can drinking water reduce acne - #21900
I am really frustrated because I've been dealing with some severe acne for months now, and nothing seems to work! A friend mentioned that can drinking water reduce acne, but I’m skeptical. I mean, I drink water, right? But just last week, I read some articles that said staying hydrated is super important for skin health and can drinking water reduce acne by flushing out toxins? I can’t help but doubt if that’s enough. My skin feels all oily and no matter how much I wash my face, it just doesn’t seem to improve. Ugh! Like, sometimes I drink over 8 cups of water a day, but still see no difference at all. Last week, the dermatologist suggested some topical treatments but honestly, I am curious if I should just focus on my hydration more. Can drinking water reduce acne as a standalone solution, or is it just one piece of the puzzle? Also, do you think I should keep on with my skincare routine despite worrying about the water thing? I really just wanna feel confident again and am tryna figure out if it's worth it to really up my water intake or if I’m just wasting my time.
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Doctors' responses
Drinking enough water is certainly healthy overall, but it’s unlikely to be a standalone solution for treating acne. Hydration does support overall skin health and could help with some symptoms like dryness, but acne is a complex condition often influenced by factors like hormones, genetics, diet, and skincare habits. Unfortunately, water alone doesn’t directly target the root causes of acne, and there’s limited scientific evidence to prove it can flush out toxins in a way that significantly impacts acne. It’s totally okay to be skeptical, and what you’re experiencing, having oily skin and issues despite drinking water, is quite common. While staying hydrated is essential, it should ideally be paired with a comprehensive skincare and treatment regime. Topical treatments that your dermatologist recommended probably have active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids, which target the bacteria, inflammation, and dead skin cells contributing to acne. It sounds like a wise move to continue with those. If you’re also considering dietary factors, look into reducing high glycemic foods or dairy, as they sometimes impact acne for certain people. If your skin isn’t improving or you’re experiencing severe acne, working closely with a dermatologist is key as they might suggest other interventions too. So, while it’s beneficial to maintain hydration, don’t rely on it as the sole remedy. Keep up with your dermatologist’s recommendations and discuss any new concerns or treatment options with them.
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