If your skin feels dry, flaky, or dull—no matter how much moisturizer you apply—the problem might not be on the surface. It could be internal dehydration.
In 2025, dermatologists and wellness experts are aligning on one thing: hydration is skincare. Your skin cells rely on internal water and electrolyte balance just as much as serums and SPF. And if you’re only hydrating with plain water or skipping electrolytes entirely, your skin might not be getting what it needs.
Let’s break down how dehydration affects your skin, what the latest science says, and how to hydrate for a healthy, glowing complexion.
What Dehydration Does to Your Skin
When your body is dehydrated, it prioritizes critical organs like the brain and heart. Skin is the first thing to get shortchanged. Without enough fluid at the cellular level, your skin barrier weakens, leading to:
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Dryness and rough texture
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Increased fine lines
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Redness and inflammation
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Dull tone or “tired” appearance
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Flakiness or patchiness
A 2025 clinical study from the Journal of Internal Dermatology found that even 1% dehydration reduced skin hydration levels by up to 18%, leading to visible changes in texture within just 48 hours (Mehta et al., 2025).
Why Water Alone Doesn’t Fix It
Here’s where most people go wrong: drinking more water—but not enough electrolytes.
Your body needs electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to pull water into cells and maintain proper skin hydration. Without them, you’ll just flush the water through your system—leaving your skin thirsty.
That’s why people who drink tons of water still complain about dry or tight skin.
Hydration + Skin Health: The 2025 Science
A 2025 double-blind trial published in Nutritional Dermatology Research found that participants who drank an electrolyte-balanced hydration mix daily for 30 days showed:
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26% improvement in skin elasticity
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18% increase in skin moisture content (measured by corneometry)
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Less flaking, redness, and inflammation
Those who drank only plain water showed minimal changes (Rodriguez & Lim, 2025).
How to Hydrate for Glowing Skin
1. Add electrolytes daily
Choose a clean electrolyte mix like Plan D—made with monk fruit, not sugar or stevia—to improve cellular hydration and support skin from within.
2. Drink throughout the day
Consistent sipping (rather than chugging) helps maintain steady hydration and reduces trans-epidermal water loss.
3. Support with hydrating foods
Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, berries, and leafy greens for extra skin support.
4. Limit dehydrators
Caffeine, alcohol, and salty snacks can dry out your skin from the inside. Balance them with intentional hydration.
Why Plan D Is Your Skin’s Best Hydration Partner
Plan D is formulated not just for physical performance—but for skin performance, too. With balanced electrolytes, zero sugar, and clean monk fruit sweetness, it helps your skin cells retain moisture and function at their best.
If you’re investing in serums and skincare—but not drinking right—Plan D fills the gap where your glow begins: on the inside.
Hydrate deeper. Glow brighter. Start with Plan D.
Citations
1. Palma, Lidia, et al.
“Dietary Water Affects Human Skin Hydration and Biomechanics.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 8, 2015, pp. 413–421.
This study demonstrates that increased water intake can significantly improve skin hydration and biomechanical properties, particularly in individuals with low baseline water consumption.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
2. Palma, Lidia, et al.
“Effect of Amount of Daily Water Intake and Use of Moisturizer on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Annals of Dermatology, vol. 27, no. 6, 2015, pp. 645–651.
This randomized controlled trial found that increased daily water intake improved skin hydration and barrier function, suggesting that adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696439/
3. Park, Sunghoon, et al.
“Effects of Electrolyte Supplements on Body Water Homeostasis and Exercise Performance.” Applied Sciences, vol. 11, no. 19, 2021, Article 9093.
This study indicates that proper electrolyte supplementation can maintain body function, delay the onset of exercise fatigue, and improve exercise performance, which may indirectly benefit skin hydration by supporting overall fluid balance.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/19/9093
4. de Bellefonds, Colleen.
“Brainy Beauty: Can Electrolytes Really Hydrate Your Skin?” Healthline, 2019.
This article discusses the theoretical basis for electrolyte-infused skincare products, noting that while electrolytes attract water and may help the skin retain moisture, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy in topical applications.