Drink lots of water we all know it! Bet we could all drink a bit more though right? Aim for 2 litres a day and spruce it up with additions such as mint and lemon. Or warm things up and go for a mug of hot water, ginger, and lemon for a tasty way to get your fix. Eat more water-rich foods too. Vegetables and fruits such as watermelon, cucumbers, bananas, strawberries, spinach, iceberg lettuce, radishes, and celery. Look to add these foods to your balanced diet.
Each skin cell membrane is made up of omega fatty acids, so keeping these strong and intact is the key to healthy, hydrated skin. Taking omegas orally can be more effective than using them topically. This way, you get the healthiest skin, as they work at a deeper cellular level from when cells are formed.
Increase the humidity! Air conditioning and central heating can often be what causes dehydrated skin on your face and body. They dry out the air around us, sapping water from our skin. As a general FYI, the more moisture in the air, the less water will evaporate from your skin- this is why your skin always looks so much better on a sweaty summer holiday. Try a humidifier during winter months and make the most of humid environments like a steamy bathroom. Smooth on your moisturiser within a few minutes of getting out of (a not too hot!) shower, to help make the most of that surface moisture on the skin before it has a chance to evaporate. Moisturisers can act like magnets within the skin, drawing in moisture from the cream on the surface and holding it there.
Stay hydrated while you travel. Dry air, low humidity levels and air conditioning from airports and aeroplane cabins can really disrupt your skin’s moisture balance. Avoid the signs of dehydrated skin on your holiday by planning how to deal with dehydrated skin from the get-go. Layer up with moisture rich products before you fly – read our full skincare travel guide for more tips and tricks.
Pay attention to the seasons. Winter is particularly harsh as cold, low humidity air can cause the skin to dry out and become itchy, cracked and irritated. Cold air also tightens pores, reduces circulation, and reduces sebum production. Low humidity, hot showers, and central heating also contribute to skin dehydration, which is why it's so important to create a winter-specific regimen to soothe weather-worn skin.