As the winter chill sets in, we instinctively reach for warming cups of coffee rather than water, and our skin cops the brunt of harsh winds and heating.
Yet maintaining proper hydration through winter is just as crucial as during summer. Here are some easy ways to help prevent dehydration.
Inside
Warm up with herbal teas
Peppermint, chamomile, and ginger teas not only heat you up from the inside, but also contribute to your daily fluid intake without the dehydrating effects of caffeine.
Infuse your water
Make hydration more appealing by adding slices of citrus, cucumber or berries to room-temperature water. The subtle flavour can encourage you to drink more throughout the day. So can having a new water bottle to tote around. Our pick? Frank Green’s range, which comes in a rainbow of colours.
Enrich your soups
Vegetable-based broths deliver both hydration and nutrients. Try a simple pumpkin soup with added ginger and turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost that keeps you hydrated, too.
Increase omega-rich foods
Incorporate salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds into your diet to support your skin’s lipid barrier from within.
Grab some salts
Adding a supplement such as Sodii Everyday Hydration Salts to your water helps replenish your electrolytes while providing you with an extra dose of potassium and magnesium.
… and out
Shorten hot showers
Though tempting in winter, long hot showers strip natural oils from your skin. Limit yourself to five minutes and use lukewarm water instead. Switching to a hydrating body wash like L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil can also amp up moisture.
Layer your hydration
Just as you layer clothes in winter, layer your skincare. Apply hydrating products to slightly damp skin, starting with the lightest consistency (think toners and essences) before moving to serums and moisturisers.
Choose gel-based hydration
For face hydration that sinks in without heaviness, try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. Its lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin and lock it in place – perfect for layering under make-up or as the last step in your night-time routine.
Gentle exfoliation matters
Remove dead skin cells weekly with a gentle exfoliant to help moisturising products penetrate more effectively. Try a lactic acid-based formula, which exfoliates while adding hydration.
Turn on a humidifier
Place a humidifier in your bedroom to combat the drying effects of heating systems. Not only can it keep your skin hydrated, but it can protect against moisture loss while you sleep.
