- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Staying healthy (12)
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Dental care (7)
- When to brush your teeth
- Whitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth?
- Heart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (9)
- Does sunscreen expire?
- Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm natural nails?
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
Sleep (9)
- Sleep and technology: What's the connection?
- How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
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Mental health (2)
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
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Question
Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
Does drinking water cause hydrated skin?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Although proper hydration is important for your overall health, it's not clear whether drinking extra water affects skin hydration in healthy people.
Skin is made up of three layers — the outer layer (epidermis), the underlying skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous fat tissue. If the outermost layer of the epidermis doesn't contain enough water, skin will lose elasticity and feel rough. Despite this connection, however, there's a lack of research showing that drinking extra water has any impact on skin hydration or appearance.
If you're looking to maintain hydrated skin, there are steps you can take, including:
- Avoid exposure to dry air
- Avoid prolonged contact with hot or chlorinated water
- Use a gentle cleanser instead of soap
- Avoid using skin care products that contain alcohol
- Moisturize immediately after a bath or shower and regularly throughout the day
- Use a humidifier
- Wear a scarf and gloves when going out in cold weather
If you're concerned about dry skin, contact your health care provider or a dermatologist.
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- Popkin BM, et al. Water, hydration and health. Nutrition Reviews. 2010;68:439.
- Wolf R, et al. Nutrition and water: Drinking eight glasses of water a day ensures proper skin hydration-myth or reality? Clinics in Dermatology. 2010;28:380.
- Yuregir H, et al. Food for the skin. Nutrition Bulletin. 2009;34:383.
- Negoianu D, et al. Just add water. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2008;19:1041.
- Dry skin: Who gets and causes. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/dry-skin/who-gets-causes/dry-skin-who-gets-and-causes. Accessed Oct. 5, 2012.
- Dry skin: Tips for relieving. fAmerican Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/dry-skin/tips/dry-skin-tips-for-relieving. Accessed Oct. 5, 2012.
- Dry skin: Diagnosis, treatment and outcome. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/dry-skin-diagnosis-treatment-and-outcome. Accessed Oct. 5, 2012.
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