How to Stay Hydrated

If you ask me, staying hydrated is one of the most serious beauty and health battles Australians face during summer.

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.

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!

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

The product recommendations in this article have been updated to keep beautyheaven members informed of the most up-to-date related products.

101 Member Comments

lishy 22 Dec 2016 11:44 AM

Great article, I myself don't drink enough water which I need to be doing . I know it's important but I don't have time ( or maybe I'm too lazy) to be sipping on water constantly. But I hydrated the rest of my body by using creams and things like it . They seem to get the job done. But I do need more hydration. Thanks for the tips!

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dharma10 21 Dec 2016 6:40 PM

I think a lot of people don't realise how important it is to stay hydrated, in regards to optimum function of your body and overall health (along with other things too). But in saying that, I find it so hard to drink the right amount of fluids per day. So I normally fill up a drink bottle in the morning and sip through it throughout the day, and filling up when required. This does help, but sometimes drinking so much means that I don't eat enough....

beckytindal 21 Dec 2016 5:41 PM

I used to be sooooo good at drinking water but have become such a slacker lately. This article has given me the reminder of how important it is. Also the recommendation of the chai seed oil by goodness is a musttttttt, I dropped mine on the floor and it smashed and I may have shed a tear lol :(:(:( good one BH!

misfortune8 21 Dec 2016 2:12 AM

I often skip moisturiser in summer because I feel like I just don't need it. I drink loads of water, at least 2L a day, plus tea. I'd die in the desert after an hour or so. I seem to need a lot of water.

Chicklet 20 Dec 2016 10:30 PM

Some nice product suggestions.

Temporary Princess 20 Dec 2016 10:26 PM

My skin is fine, it's just the rest of me that I need to worry about!

duality 20 Dec 2016 7:12 PM

go guilty of not staying hydrated - don't drink anywhere near enough! Drops for eyes and a mist for my face is always done though lol

clearcrystalwater 20 Dec 2016 5:54 PM

I do like to have a glass of cold coconut water to break up the plain water that I drink. I love that I can filter my water from chlorine and flouride too. I love my eco jug!

Yohanna 20 Dec 2016 2:45 PM

Eat melons, oranges, grapefruits, any fruits (cucumbers, tomatoes...included) in heaps every day! Hydration boost in all cells inevitable! If just sipping water and having coffee/tea/alc/packaged food....water will just pass trough. Best hydration and most effective is from raw 'roughage' (fruit and fruity veg)

Trinasmakeup 20 Dec 2016 1:52 PM

Really need to drink a lot more water thanks for the tips

PandaBear18 20 Dec 2016 1:33 PM

I definitely notice when i haven't been drinking enough water, a good reminder coming into summer especially

freaky 20 Dec 2016 12:33 PM

I didnt know there was such thing as sugar free cordial. I must check some out. Thanks for the tip :D

Miss19 20 Dec 2016 12:31 PM

I try to keep a water bottle with me at all times so I can drink water throughout the day or else I'll forget

Stephanie2494 20 Dec 2016 11:24 AM

I brought myself a bottle that has the measurements on it (up to 1000ml), it has really helped me monitor how much water I am drinking. I add fresh lemon and lime to my water, always so refreshing.

thelifeoflaura 20 Dec 2016 9:41 AM

I really need to drink more water...

Linda_Vesinger 19 Dec 2016 11:56 PM

I really like the Optrex spray on eye drops, I plan to try the new range they've bought out to use at night, while you sleep.

CherryBlossom 19 Dec 2016 9:43 PM

I like to add some lemon or cucumber to my water, that makes me drink it more.

MelissaFay89 19 Dec 2016 7:19 PM

I can never seem to get enough hydration

Seezora 19 Dec 2016 5:49 PM

Water, water, water and try to eat chocolate in moderation. Try is what I keep telling myself ;-)

Beauty Obsession 19 Dec 2016 4:46 PM

Always have a big bottle of water with me otherwise I don't drink enough. Also eat a lot of water rich fruit and vegies such as celery, cucumbers and watermelon. From being hydrated alone from the inside I see the difference in my skin.

Lucrecia629 19 Dec 2016 1:43 PM

On top of drinking more water, I find that my body naturally craves hydration boosting foods, like moisture-rich fruits and vegetables during summer. It's amazing how the body is so clever that it tells you what it wants and needs at different times of the year. Eating intuitively is the best way to ensure your body gets what it needs.

Yohanna 20 Dec 2016 2:50 PM

YES! Lucrecia, spot on! And not just in summer, all year long it is crutial to keep same regime, for optimal hydration and health. Seasonal goodness is a must to eat Daily!

Trivia: "The Global Burden of Disease Study published in 2012, is the most comprehensive and systematic analysis of causes of death undertaken to date, involving nearly 500 researchers from more than 300 institutions in 50 countries, and starting with almost 100,000 data sources. What did the researchers find? Here in the U.S., they determined that our biggest killer was our diet. Number 1 on their list of the most important dietary risks was not eating enough fruit, responsible for an estimated 4.9 million deaths a year around the world."

Fruit=fruit and fruity "veg" (cukes, peppers, tomato, zucchini...etc)

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bebeautiful34 19 Dec 2016 1:33 PM

I find keeping a bottle around helps remind me to keep drinking water

sparrow x 19 Dec 2016 1:14 PM

I actually love water so I never have any trouble drinking enough. I hate feeling dehydrated. Always have my water bottle with me.

Princess Perfume 19 Dec 2016 12:34 PM

I really need to drink more water - I don't tend to feel that thirsty during the day so often don't drink the 2 litres I need a day. Maybe I'll make it my New Year's Resolution.

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