I Attempted to Drink a Gallon of Water Daily—Here’s How My Skin Responded

      March 7, 2025

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      Water has long been regarded as the ultimate beauty enhancer. The concept is straightforward: Increase your water intake, and you’ll enjoy the rewards of better hydration and a more radiant complexion. Additionally, it aids in delivering nutrients to skin cells and maintaining skin plumpness and elasticity (which translates to fewer wrinkles!). Moreover, when you're well-hydrated, your body can perform these functions more efficiently, potentially resulting in healthier skin.

      However, the notion of consuming a gallon of water daily—a significant boost from most people's typical intake—leaves some questioning its efficacy. Can this truly enhance your skin's health, or is it merely another beauty myth? To find out, we consulted two beauty professionals to delve into the impact of hydration on skin. Continue reading to uncover the possible benefits—and any disadvantages—of drinking a gallon daily.

      Rachel Liverman Rachel is the founder and CEO of Glowbar, dedicated to empowering individuals to feel confident in their skin by transforming the professional skincare experience, one studio at a time.

      Limor Weinberg, FNP-BC Limor is a board-certified nurse practitioner with a focus on aesthetics. She is the founder of The Clinic, a medspa located in Miami that offers a range of cosmetic treatments and educational courses for injectors.

      What occurs with your skin when you increase your water intake?

      "Skincare starts and ends with drinking water!” states Rachel Liverman, the CEO and founder of Glowbar. “Consuming a gallon of water a day can greatly benefit your skin. When you're properly hydrated, your skin appears more elastic and glowing, helping to prevent dryness and flakiness. Additionally, maintaining good hydration levels supports your skin’s elasticity, decreases fine lines and wrinkles, and imparts a plump, youthful look.”

      Moreover, keeping hydrated can reduce puffiness and swelling, especially around the eyes, by regulating fluid levels and minimizing water retention. (It might sound counterintuitive, but just trust us.) For those with oily skin, sufficient water consumption can balance oil production, helping to prevent skin from becoming too oily or too dry. Need we elaborate further?

      How long does it take for increased water intake to improve skin?

      Liverman mentions that individuals often see skin improvements within a few weeks to a month. "This allows your body to adjust and can lead to enhancements in skin moisture, elasticity, and overall appearance,” she explains. “However, keep in mind that results may vary based on factors such as your initial hydration levels, overall health, diet, and additional elements in your skincare routine."

      The key takeaway, as nurse practitioner and aesthetic specialist Limor Weinberg notes, is that "like anything else, consistency is vital for seeing results."

      Can excessive water consumption negatively affect the skin?

      Is it possible for too much water to harm the skin? Essentially, the answer is no. “In rare instances, excessive water intake can disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to a condition known as hyponatremia, which is a reduction in sodium levels in your blood," explains Weinberg. “Sodium is a crucial electrolyte that supports proper heart function and fluid balance in the body.” To prevent this, avoid consuming excessive amounts of water in a short period, and consider incorporating electrolyte supplements like LIQUID I.V. or LMNT into your water.

      Does water consumption impact different skin types (oily, dry, combination) differently?

      There are no disadvantages to adequate water intake for various skin types. “Every skin type requires sufficient water intake to help manage oil production,” says Liverman. “This is particularly true for oily skin, as proper hydration can diminish the overproduction of sebum, which often occurs as a result of dehydration.” If you contend with oily skin, we recommend you start sipping!

      What I experienced when I began consuming a gallon of water daily

      A few years ago, I noticed the appearance of fine lines around my eyes and on my forehead. Being in my early 20s, I was puzzled as to why my skin was aging so quickly. Upon researching ways to avert fine lines and wrinkles, one predominant solution recurred—drink more water. I decided to give it a shot since it seemed straightforward and was much more affordable than Botox. The outcome? Not only did my skin become plumper and more radiant, but my overall well-being improved. I felt more energetic and noticeably more alert. The only downside is that I find myself needing to take more bathroom breaks than I used to when my water intake was lower, yet the benefits are absolutely worthwhile.

      Source: Lauren Harano for The Everygirl

      How to achieve a gallon of water intake daily

      Honestly, drinking a gallon of water a day may seem daunting, but it isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds