Does Drinking More Water Hydrate Your Skin? Not Quite.

It’s a common skincare myth: “You just need to drink more water for glowing, hydrated skin.”

While staying hydrated is important for your overall health, drinking water won’t directly moisturise your skin — especially if you’re already consuming enough fluids daily.

So why do so many people believe it, and what actually helps dry or dehydrated skin?

Hydration Starts on the Surface (Not in Your Water Bottle)

Your skin’s outermost layer — the stratum corneum — is responsible for holding in moisture. When this barrier is damaged, your skin can’t retain hydration, no matter how much water you drink.

That means:

  • If your barrier is impaired, water escapes

  • If your skincare is too harsh or drying, hydration doesn’t stick

  • If you’re skipping moisturisers, your skin can’t seal in what it needs

Hydration needs to come from both inside and out — and often, the external part is what’s missing.

Why Drinking Water Isn’t Enough

Of course, dehydration will affect your skin — just like it affects every organ in the body. But once your basic needs are met, drinking excess water won’t “plump up” your skin or erase dryness.

If your skin is flaking, tight, or rough, the cause is more likely:

  • A compromised barrier

  • Cold or dry weather

  • Overuse of exfoliants or actives

  • Skipping moisturisers that suit your skin type

How to Actually Hydrate the Skin

At Platinum Cosmetics, we support hydration through:

  • Barrier-focused facials that repair and replenish

  • Professional skin care including humectants (like hyaluronic acid) and emollients

  • Skin rejuvenation treatments that enhance skin function from the inside out

We focus on helping your skin hold water — not just absorb it temporarily.

Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated (Not Just Dry)

Dehydrated skin isn’t necessarily dry skin. Even oily or combination skin can be dehydrated. Look for:

  • Dullness or lack of glow

  • Tightness after cleansing

  • Flaky patches despite oiliness

  • Makeup sitting unevenly on the skin

Our goal is always to assess what your skin really needs — not just treat surface symptoms.

Book a Skin Consultation That Looks at the Full Picture

If your skin feels dry no matter what you try, we can help identify the underlying cause — whether it’s your barrier, your products, or your treatment plan. Book a consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic and let’s find a solution that brings true, lasting hydration to your skin.

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Should You Exfoliate Every Day? Here’s What Your Skin Really Needs