How to hydrate your body inside and out when the temperatures drop.
Winter is here and chances are that dehydration is going to be a part of your life for the next couple of months. However, it’s not just dry hands and lips that come to mind; our bodies also get dry from within so it is essential to hydrate well throughout the season.
Why do our bodies get dehydrated during winter?
Colder weather and drier indoor air, thanks to air conditioning, heaters and fires, lead to a reduced sensation of thirst. This means that while the body is still going through the motions of perspiration, urination and respiration, it loses more fluid because the cold weather makes us feel less thirsty. This leads to dehydration.
why do our skin and hair get dehydrated during winter?
During winter, the air is a lot drier due to lower humidity (moisture particles in the air). Cold air holds fewer moisture particles than warm air so during winter, the drier air draws moisture from the skin and hair, leading to dehydration. This may occur outdoors, where the cold air is naturally drier, but it will be exacerbated in indoor areas where heating systems are used. Space heaters, fireplaces and central heaters contribute to drier air and therefore to the dryness many of us experience during the colder months.
what can we do to combat dehydration this winter?
To maintain a strong immune system and maintain plump skin and soft hair, we must stay hydrated during winter. Consume plenty of liquids and apply quality products to our skin and hair to replenish and lock in moisture.
Drink water – even if you’re not feeling thirsty
This is a challenge many of us struggle with during winter. It’s tempting to reach for another warm cup of tea or coffee rather than a cold glass of water. However, caffeinated drinks are diuretics, meaning they further contribute to dehydration. To improve the taste of your tap water and ensure the natural structure and properties of the water are restored, we recommend investing in a water carafe.
Read more about ensuring your health during winter.
Limit your exposure to indoor heating
It’s impossible to avoid indoor heating entirely, but you can limit your exposure. Warm up with an extra layer of clothing and a hot water bottle rather than switching on a heater. Also, avoid sitting too close to the fireplace when a fire is burning. The hotter the air, the drier your skin and hair.
Enrich your space with a diffuser
Ultrasonic diffusers use water and ultrasonic vibrations to create a fine mist that carries essential oils into the air, fragrancing a room and allowing you to reap the benefits of those essential oils while also adding some moisture to the air, especially in smaller spaces. If you have pets, first check which essential oils are safe to use near them, as some have proven deadly to animals.
Switch to richer skincare products
Light creams and gel-type lotions are a popular choice during summer when thick, creamy consistencies may feel too rich on the skin. But when winter sets in, you may need to reconsider your skincare choices. Replacing gels and lotions with richer creams and balms is a great start. Look out for ingredients that moisturise and hydrate, such as hyaluronic acid (this incredible ingredient can hold up to 1 000 times its weight in water!), nourishing shea butter and ceramides. You might also want to introduce a humectant if you haven’t already (it’ll help lock in the moisture you’ve added to your skin).
To hydrate and protect the skin on the rest of your body, we recommend replacing your harsh bar of soap with a gentle, non-drying body wash. Apply a deeply hydrating body lotion or butter after every shower. Try to keep your bath or shower water mild rather than hot, as hot water can be very drying.
If your skin is parched, we recommend a rich body oil for additional moisture. You can apply a little bit of oil after you’ve applied body lotion (this locks the moisture in), or you can mix a few drops of body oil into your lotion for a richer formula. For those who love a warm bath during winter, you can add a few drops of body oil to your bathwater – it will leave your skin feeling silky soft.
Also read our article on caring for winter skin.
Give your hair some extra moisture
It’s not just our skin that suffers during winter – it’s also our hair! Dry air draws moisture from our hair, and it’s usually curly hair that feels it the most. Our scalps produce sebum (oil), which travels from our hair follicles down the hair shaft, moisturising it as it goes. With curly hair, it is more difficult for this oil to travel down the hair shaft due to the shape of the curls, which means it usually only makes it about halfway down the length, resulting in dry ends. This, coupled with low humidity, can leave curls dry, unmanageable and prone to breakage.
Don’t let dehydration get you down this winter. By drinking plenty of water and using enough of the right products, you can hydrate properly and enjoy a healthier body, plumper skin and shinier hair, despite the cold.
