Raisins are used in almost every sweet and savoury dish in India. Either kheer (rice pudding) is made, or they are used directly in the main course, like biryani and pulao. Overall, they keep improving in taste and numerous health benefits.
Recently, however, raisin water has currently one of the top picks of beauty and skin care enthusiasts. We asked an expert about these claims – of raisin water making one’s skin glow and lessening acne problems- and here are her thoughts:
Is Raisin Water Good For Skin?
Simply put, raisin water is soaking whole raisins in water overnight. According to Dr. Priyanka Kuri, Consultant Dermatologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, the antioxidants and micronutrients present in the raisins do wonders for one’s health and well-being.
Antioxidants play a vital role against oxidative damage and help in protecting from chronic conditions like cancers, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease,” the review published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry in 2020 states. However, “Dr Kuri has found no clinical studies supporting the assertion that drinking raisin water affects skin health.” It was mentioned in expert opinion reviews that there is no scientific basis for the claimed benefits (better skin, detox) and that transfer of nutrients from the fruit to the soaking water is not realistically going to happen.
Skin Benefits of Raisin Water
Whole raisins would have on it some phenolic antioxidants (i.e., phenolic acids and flavonols such as quercetin derivatives), which could provide some limited defense against oxidative stress, for oxidative stress is the major cause of photoaging,” Dr Kuri said.
In addition, he said, human and mechanistic studies seem to indicate that eating raisins may lead to an increase in circulating antioxidant capacity together with altered measurements for oxidative stress, but all these observations to date relate to eating whole raisins (not drinking the soaking water). Moreover, raisins are also a source of fiber and thermominerals, particularly potassium and a trace of iron, which could be assisting nutritional status that could be influencing skin health; however, these are based on consumption of the fruit, that i, raisins, and not raisin water.
There is no clear clinical evidence, she stressed further, that says raisin water can treat acne or perform “glow”-like qualities. “Raisins are good sources of antioxidants and potassium, but soaking/boiling doesn’t provide benefits to the skin-hydrate with water, not raisins,” she added.
Moreover, these claims concerning acne are rejected by medical fact-check articles. Consumer health reviews found no evidence for detox/skin benefits. “Taste it and enjoy it, if you like the taste, but stick with the acne evidence-based care and overall habits (sleep, sunscreen, diet, and stress),” she added.
Raising Water Is Generally Safe, But Watch Out For Some Side Effects
Raisin water is generally safe to drink, but its excessive consumption may lead to some gastrointestinal disturbances like increased feelings of fullness, gas production, or even unpleasant bowel movements because of the fiber and sugar present in raisins. A sensitive person can also experience weight gain, low blood pressure, or hypoglycemia. Rarely, some could also experience allergic reactions.
What A Dermatologist Wants You To Know
Dr. Kuri says dermatologists usually consider raisin water to be a low-risk mode of hydration, for which skin benefits remain unproven. Polyphenols in raisins, white grape polyphenols with antioxidant/UV-protective character, may provide supported evidence; this, however, comes from studies based on whole fruit/extracts and not raisin-soaked water.
“Proven skin care, by contrast, remains sunscreen, moisturiser, and topical antioxidants/retinoids.”
So the verdict is: Enjoy raisins for your overall health; therefore, do not expect raisin water to work miracles in evidence-based dermatology, Dr. Kuri concluded.
The Properties of Raisins in Nutrients Supported by Skin
It is not just sweet dried fruit; raisins also contain nutrients beneficial to the skin.
- Antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols, resveratrol) – Fight free radicals causing premature skin aging.
- Iron – Ensures to improve the blood circulation; as a result, the skin will be glowing naturally.
- Vitamin C – Formulated for collagen and for skin brightening.
- Vitamin E – Skin barrier protective and hydrates skin.
- Potassium & Magnesium – Hydration balance and reduce puffiness.
- Dietary Fiber – Flushes toxins, improves digestion, and lowers the chances of acne.
7 Skin Benefits of Raisin Water
- Improves Skin Hydration
This dull and tired appearance is often seen on dehydrated skin. But drinking raisin water brings in optimum hydration, as well as electrolytes like potassium and magnesium that help retain moisture.
- Fights Premature Aging
The antioxidants in raisins neutralise free radicals, damaging skin cells, so that wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation do not occur. Resveratrol is one such powerful antioxidant known for its anti-aging activity.
- Natural Glow
The iron content in raisin water increases blood circulation around the body to skin cells, along with oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, a glowing, brighter skin.
- Helps in Preventing Acne.
Indigestion and toxin buildup are major triggering causes of acne. High fiber content raisins promote regular bowel movement as well as detoxify the system in reducing the chances of acquiring acne and pimples.
- Supports Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein that keeps skin firm, young, and elastic, and the vitamin C in raisin water enhances the creation of collagen.
- Decreases Inflammation of the Skin
If the skin is sensitive or vulnerable to acne, inflammation can make it worse. The anti-inflammatory characteristics in raisins calm the skin on the inside.
- Evenness in Skin Tone
Through improved circulation by reducing the pigmentation and thus healthy turnover of cells, spontaneous consumption of raisin water gradually evens the skin tone.
Preparing Raisin Water for Glowing Skin
- Take 8-10 black or golden raisins.
- Wash them to eliminate germs.
- Then soak them in a glass of water overnight.
- Drink the water on an empty stomach early in the morning.
- Optionally, you can take those soaked raisins for nutritional and fiber purposes.
- For Optimum Results: Drink 3 to 4 times regularly.
Lifestyle Tips for Better Skin Similar to Raisin Water
Dermatologists say that raisin water must be joined with skin-care routines that include:
- Moderated Diet – That means greens, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits.
- Hydration – Opt for at least 8 glasses of water for the day.
- UV Protection – Sunscreen applies, then no damage from UV rays.
- Sufficient Sleep – Skin repair takes over during sleep. That must be 7-8 hours.
- Stress Management – Meditation and exercise could lessen those awful breakouts caused by stress.
Conclusion:
Raisin water is one amongst several drink alternatives that can best be described as a natural drink loaded with antioxidants and helpful in improving water retention, thus supporting collagen synthesis and reduction of acne while leaving you with a healthy glow. Dermatologists agree with this healthy addition to your diet, but should caution that it doesn’t replace the standard use of skin care or medicines.
With consistent intake over time within an overall healthy lifestyle, raisin water builds skin health from within and glows outside over time.
FAQs:
Does raisin water really help improve skin glow?
Yes, raisin water improves blood circulation and detoxifies the body, which may lead to naturally glowing and radiant skin.
Can raisin water help reduce acne and pimples?
Raisin water aids digestion and flushes out toxins, which helps reduce acne breakouts and supports clearer, healthier skin naturally.
How often should you drink raisin water for skin benefits?
Most experts recommend drinking raisin water once daily, preferably on an empty stomach, for consistent results over a few weeks.
Are there any side effects of drinking raisin water daily?
Excessive consumption may cause bloating, diarrhea, or raise blood sugar levels, especially for diabetic individuals, so moderation is important.
Which is better for the skin—eating raisins or drinking raisin water?
Both are beneficial. Raisin water is easily absorbed, while eating soaked raisins provides fiber and additional nutrients for skin health.
SamhithaHealth & Wellness Content Writer
a Health & Wellness Content Writer with over 6 years of experience creating research-based health articles. She specializes in nutrition, weight management, diabetes care, skin health, and healthy lifestyle practices. Here content is carefully written using trusted medical and scientific sources to ensure accuracy and clarity for readers.