Health experts and age-old advice have us believing the 8×8 rule (8 8-ounce glasses of water every day) is the secret sauce to solving many of our problems, from weight loss to anti-aging and even boosting our daily energy. But what about our skin? With the changing seasons and cooler temperatures often comes dry, cracked skin and sometimes guzzling water all day just isn’t enough. So, if you’re like me and want hydrated, glowy skin at all times, then here are some hacks for proper hydration.
Cut back on the caffeine
During the cooler months, it can be tempting to overdo it on the hot coffee and matcha, both of which contain caffeine. While it might leave you feeling warm and full of energy, caffeine can act as a diuretic, which increases fluid loss and can lead to dehydration. So, cut back or try a caffeine-free beverage like this take on hot cocoa.
Use a facial steamer
While hydrating from within is always important, sometimes it isn’t enough for our skin, especially during the fall and winter. Not only will a facial steamer hydrate the skin, but it will help open up the pores, allowing all the benefits of your skincare products to soak in properly.
Load up on fruits and veggies
Fruits and veggies with higher water content can help with dehydration. You can get around five ounces of water per serving from foods such as watermelon, strawberries, citrus, and melons and veggies, including cucumbers, lettuce, celery, zucchini, and mushrooms. Loading up on these high water content superfoods can also help counteract high-sodium foods and alcohol often consumed this time of year.
Up your night time skincare routine
If you want to wake up with glowy, dewy skin (don’t we all?) then you might want to amp up your night time skincare routine. If you hydrate your skin with serums, oils and moisturizers at night, then it will allow your skin to soak it all in while you sleep. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, lactic acid, ceramides and glycerin.
Get some exercise
While exercising might cause you to sweat, it also boosts circulation which helps balance electrolyte levels in your body. Exercise also helps distribute oxygen and nutrients to the skin which promotes collagen production and cell turnover – all leading to healthier, glowing skin.
Exfoliate
It might seem counterproductive, but exfoliating removes dry, dead skin cells and allows moisturizer to penetrate deeper. It also boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage, increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen synthesis, unclogs pores and prevents acne.
