific studies proving that drinking water above normal hydration needs improves acne. The relationship between water intake and skin appearance is not straightforward.

Does Water Affect Skin at All?

What We Know

Severe dehydration affects skin:

Reduces skin elasticity
May worsen skin appearance
Affects overall skin function

Normal hydration maintains:

Basic skin function
Skin barrier health
Normal skin appearance

Extra water (beyond normal needs):

No proven skin benefits
Does not hydrate skin more than normal hydration
Is simply excreted by kidneys

Why the Myth Persists

Correlation vs. Causation

People who drink adequate water often also:

Eat healthier diets
Exercise regularly
Pay attention to their health
Use better skincare

These other factors may improve skin, not the extra water itself.

The Toxin Myth

The idea that water flushes toxins causing acne is not scientifically supported. Your liver and kidneys handle toxins regardless of water intake (within normal ranges).

How Skin Hydration Actually Works

Skin hydration comes from:

The skin barrier retaining moisture
Humidity in the environment
Topical moisturizers
NOT primarily from drinking water

What Actually Helps Acne

Proven Approaches

Treatment	Evidence Level
Retinoids	Strong
Benzoyl peroxide	Strong
Salicylic acid	Strong
Proper cleansing	Moderate
Non-comedogenic products	Moderate
Professional treatments	Strong

Lifestyle Factors with Some Evidence

Reducing high-glycemic foods
Limiting dairy (for some people)
Managing stress
Getting adequate sleep
Consistent skincare routine

Should You Still Drink Water?

Absolutely, But for the Right Reasons

Stay hydrated because:

It supports overall health
It maintains normal body functions
It is essential for life

Do not expect it to:

Cure acne
Replace proper skincare
Flush out acne-causing toxins

How Much Water Do You Need?

There is no magic number. General guidance:

Drink when thirsty
Urine should be pale yellow
Individual needs vary (activity, climate, etc.)
8 glasses is a rough guideline, not a rule

The Bottom Line

Drinking water is important for health but is not an acne treatment. If you are properly hydrated, drinking more water will not clear your skin.

Focus on proven acne treatments:

Consistent skincare routine
Proven active ingredients
Non-comedogenic products
Professional help for stubborn acne

Stay hydrated for overall health, but do not rely on water as your acne solution.

Looking for products with proven acne-fighting ingredients? Use SCRNE to scan ingredient lists and identify effective actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids.

Sources

Palma, L., et al. "Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 8, 2015, pp. 413-421. PubMed
Williams, S., et al. "Effect of fluid intake on skin physiology: distinct differences between drinking mineral water and tap water." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 29, no. 2, 2007, pp. 131-138. PubMed
Zaenglein, A. L., et al. "Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 74, no. 5, 2016, pp. 945-973. PubMed
Bowe, W. P., & Logan, A. C. "Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis." Gut Pathogens, vol. 3, no. 1, 2011, pp. 1. PubMed
American Academy of Dermatology. "10 skin care habits that can worsen acne." AAD.org