Happy Hydration, Happy Skin

Understanding the Link Between Hydration and Skin Health

Staying well-hydrated is essential for healthy skin. Water helps maintain moisture levels, supports skin elasticity, and ensures your skin is functioning at its best. Proper hydration supports skin barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors like pollutants, UV radiation, and harsh weather.

How This Can Present on Skin

• Barrier Function: A well-hydrated skin barrier retains moisture and protects against irritants and pollutants, helping to minimise dermatitis (eczema), allergies, and flare-ups.

• Dryness and Tightness: Lack of hydration can lead to tight, dry, and flaky skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation and environmental damage.

• Fine Lines: Dehydrated skin can appear less firm, causing fine lines, or making existing ones more noticeable. The lack of moisture can create the appearance of reduced elasticity such as sagging.

• Sensitive Skin: Insufficient hydration can make the skin more prone to redness, irritation, and sensitivity.

• Healing: Dehydrated skin may take longer to repair damage or wounds.

• Oil Balance: Dehydrated skin can lead to overproduction of sebum, causing breakouts or clogged pores

Tips for Better Hydration and Healthier Skin

Drink Smart: Aim for 6–8 glasses of water daily. Add lemon or cucumber for flavour if needed.

Limit Dehydrating Drinks: alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate the skin.

(Explore more in [Happy Gut, Happy Skin].)

Watch Water Quality: If hard water irritates your skin, use a filter or rinse with soft water.

(Explore more in [Happy Home, Happy Skin].)

Eat Your Water!: Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens.

Protect your skin barrier: Choose skincare that mimics the skin’s natural structure to help retain water without being occlusive or heavy.

(Explore more in [Happy Skincare, Happy Skin].)

Hydrate Topically: Use serums or creams with humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerine to lock in moisture, but ensure they are free from common allergens and irritants to maintain skin comfort and health.

Avoid Over-Exfoliation: Harsh and excessive exfoliation can increase Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and damage the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and sensitivity.

Need help?

Staying hydrated is about building good habits. If you’re unsure how to start, try keeping a water tracker or researching hydration tips online for inspiration. A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist - trained in skin barrier care, can provide tailored skincare advice to support your skin barrier and promote long term resilience.

Trusted Sources:

NHS – Water, Drinks and Nutrition
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
Explains the importance of staying hydrated for maintaining overall health and supporting skin hydration and elasticity.

British Nutrition Foundation
https://www.nutrition.org.uk
Explores how water contributes to essential body functions, including the maintenance of optimal skin moisture levels.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. This resource is informed by current evidence, clinical observation, and emerging research in skin health.

Version: [March / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.