How to stay hydrated from top-to-toe this summer

If you ask me, staying hydrated is one of the most serious beauty and health battles Australians face during summer.
RELATED: Is cactus water the new coconut water?
The fact is, once you’re thirsty, it’s already too late – and don’t even get me started on the effects dehydration can have on your skin and eyes.
So put down your summer cocktails, beauties. The time has come for us to put H2O first. Here’s how to stay hydrated from top-to-toe, all summer long…
Hydration for inner health
The amount of water your body needs depends on several factors, including your weight, how active you are and where you live. As a general rule, the average male needs about 3 litres of water per day, while the average female needs about 2.2 litres. Can’t stomach the idea of drinking that much straight water? Try adding a slice of lemon or even a splash of sugar-free cordial to make it more palatable!
But wait, there’s more: With the party season well and truly underway, chances are your usual water consumption isn’t cutting it. Why? Well, an increased alcohol intake combined with sweaty d-floor antics leads to #nextlevel dehydration. To compensate for this, consider a supplement such as Hydrodol Hangover Relief or HYDRALYTE Orange Flavoured Electrolyte Powder (priceline.com.au). Not only are they formulated to help relieve your thirst, they’ll also help replace all the good nutrients that your body loses when you’re dehydrated.
RELATED: 10 beauty tricks to disguise a hangover
Hydration for your body
Body lotion is a hydration must, but don’t even think about slathering it on unless you’ve exfoliated first. Why? Well, dead skin cells will act as a barrier to your moisturiser, preventing it from penetrating your skin properly. So, get to work and slough them away with a refreshing body scrub such as Natio Wellness Body Scrub or Mary Kay® Satin Body® Revitalizing Shea Scrub – they smell ah-MAZING and will help prep your skin for the hydration hit to come!
For optimum results, apply your moisturiser straight after your shower, when your skin is still moist. Pat (rather than rub) your skin dry, then slather on your favourite luscious lotion. Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion is my top pick for its nourishing rosehip, avocado and jojoba oils!
RELATED: 10 of the best body scrubs
Hydration for your face
Remember what I said about exfoliating? Well, the same rule applies to your face. A micro-exfoliant is a good option, as unlike most face scrubs, they’re gentle enough for daily use. bh loves Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ® and Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant, which gently dissolve away excess surface cells for instantly smoother skin, without compromising your skin’s natural barrier.
Now that you’ve got your exfoliation sorted, your skin needs both oil and water to stay hydrated. Help lock in your skin’s moisture levels by mixing your daily moisturiser with a lightweight face oil, such as A'kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil or Goodness Certified Organic Chia Seed Oil. Prone to breakouts? Swap your heavy face cream for a light moisturiser such as Bioré Nourish Moisture Lotion SPF 15, which is non-comedogenic (so it won’t block your pores).
To keep your complexion looking plump and pretty for longer, minimise your exposure to air conditioning. Sure, a fan may take a little longer to cool you down, but it’s a lot more skin-friendly!
RELATED: The best top-to-toe moisturisers
Hydration for your eyes
Those who suffer from dry eyes will understand the total agony of a hot, dry day. Particularly common in postmenopausal women and people with arthritis, dry eyes can also be caused by some medications and general health conditions. The worst part? As well as being mighty uncomfortable, the dryness can also damage the surface of the eyeball. Scary, amirite?!
Thankfully, there’s a simple solution for fast relief: eye drops. bh recommends Systane HYDRATION Lubricant Eye Drops (priceline.com.au), which contain hyaluronate to help relieve irritation and are also suitable for use with contact lenses. Prefer a spray formula? Optrex Actimist 2 in1 Tired & Uncomfortable Eye Spray (chemistwarehouse.com.au) is perfect for giving your peepers a quick refresher!
Do you have any other tips for staying hydrated this summer?
Image: @gwenythpaltrow
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101 Member Comments
such great advice for the summer heat to come
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great read!
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Water removes all the toxics from your body which does impact skin, mood, weight loss and just over all health. So important to stay hydrated in this terrible heat! At work I have a tall glass on my desk and make it a task to get up at least 6 times during work to get a re fill.
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I keep a bottle by my bed at night, and it is wonderful for late night early morning wake up to have that water by my side.
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It's great to have a water bottle handy, isn't it ubd2u! I do the same thing - luckily I'm not someone who goes to the bathroom often in the night... I generally sleep right through! xx
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Carrying around an insulated water bottle definitely keeps me sipping on cold water throughout the day!
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I have to drink alot in Summer as i get hyperhedrosis and so i need extra fluids, or i suffer the effects of dyhradtion
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So much great advice! Its gets damn hot here in summer so I will defo be checking out some of these bh tips :)
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I'm heading to the fridge for my coconutty water ; p
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Thank you,.. This comes handy for summer
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It's easy to get dehydrated this summer hot weather, so lots of water is essential
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I really should look into eye drops. I've been told by my optometrist that I have dry eyes - eek!
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Great tips!!! Hydration starts from the inside out!!!
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I drink a fair bit of water but I still probably should be drinking more, especially when I exercise.
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I like to add a drop of lemon essential oil (must be food grade) to my water to add flavour and health benefits
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Great tips for staying hydrated. I ensure I drink lots of water especially in the hot weather or when exercising.
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Keep a bottle of water with you all the time and just sip from it all day and set yourself a target for the day.
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Ive always been a good water drinker and so are my daughters. I suspect its because when i was growing up we had water and there was no cordial in the house. Soft drinks or juice was something that was for special occasions. I brought my girls up the same way.
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Drink enough water and be surprised how it just solves a lot of the skin problems
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I drink a lot of water. I've always got my water bottles filled up and in the fridge.
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I drink pretty much only water, one coffee a day and 3-4 litres of water. In summer I love to add melons and moisture rich fruit and veg too
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After a beautiful bushwalk this morning we stopped at a vegan cafe and had a huge watermelon slushie with little bits of mint in it - was delish & hydrating!
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I drink water all throughout the day but maybe its still not enough.
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I basically only drink water which has the nice effect of making me only ever want to drink water. I've even been able to give up all fizzy drinks in preference to sparkling mineral water. Well, all fizzy drinks except champagne
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