Even though a good skincare routine contributes to keeping skin healthy, there’s another factor (not sunblock factor, mind, although a good sun cream plays a huge role in protecting our skin) that’s easy to overlook: hydration.
In fact, your skin can sometimes provide a useful clue as to whether you’re drinking enough water.
The Pinch Yourself Test
Using your thumb and forefinger, gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand and hold it for a second or two before releasing it. If the skin is slow to return to its normal position, it may be a sign that you’re not as well hydrated as you could be.
It’s not a perfect test and factors such as age and dehydration can affect skin elasticity, but it does offer a useful reminder of how closely hydration and skin health are linked.
Your skin is the body’s largest organ and performs an impressive number of jobs every day. It acts as a protective barrier, helps regulate temperature and shields us from environmental factors. During warmer weather, it also works harder to help keep us cool through perspiration.
Hydration helps support healthy skin function and can contribute to skin that feels more comfortable, supple and refreshed. While drinking water isn’t a substitute for a good skincare routine, it does support your body’s natural processes from the inside out.
Whether you’re commuting, working outdoors, visiting clients, walking between meetings or simply enjoying your lunch break outside, hydration is only one part of looking after your skin. Sensible sun protection, a balanced diet, good-quality sleep and regular hydration all help support healthy-looking skin throughout the year.
The challenge is that busy days can make some of these habits easy to overlook. These simple habits can help keep hydration levels on track and support healthy skin along the way.
💧 Keep Water in Sight
A bottled water cooler positioned in a communal area makes it easier to grab a drink regularly rather than waiting until you’re thirsty.
💧 Set Light Reminders
If you’re absorbed in work or constantly on the move, a reminder on your phone can be a useful prompt to take a quick water break.
💧 Sip, Don’t Gulp
Small, regular drinks of water throughout the day are generally more effective than trying to catch up all at once.
💧 Pair Water with Your Daily Routine
Whether you’re applying sun cream before heading outdoors, taking a break between tasks or stopping for lunch, use it as a reminder to have a drink as well.
A Final Hydrate Skin Tip
To learn more about practical hydration solutions that help make drinking water more accessible wherever people gather, contact AquAid.
