Winter’s Number One Rule: Hydration, Hydration, and Hydration

 

O-B_shutterstock_158635307Our best piece of winter wisdom… grab a drink! While most people think of spiked eggnog or rum punch when wishing for a Christmas beverage, we’ve got something else in mind. Water and lots of it will help you to look and feel your best all winter long. As you head to holiday parties or ski your way down the snowy mountainsides, remember our number one winter rule: hydration, hydration and hydration.

Water… Good for the Skin

One of the most common wintertime complaints is dry, itchy skin. Wintertime air is drier and cooler than summer air outdoors. Inside, the heater zaps any remaining moisture out of the air, leaving your skin parched and begging for moisture. While lathering on the lotion might seem like the only solution, drinking more water will help fix the problem from within.

Alcohol and coffee, common holiday beverages, might be delicious, but they are known diuretics, substances that flush water out of the body. If you’re going to indulge, drink extra water alongside to restore lost moisture. We recommend at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, plus more if you drink coffee, soda or alcohol.

Moisturize

Hydration isn’t just about water; keeping your skin soft and beautiful all winter long requires good care too. Use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type often (if you don’t know what to choose, ask us). You can also boost your body’s moisture levels by using a humidifier in your home or office and skipping the hot showers.

Water for Your Waistline

Did you know water may help you drop a few extra pounds this holiday season? Some research suggests that drinking water before meals may help people to eat less. Good hydration can improve more than your skin, boosting your diet and helping you to get a head start on your New Year’s weight loss goals.

Keep Flu Germs at Bay with Water

Another hidden benefit of drinking plenty of water is better health. Drinking lots of water helps the nose to stay moist which can capture cold and flu germs before they get inside of your body making you sick. Don’t waste your sick days on actually being sick; drink lots of water and stay as healthy as possible this winter. Studies have also found that good hydration can improve your ability to deal with stress, a must with all of the family get-togethers this time of year.

Have you gotten your 10 glasses of water today? Grab a drink and stay hydrated for a happy and healthy winter.