Credits: Social Media
Drinking more water to ‘cure’ acne makes it worse, warns dermatologist�
Acne is so common that social media is full of “quick and easy” tips to cure it, including drinking water excessively.
Even though it’s highly recommended to keep yourself hydrated for several health benefits, the same advice doesn’t stop breakouts or make them disappear overnight.
Drinking more water doesn’t treat acne
Acne or pimples are a result of a combination of factors, such as hormonal changes, bacteria build-up on the skin, and the conditions your skin is exposed to, in addition to diet and lifestyle.
A pimple forms when the pores of the skin clog; touching or bursting it only triggers the acne more. Dermatologists also warn against popping pimples around the nose, called the ‘triangle of death, as it can be fatal in some cases.
As self-treating breakouts can have serious consequences, people naturally resort to the easier options, like drinking a “lot of water”. But, there’s no truth to the widespread Internet claim to treat the skin condition.
Certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez dispels the myth that consuming excessive water magically treats acne – in fact, it makes it worse, she warns.
In one of her videos on TikTok, Dr. Andrea explains: “No skin condition is going to be cured by drinking more water.” She emphasizes the importance of water for overall health, which excludes the treatment of acne.
“Acne is complex. It involves genetics, and hormones and has nothing to do with your hydration level,” she clarifies.
It can make your problem worse
Drinking more than the recommended amount of water can cause a number of problems; it can make your acne worse.
Health experts advise against drinking water just before bedtime as it causes your bladder to be full, thus disrupting your sleep as you keep waking up to empty it.
This can also add to your acne issue due to the lack of adequate sleep, which is important for healthy skin. The dermatologist says you can drink all the water you want, but it only increases your bathroom visits.
“It’s going to mess up your sleep because you’re going to be up all night going to the bathroom. That’s going to stress you out and that could potentially aggravate your acne in the long run,” she notes.
It is also not advisable to drink a large amount of water in a short period as it can cause hyponatremia a condition marked by abnormally low sodium in the body.
We recommend seeing a dermatologist if you’re suffering from acne, rather than treating it yourself using the unverified skincare tips by beautify influencers.
Dr. Andrea Suarez is a Denver-based dermatologist with over 12 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2011 and has gained popularity over the years for her content related to all things skincare on social media.
