If you’ve ever read the beauty routines of models and celebrities, surely you’ve been sung the praises of drinking enough water. Still, quenching that thirst is incredibly important for your overall wellness — it’s not just a beauty hack. It seems everyone has a lot to say about said topic, but our resident milk + honey experts are sharing hydration perspectives on two fronts: skincare and the wellness of your body.
Why is staying hydrated so important?
Massage Therapist: Because every one of our nearly 40 trillion cells need water to function properly.
Esthetician: Hydration is an incredibly important requirement for all physiological functions. Pertaining to my field of expertise, the largest organ of the body, proper hydration aids in retaining your skin’s most important role as a barrier in between you and the world.
What are the benefits of good hydration? The consequences of dehydration?
Massage Therapist: The benefits are: More energy, improved digestion, fewer aches and pains, less tension, improved skin, improved joint health, and improved cognition and mood. Without being redundant, dehydration can cause: Lethargy, constipation, aches and pains such as joint pain and headaches, hangovers, acne, dry skin, more prone to wrinkles, muscle and joint stiffness, trouble with memory and focus.
Esthetician: Hydrated skin is as common as a blue moon, but definitely attainable with consistency and effort. Hydrated skin is plump and has an unmistakable luminous glow. When skin is hydrated it heals faster and purges excess oils easily. So, the opposite is true for dehydrated skin. When the barrier function is compromised by improper hydration, the skin is vulnerable to a slew of inflammatory conditions and infection. Without the glow from good water retention in the skin, light absorbs rather than bouncing off the skin. This makes lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness more noticeable.
Staying hydrated can be easier said than done. What are your personal strategies?
Massage Therapist: Take water with you everywhere. Preferably in a reusable container. I’m partial to a stainless steel insulated bottle.
Esthetician: To retain as much hydration in your skin as possible, always use a hydrating mist after cleansing. This is your skin’s first drink of water after cleansing — spray your face to dampen, then proceed with serums. Opt for a hyaluronic acid or sodium PCA-based serum to amp up your water content. Finally, seal in your hydration with your favorite moisturizer. During extreme temperatures, it’s best to keep a hydration mist handy for reapplication. A good hydration mist is non-comedogenic, can be applied over makeup, and contains antibacterial and antioxidant ingredients.
Aside from plain water, how do you hydrate?
Massage Therapist: Fruits and vegetables. They are often high in water content, and are a good source of certain electrolytes. I usually don’t drink tap water because of the contaminants, but it’s better than nothing. I prefer reverse osmosis or deionized water, which you may want to add a pinch of Himalayan sea salt to re-mineralize and add electrolytes.
Esthetician: I’m a big fan of Trace Mineral Research Power Paks to retain internal hydration. Mystic by Cosmedix is my failsafe go-to for instantly hydrated and dewy skin.
Final thoughts on hydration?
Massage Therapist: At milk + honey, the Hydrating Body Cocoon opens your pores so the body butter can hydrate the skin more deeply. Hydrate, feel great!
Esthetician: Dehydration can make you slow (mentally) and dull (epidermally). Stay hydrated!
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