8 Expert-Approved Tips To Boost Your Hydration Levels
Tackle dehydration, inside out
Did you know water makes up almost 55% of our body weight? Thus, ensuring our body is well-hydrated is essential for several metabolic activities to take place. “Water is essential for cellular homeostasis and life. And its absence can be lethal, within days,” says Aman Puri, founder of premium sports nutrition brand, Steadfast Nutrition. “Drinking enough water every day is essential for many metabolic activities. It helps regulate body temperature, keeps skin and tissues lubricated, removes toxins, hydrates brain cells, maintains cognitive function, transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, and helps our organs function properly,” adds Puri. On the other hand, staying hydrated is also essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. We, at The Green Maven, are firm believers of a holistic, inside-out approach to achieving healthy skin. So to make sure your skin looks plump and moisturised, we recommend ensuring your body is also hydrated from the inside.
Here are 8 expert-approved diet and beauty tips for improving moisture levels in your skin and keeping your body hydrated all day long.
1. Drink More Water
The most clichéd advice for staying hydrated is also the one that truly works. If you’re not used to drinking a lot of water, it’s time to make it a habit. “Experts recommend drinking 3150 ml of water every day for sedentary adult men and 2500 ml of water every day for sedentary adult women,” suggests Puri. So make sure your daily water intake meets this target. After all, there’s nothing like water, right?
2. Try Other Healthy Drinks
Yes, drinking water can be boring but there are plenty of healthy fluids that can sip every day to increase your fluid intake. “Lemon water, coconut water, cucumber juice or vegetable juice, herbal teas, aloe vera juice, fruit or vegetable-infused water, home-made soups, milk, and buttermilk are some healthy options that will help one stay hydrated,” says Puri. “But avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks, alcohol, flavoured milk, fruit juices, and beverages with added sugar content,” adds Puri. Here’s a sugar-free Virgin Mojito recipe made with our Glow Inside Out Collagen Powder which boosts your skin health inside out.
3. Eat Your Way To Hydration
You can add several foods to your diet as well to achieve your daily hydration target. Puri suggests eating fruits and vegetables rich in water such as watermelon, muskmelon, strawberries, peaches, plums, oranges, sweet lime, cucumber, lettuce, pumpkin, tomatoes and bell peppers. Even dairy products like yoghurt and buttermilk are good choices.
4. Use A Humidifier
A key reason for dry skin, especially during winter is the low humidity levels in the air around you. While you can’t control climatic conditions, you can increase humidity levels in your home or office with the help of a humidifier. “Low humidity levels degrade the skin’s natural moisture barrier leading to flaky and dry skin. Humidifiers will increase air hydration levels by restoring humidity in the air and thereby preventing loss of moisture from the skin as well” explains dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr. Neha Gupta.
5. Cleanse Gently
When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated and plump, over-washing and over-scrubbing are best avoided. “Do not use bar soaps as they alter the pH of the skin. Use a gentle, non-abrasive, hydrating cleanser for sensitive skin. Whereas for oily skin, foaming cleansers are better suited,” advises Dr. Gupta. You can also use homemade ubtan, a powder cleanser, made with grounded oatmeal or raw milk to gently remove dirt and excess oil without drying out your skin.
6. Turn Off The Geyser
As tempting and relaxing as hot showers may feel, they are not recommended by dermatologists. “Hot water sucks the moisture out of the skin leaving it dry and irritated. So lukewarm water or cool water should be used for showers,” adds Dr. Gupta. She also recommends limiting your shower time to prevent skin dehydration.
7. Moisturise On Damp Skin
Once your skin is cleansed, it's time to replenish moisture levels with a good moisturiser. “Opt for moisturising creams over lotions, and slather on your moisturiser immediately after the bath,” suggests Dr. Gupta. Applying the moisturiser while your skin is still damp from the shower will improve your skin’s hydration levels by sealing the water into the skin.
Our Glow Skin Phytomolecular Serumizer is a great choice for a moisturiser as it glides easily and leaves your skin smooth and supple.
8. Pick The Right Ingredients
According to Dr. Gupta, three types of ingredients should be incorporated into your skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated: humectants, emollients and occlusives as they work together to moisturise the skin. While humectants bind water to the skin, emollients and occlusives help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Our Glowy Skin Phytomocleular Serumizer is a dual-functional moisturiser which combines Ecocert-certified humectants and emollients to provide up to 72 hours of hydration.
