Hydration Station

We all know that staying hydrated is good for us, especially when the weather heats up. But how much water do we really need, and how do we best hydrate from both the inside and the out?

It's a given that drinking water is good for us. After all, we are made up of 60% water so it’s vital we keep ourselves topped up. Water helps regulate our body temperature, aids digestion, lubricates joints and tissues, maintains healthy skin and can boost our brain function. However in the world of health and wellbeing, hydration is very much a topic that is steeped in misinformation. Over the last few years, as consumers become more health-savvy, they are increasingly seeking out new ways to superboost hydration levels. From social media trends such as #watertok to 2 litre water bottles, and hydration hacks which include everything from electrolyte waters to effervescent tablets to plink in your drink. And yet, still it seems people are perplexed by exactly how to hydrate.

Water Works

Despite old-fashioned sayings such as ‘If you drink too much water you’ll go rusty,’ drinking water is undoubtedly a health essential. If you don’t drink much you will notice a huge difference in your brain cognition and skin glow within just days by upping your intake. However the big question is how much should we be drinking daily? The longstanding recommendation for water intake is eight glasses of water a day (1.9 litres). However whilst this is a useful rule of thumb, according to experts, our hydration needs can vary hugely depending on our age, sex, activity levels and environmental conditions, which, of course, makes sense.

In an article for the Harvard School of Public Health it suggests the following advice: 104 ounces (2.9 litres) for men and 72 ounces (2 litres) for women per day. “Higher amounts may be needed for those who are physically active or exposed to very warm climates,” they add, “Lower amounts may be needed for smaller body sizes.”

Remember, if you find drinking water boring you can spice it up with fruit (our favourites are mint and strawberry or lemons and oranges for something more zesty). Also herbal and fruit teas also count in your water intake.

Avoid alcohol overuse

If you want to have plump looking skin and your body to function optimally, it's best to limit your alcohol intake. It is not a myth that alcohol seriously dehydrates cells. According to the Harvard school of Public Health, alcohol can suppress an anti-diuretic hormone which signals the kidneys to reduce urination and  eabsorb water back into the body. “Without it the body flushes out water more easily,” they say.

For want of a better analogy, this can leave skin cells looking more ‘dried raisin’ then ‘plump grape’. So, if you are going to drink alcohol try to drink it with food and interspersed with frequent sips of water to avoid cellular shrinkage.

Electrolyte water - ultimate hydration aid or marketing hype?

There is currently a big buzz around electrolyte supplements and electrolyte waters, both of which promise to hydrate as well as boost athletic performance and brain function. But do they really work?

Firstly it’s important to understand the role of electrolytes. We need electrolytes to draw water into our cells. According to a report created by the University of Stirling called ‘Navigating Hydration’, “Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and they play a vital role in regulating various body functions including muscle contractions, nerve impulses and fluid balance. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride, all of which are essential for maintaining proper hydration and supporting overall health.” It stands to reason that when we exercise, minerals can be lost through sweat and so replacing them can be highly beneficial, and taking electrolytes daily (especially if you have an active lifestyle) will help hydrate your system.  However, not all electrolyte products are created equal and many are loaded with sugar and artificial flavourings. Our tip therefore, is to seek clean formulas such as the True Hydration powder from Ancient + Brave, a B Corp brand whose products are potent and pure. Created without the use of artificial sweeteners or flavours it is inspired by the natural electrolytes found in coconut water and is rich in electrolyte minerals sodium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as chromium which helps maintain blood glucose levels and nutrient metabolism.

Hydration doesn’t always come in a glass

We often tend to associate hydration with drinking, however did you know that 20% of our total water intake comes not from a glass but from water-rich foods? If you want to boost your body and have plumper looking skin, add more lettuce, leafy greens, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, berries and melons into your diet.

Solutions for thirsty skin

There is often a fair bit of confusion about what dehydrated skin is. Let’s clear things up… Dehydrated skin is when your skin is lacking in water and this doesn’t always mean your skin is dry (although it can be). You can have oily skin or combination skin that is dehydrated.

Dehydrated skin often feels tighter because the deeper layers are water deficient which leaves it less plump and glowy than hydrated skin. Fine lines and wrinkles can also become more pronounced and sometimes skin can become irritated and itchy. In perimenopausal and menopause years skin can become more dehydrated than ever as the skin’s barrier becomes thinner due to waning collagen, allowing water to escape easily from the layers of the skin.

How to treat dehydrated skin

Aside from hydrating from within, it’s important which product you use on your skin. Here are some tips:

Honour your skin’s natural barrier
You can’t bully your skin into a better glow. Dehydrated skin struggles to hold onto water so it’s vital you don’t compromise your skin’s natural barrier any further. Here at Scentiana our ingredients have been meticulously sourced to enhance the body’s natural processes with vitamins, antioxidants, plant stem cells and nurturing essential oils to cocoon and beautify the skin naturally.

Avoid products that strip the skin
Instead use products that give back rather than taking away from the skin. One of our star products for dehydrated skin is the Scentiana Replenishing Body Cream which is packed with Bougainvillea plant stem cells, a natural source of potent antioxidants. It also contains Hyaluronic acid (a molecule found in the body naturally) which holds 1000 times its weight in water. This delivers deep hydration to skin whilst Argan oil and deliciously soothing Shea Butter lock in moisture, leaving skin seriously smooth and supple without any greasiness.

Spritz skin pre moisturising
One top tip from dermatologists for all-day hydration is to spritz skin first pre moisturising. Used before your oils or moisturiser this keeps hydration in the skin for longer.  Our Scentiana Reviving Face and Body Mist contains organic Rose Hydrolat, Vitamin B12 and Hyaluronic Acid to soothe, condition and hydrate skin. Spritz pre moisturising (on face and body) to draw hydration deep into the layers of the skin.

Treat skin daily
Many of us have a regular facial care routine, but often neglect our bodies. A daily bodycare regime and ongoing use of nourishing, active products will have a profound effect on the look and feel of dehydrated skin. Carving out just 5 minutes daily for a regular body regime will not only make your skin look a million dollars but will make you feel it too.