Proper water consumption affects many different aspects of health and wellness, including how well the body can maintain and regulate oil production in the skin, according to the UCLA Student Nutrition Awareness Campaign. If you have excessively oily skin, drinking the appropriate amount of water can potentially help you regulate your skin's oil production so that it becomes less oily over time.
Functions of Water in the Body
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Water is a vital part in keeping the body's organs and systems functioning properly. Since the skin is actually an organ, this includes the skin. When your skin is dehydrated, the skin can become sallow, dry and cracked. The oil glands in the skin will start to overproduce oils and sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration, which leads to oily skin and acne. To rectify the overproduction of oil in the skin, it is important to consume enough water throughout the day.
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Effects on Oily Skin
Drink between 64 and 80 ounces of water every day, which will effectively moisten and hydrate the entire body, inside and out. Once the skin is properly hydrated, the oil glands will receive signals from the brain that excess oil is no longer needed, and will consequently slow down the oil production in the skin. This results in a normalization of skin oils and a reduction in acne breakouts.
Methods of Consumption
Drinking water throughout the day can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule. One way to ensure that you are consuming the right amount of water every day is to carry a stainless steel water bottle with you, which you can sip throughout the day. If plain water is not palatable for you, add in a quarter of a lemon, which adds a bit of flavor and vitamin C that can make the water taste more refreshing and delicious.
Considerations
Consult your doctor if your oily skin does not improve after consuming the proper amount of water for 60 days. You may have another oily skin condition that requires other treatment, such as rosacea, psoriasis or lupus. Your doctor can recommend natural or prescription treatments for your condition that water may not improve.