A beauty editor who has previously undergone extreme beauty treatments, including freezing fat and tattooing eyeliner, recently embarked on a two-week experiment to drink two liters of water daily. The journalist, who typically favors tea over water, sought to understand the purported beauty benefits of increased hydration.
During the experiment, the editor noted that her urine color became straw-colored and she experienced fewer cravings for snacks, suspecting she was better able to distinguish thirst from hunger. While she perceived her skin as more radiant, she also acknowledged having recently undergone a skin booster treatment.
Experts consulted for the experiment offered nuanced perspectives on the role of water in skin health. Dermatologist Dr. Stefanie Williams, medical director of London clinic Eudelo, stated that mild dehydration does not necessarily manifest on the skin and that claims of increased water intake directly fixing dull or dehydrated skin are not supported by science. She explained that maintaining a strong skin barrier is key to skin health, rather than solely relying on hydration.
Nutritionist Emma Bardwell, author of "The 30g Plan Cookbook," concurred, noting that skin is not a sensitive indicator of mild dehydration and that scientific studies have not shown a difference in complexion after increased water intake. A study titled "Myth or Reality by Wolf et al." reportedly found no significant change in participants' complexions after four weeks of consuming more water.
However, both experts acknowledged that proper hydration supports overall bodily functions, which can indirectly influence appearance and well-being. Bardwell stated that good hydration supports circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to the skin and remove waste products, potentially leading to an improved appearance. She cautioned against the wellness culture's oversimplification of water intake as a universal solution to all problems.
"Every cell in the body relies on fluid for normal functioning," Bardwell explained. "Good hydration supports circulation, digestion, temperature regulation, cognition and bowel health, all of which indirectly influence how we look and feel."
Despite initial skepticism, the beauty editor plans to continue incorporating more water into her routine, finding that using aesthetically pleasing water bottles served as an incentive. Her cosmetic doctor, Dr. Vicky Dondos, supported the practice but advised caution regarding excessive straw use, citing an observed increase in "barcode lines" around the lips among some women who frequently use straws.
Regarding supplements, Bardwell suggested that most individuals engaged in normal daily activities do not require added electrolytes in their water. She described electrolyte supplements as a "huge marketing scam" for the average person, though they can be beneficial in specific circumstances such as intense exercise, significant fluid loss due to illness, hot climates, or during menopause with hot flashes and night sweats. For most people, water combined with a balanced diet is sufficient to meet electrolyte needs.
The article also highlighted that thirst signals can weaken with age, potentially leading older adults to be at higher risk of dehydration. Bardwell advised that relying solely on thirst is not always a reliable strategy as people age, particularly in hot weather.