Healthy Skin Challenge #1: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!


Welcome to the first installment of the Healthy Skin Challenge in honor of National Healthy Skin Month! 

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting tips on how you can improve the health of your skin, along with challenges and recipes to jump-start your progress. 

TODAY'S CHALLENGE: BOOST YOUR HYDRATION!

Drinking enough pure water and keeping the body hydrated assists the skin in eliminating toxins. If the body is not eliminating these toxins properly, they can begin to be purged through the skin, which can cause or contribute to conditions such as acne or eczema. Water also carries nutrients to support healthy skin cells. 

When the body is properly hydrated, it can help your skin to stay hydrated (along with a proper skin care regime). Drinking adequate amounts of water can also help to alleviate dark circles under the eyes, which are frequently caused by the body being dehydrated. 

Some professionals recommend drinking 8 glasses a day, however, my thoughts are that you should drink what feels right for you - it may be more or less than 8 glasses. Listen to your body as to how much water to take in. In addition to pure water, the fluid intake can also be in the form of natural juices or herbal teas. Also remember that you may need to drink extra water if you have been exercising or drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

TIPS:
  • Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip it throughout the day to keep thirst at bay. When you feel thirsty, you are already getting dehydrated.
  • For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, drink an extra helping of water, as caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and can cause your body to lose fluids.
  • Jazz up your H2O! Water doesn't have to be boring! Try these recipes this month to increase your fluid intake...

Apple Cinnamon Soother
Apples and chamomile pair beautifully in this comforting, cold-weather treat.

1 chamomile tea bag
1 apple (cut into chunks)
1-2 sticks cinnamon
1/2 vanilla bean
A few drops liquid stevia (optional)

Place the tea bag in a quart mason jar, cover with hot (almost boiling) water until the jar is about 3/4 full. Fill the remainder of the jar with with apple chunks, cinnamon and vanilla bean (if using). Cover the jar and place in the fridge overnight (or up to 24 hours for more flavor). Strain and serve warm or cold with a few drops of liquid stevia for a sweeter beverage.

5-9-12-lemon-grass-mint

Lemongrass, Mint and Vanilla Infused Water
A refreshing and invigorating way to hydrate!

1 large stalk lemongrass, chopped coarsely and crushed slightly
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped coarsely
1/2 vanilla bean
A few drops liquid stevia (optional)

Place ingredients in a half gallon pitcher and place in the fridge to infuse overnight (or up to 24 hours for more flavor). Strain and serve chilled with a sprig of mint and a few drops of liquid stevia for a sweeter beverage.

Chug-a-lug more water starting today and get ready for our next challenge coming soon!

Do you have any favorite ways to get hydrated?







1 comment:

  1. Gabriel Union drinks a gallon a day. So, I just look at how old she is and how beautiful her skin is and I GUZZLE!

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