Does drinking water actually help with skin hydration?

The quest for supple, hydrated skin is a journey many embark on, particularly in the tropical climate of Singapore, where the heat and humidity can either help retain moisture in the skin or lead to its loss through excessive sweating. Amidst the plethora of skin hydration advice, one common recommendation stands out: drink plenty of water. 

But is it true that upping your water intake will directly contribute to skin hydration? Let’s look at what hydration does for your skin, while also exploring other methods to enhance skin moisture.

What Hydration Can Do

Hydration is the foundation of healthy, vibrant skin. It ensures that every cell, including those in your skin, operates optimally and maintains your skin’s elasticity, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and make the skin look more radiant and youthful. Furthermore, well-hydrated skin heals faster from sunburn, which is particularly relevant in sunny Singapore. 

While drinking water is essential for overall health, the direct impact on dermal moisture levels is less significant than you might think. The skin’s hydration depends more on external moisturising and whether the skin’s structure stays intact.

Other Ways of Improving Skin Hydration

Given the limited impact of drinking water on skin moisture, it’s crucial to look at other methods to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

Gentle Cleansing

The choice of your cleanser plays a pivotal role in maintaining your skin’s hydration. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Choose gentle, hydrating cleansers that wash dirt away without compromising the skin’s barrier. This approach helps retain moisture and keeps the skin soft and supple.

Exfoliate Regularly

Dead skin cells can clog pores and hinder hydration. That blockage means that whatever serum you’re placing onto your skin will have a harder time reaching its intended target. 

Regular, gentle exfoliation allows moisturisers and serums to penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing their hydrating effects. However, it’s important to not over-exfoliate, as this can damage the skin barrier and lead to moisture loss.

As a rule of thumb: 

• Sensitive skin: Use a creamy cleanser with a low percentage of glycolic acid once a week, although for sensitive skin, it’s best to let a professional take care of the exfoliating for you 
• Oily skin: Use an AHA-based cleanser two to three times per week
• Normal to combination skin: Use a retinoid or an AHA or BHA cleanser twice a week

Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Using a serum that contains hyaluronic acid can significantly boost your skin’s hydration levels. It attracts moisture from the cellular environment and locks it into the skin, keeping it looking plump and dewy.

Use Hydrating Sheet Masks

Hydrating sheet masks are a quick and effective way to deliver concentrated moisture to your skin. They are especially popular in Singapore for their convenience and immediate results. These masks are soaked in hydrating ingredients, providing a refreshing and revitalising treatment for your skin.

Professional Hydrating Facial Treatment

For those seeking deeper hydration and rejuvenation, professional hydrating facial treatments offer a comprehensive solution. 

One example is our Intense HA Facial, which has hyaluronic acid, natural aloe and cucumber extracts for maximum hydration. When paired with microabrasion or a good laser treatment, hyaluronic acid’s hydration effects can be further improved. 

Other facial treatments that quickly introduce hydration to the skin include oatmeal facials, aloe vera facials and peptide facials.

These treatments, performed by professionals, combine hydration with exfoliation, massage, and serums or hydrating ingredients. They can significantly improve your skin’s moisture level, texture, and overall appearance, providing benefits that are difficult to achieve with DIY-care alone.

As the effects of facials compound and take time to show, if you need a faster alternative, consider Skinboosters. Skinboosters are a type of injectable treatment that involves directly injecting hyaluronic acid into your skin to increase hydration and brighten skin. 

Skinboosters are available at our sister clinic, SL Aesthetic Clinic. 

Hydrating facial in Singapore

Supple, hydrated skin is within reach. Our experienced, well-trained professionals are ready to recommend a hydrating facial treatment that suits your skin. 

At SkinLab, Singapore’s largest medical spa chain, our highly trained therapists endeavour to give you the best care and treatment, so you walk out of the door looking and feeling your best.

Make an appointment now.