Drinking Water is Not the Best Way to Stay Hydrated, According to a Scientific Study
We have been told that we need to drink 2.5 litres of water a day to stay well hydrated. Yet, there is a drink that seems to perform this function even better. A scientific study reveals what it is July 22, 2025 Photo: Iuliia Pilipeichenko
Milk hydrates more than water, a study confirms. Here's why we should drink more of it, especially in summer
When it comes to hydration, water always seems to be the obvious answer. We know how much water we need to drink per day, but is there an alternative that can bring more hydration to the body other than just water? A scientific study reveals this to us: among the various beverages analysed, milk – both whole and skimmed – was found to be among the most hydrating, even surpassing mineral water in some conditions. But how is this possible? The explanation is to be found in the nutritional composition of milk.
Milk or water: which hydrates more? A study changes the rules
A study from theUniversity of St. Andrews in Scotland, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared different beverages in terms of hydration by analysing fluid retention levels in the hours after drinking. The result? Milk scored higher on the hydration index than water. "Milk contains natural sugars, proteins and fats. These nutrients slow the emptying of the stomach, helping the body retain fluids longer," the researchers explain.
Why does milk hydrate more than water?
Here's what makes milk a great hydrating drink: High electrolyte content (such as sodium and potassium), which help the body retain fluids
Presence of protein and carbohydrates, which slow digestion, prolonging the presence of water in the body
Balanced osmolarity, which promotes water absorption by cells
When does drinking milk help to hydrate?
Although water always remains the most recommended drink under normal conditions, there are times when milk can be an even more effective choice, for example: After strenuous physical activity, to replenish fluids and nutrients
In children and the elderly, to promote more complete hydration
In periods of mild dehydration, when fluids need to be better retained
Milk is therefore also a useful beverage for hydration, particularly in specific situations where retaining more fluid is important. It is certainly not a substitute for water, but it can be added to it intelligently if the need arises.
Beware if you are milk intolerant
It should be remembered that not everyone can drink milk. Those who are lactose intolerant or have special digestive conditions should consult their doctor. Alternatively, some plant-based drinks (such as soy or oat milk) may offer a good compromise, but they do not achieve the levels of hydration that cow's milk has.
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'Utilized on a regular basis, this product is capable of keeping the complexion more youthful and firm, especially when it's complemented with sun protection and proper hydration,' she says. 'The secret to searching for an effective collagen cream is to emphasize the ingredients that favor natural production of collagen within the skin,' says Dr. Eleonora Fedonenko, doctor of medicine and medical director of Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles. 'Peptides, vitamin C, and growth factors are all excellent for this.' She calls Neocutis Lumiere Firm Riche Extra a 'powerful' option. Rich in peptides and antioxidants, it facilitates collagen regeneration and enhances skin elasticity. 'Utilized on a regular basis, this product is capable of keeping the complexion more youthful and firm, especially when it's complemented with sun protection and proper hydration,' she says. Key Ingredients: Growth factors, proprietary peptides, caffeine, vitamin C Growth factors, proprietary peptides, caffeine, vitamin C Best For: Smoother, firmer skin under the eyes, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness Smoother, firmer skin under the eyes, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness Size: 0.5 oz Do collagen creams really work? AccordionItemContainerButton 'High-quality collagen booster formulas can deliver visible improvements when used consistently over time, helping to refine the skin's texture and overall appearance,' Aparovich says. 'However, collagen loss is a natural part of the aging process, as the body's ability to produce this structural protein significantly declines over time. No cosmetic product can stop or reverse this process entirely, but the right formulas, along with healthy lifestyle habits, can help maintain collagen levels and slow the manifestation of the signs of aging.' What to Look for in a Collagen Cream AccordionItemContainerButton 'If someone is truly looking to stimulate collagen, I suggest choosing ingredients with evidence, such as topical retinol, certain peptides, exosomes, and growth factors,' Dr. Humphrey says. 'These are better studied [than topical collagen] and known to normalize elastic tissue and support collagen synthesis.' What ingredients pair well with collagen? AccordionItemContainerButton 'Topical collagen is not biologically active in the skin, so it is generally well tolerated and can be layered with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid,' Dr. Humphrey says. However, she reiterates that most patients are better served by focusing on ingredients that go deeper into the skin, rather than relying on topical collagen for structural benefits. As for ingredients that don't play so well with collagen, Dr. Adisa says: 'Avoid strong actives, especially the acids such as alpha hydroxy acids, which can be too irritating or render the peptides inactive or decrease the activity and efficacy of the topical collagen.' AccordionItemContainerButton Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon in Austin. Shannon Humphrey, MD, FRCPC, is a clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia and the medical director of Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology in Vancouver. Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, is the founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham. Hadley C. King, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Valerie Aparovich is a biochemist, certified cosmetologist-aesthetician, and science team lead at OnSkin. Charles Puza, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and content creator based in New York City. Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting. Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist at Dermatology Physicians Chicago/ Kenilworth. Eleonora Fedonenko is a doctor of medicine and the medical director of Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles. Article originally published on Vogue US.
Vogue Arabia
27-07-2025
- Vogue Arabia
Drinking Water is Not the Best Way to Stay Hydrated, According to a Scientific Study
Skip to main content We have been told that we need to drink 2.5 litres of water a day to stay well hydrated. Yet, there is a drink that seems to perform this function even better. A scientific study reveals what it is July 22, 2025 Photo: Iuliia Pilipeichenko Milk hydrates more than water, a study confirms. Here's why we should drink more of it, especially in summer When it comes to hydration, water always seems to be the obvious answer. We know how much water we need to drink per day, but is there an alternative that can bring more hydration to the body other than just water? A scientific study reveals this to us: among the various beverages analysed, milk – both whole and skimmed – was found to be among the most hydrating, even surpassing mineral water in some conditions. But how is this possible? The explanation is to be found in the nutritional composition of milk. Milk or water: which hydrates more? A study changes the rules A study from theUniversity of St. Andrews in Scotland, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared different beverages in terms of hydration by analysing fluid retention levels in the hours after drinking. The result? Milk scored higher on the hydration index than water. "Milk contains natural sugars, proteins and fats. These nutrients slow the emptying of the stomach, helping the body retain fluids longer," the researchers explain. Why does milk hydrate more than water? Here's what makes milk a great hydrating drink: High electrolyte content (such as sodium and potassium), which help the body retain fluids Presence of protein and carbohydrates, which slow digestion, prolonging the presence of water in the body Balanced osmolarity, which promotes water absorption by cells When does drinking milk help to hydrate? Although water always remains the most recommended drink under normal conditions, there are times when milk can be an even more effective choice, for example: After strenuous physical activity, to replenish fluids and nutrients In children and the elderly, to promote more complete hydration In periods of mild dehydration, when fluids need to be better retained Milk is therefore also a useful beverage for hydration, particularly in specific situations where retaining more fluid is important. It is certainly not a substitute for water, but it can be added to it intelligently if the need arises. Beware if you are milk intolerant It should be remembered that not everyone can drink milk. Those who are lactose intolerant or have special digestive conditions should consult their doctor. Alternatively, some plant-based drinks (such as soy or oat milk) may offer a good compromise, but they do not achieve the levels of hydration that cow's milk has.
