Winter is here, and regardless of what part of the country you live in, the chances are that dehydration is going to be a part of your life for the next couple of months. But it’s not just dry hands and lips that come to mind; our bodies also get dry from within.
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 does 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?
In order to maintain a strong immune system and maintain plump skin and soft hair, we need to ensure we stay hydrated during winter. This means consuming plenty of liquids and applying 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, but 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 Mayu Swirl Structured Water Carafe. The beautifully crafted Mayu Swirl creates a swirling whirlpool that naturally aerates water, replenishing dissolved oxygen and balancing pH levels to improve hydration. Not only does it improve the taste and hydrating abilities of your water, but it’s also a gorgeous addition to your home décor.
Limit your exposure to indoor heating
It’s impossible to avoid indoor heating entirely, but it’s possible to limit your exposure. Warm up with an extra layer of clothing and a hot water bottle rather than switching on a space heater, or try not to sit too close to the fireplace when it’s 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 it’s not the primary function of a diffuser, it will also add some moisture to the air, especially in smaller spaces. We recommend using the SOiL Ultrasonic Diffuser in your office, bedroom or living room. Easy to use and low on energy, it disperses your favourite SOiL essential oil into the air via a fine mist, resulting in a pleasant scent and various health benefits, depending on the chosen essential oils.
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 hydrating and moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid (this incredible ingredient can hold up to 1000 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).
SKNLOGIC’s Hydrating Serum is a fantastic place to start. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, along with moisturising argan oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, vitamins C and E and glycerin. This intensive treatment provides anti-ageing support while deeply hydrating dehydrated skin with much-needed moisture. Pair with SKNLOGIC Moist Supreme, an excellent hydrator rich in vitamins and minerals that also has a tightening effect on the 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. Earthsap Tea Tree and Peppermint Body Wash is free from artificial ingredients, biodegradable and mild so that it won’t strip your skin of moisture.
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. Bodylab Science Hyaluronic Complex+ Body Lotion contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, revitalise and replenish parched skin. Moisture-rich, it is free from potentially harmful ingredients, such as dyes and parabens.
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. Those of you who love a warm bath during winter can even add a few drops of body oil to your bathwater, as this leaves skin feeling silky soft when you get out. Try Sanosan Mama Anti Stretch Mark Oil. It’s a fantastic oil for pregnant moms, but it’s suitable for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin. Enriched with olive, sweet almond and sunflower oils, it helps improve the skin’s elasticity while nourishing it with essential omega 3, 6 and 9 oils.
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.
Treat your curls to quality haircare without breaking the bank with Jozi Curls. Offering clean curl care infused with the goodness of African extracts, the range moisturises and protects. For winter, we recommend applying Jozi Curls Moisture Moisturizing Conditioner after every shampoo. It contains baobab, moringa and aloe vera to strengthen and repair hair. For an extra boost of hydration, try Jozi Curls Style Moisturizing Curl Butter, which is recommended for dry hair and split ends. This non-greasy formula locks in moisture, hydrates hair and creates defined curls.
Don’t let dehydration get you down this winter. With enough fluid intake and quality moisturising skin and haircare products, you can enjoy a healthier body, plumper skin and shinier hair, despite the cold.
