Education

Hydrate your skin from the inside out, aloha style!

How is your skin feeling after the holidays? Is the cold weather leaving you a little dehydrated?

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and is made up of roughly 64% water. You have probably noticed the difference in the look and feel of your skin when you’re regularly drinking water compared to when you forget to drink water throughout the day. When you treat yourself to a glass of water, your body determines where this water is needed most. Plumping out the fine lines in your skin and creating a luminous glow (yes please!) is usually last on the list. Drinking just one glass of water may not give you the results you’re looking for, which is why you need to hydrate your whole body before you are able to reap the benefits through your complexion!

Dehydrated skin is not to be confused with dry skin. Dehydrated skin is a condition that can affect any skin type (including dry skin). There are many different factors that can dehydrate your skin from every angle. Here are a few of the main suspects:

· The weather/environment (cold temperatures, dry air, too much sun, etc.)

· Consuming too much coffee/alcohol or foods high in salt/sugar

· Not drinking enough water or consuming enough water-filled foods

· Other lifestyle causes: stress, monthly cycle/hormone imbalance, medications, smoking, not using the best products for your skin type

We will be covering a lot of these factors in future posts but today we’re heading back to the basics and talking about good old fashion H20! We’re upping our hydration game to start the year by simply adding more glasses of water and water-based drinks into our lives, but we are doing it with a twist!

Pure water is perfect, but if you struggle to consume glass after glass we have a few ways to help. Warm lemon water and organic herbal teas are great. Stock up on your favorite teas and bring an extra box to the office so you always have some on hand. Fill the fridge with lemons, cucumbers, and other fruits to infuse your water with. We have been playing around with a few infused-water recipes at the Mermaid Cove, and these ones have made it to the top of our list:

Liliko’i + Raw Honey

It’s no secret that we love using raw honey on our skin! Eating this superfood can be just as beneficial. Raw honey is filled with active enzymes, B vitamins, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. It’s a wonderful sweetening alternative that will promote radiance from within. Liliko’i (passion fruit) helps regulate fluid balance in body (keeping that skin plumped and hydrated). It is also high in skin-loving vitamins A & C, as well as antioxidants.

1 liliko’i

1 tbsp raw honey

1 liter filtered water

Combine the fruit of the liliko’i and honey together. Add to water and shake/combine well. It’s best to make this version in a large mason jar or water bottle that can be shaken, as the liliko’i seeds and honey might settle to the bottom. The amount of water can be increased or decreased depending on how sweet you like it.

White Tea + Mint + Coconut Water

White tea is known for it’s high antioxidant levels, which are associated with promoting a vibrant and radiant complexion. Mint has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance oily skin and encourage new skin cell growth. Coconut water is rich in potassium and electrolytes. It’s great for hydrating and re-mineralizing the body. Mixing these three together creates the most refreshing and hydrating beverage!

1 tsp loose white tea (or your favorite tea blend) steeped

1/2 cup organic mint leaves

1 cup coconut water

1 litre filtered water

Steep your tea in 1 cup of water so it’s a strongly brewed cup of tea. Add this to your filtered water with ice cubes, coconut water, and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy

Watermelon + Goji Berry

Watermelon is 92% water so there is no denying this fruit is here to hydrate! It also helps the body produce the amino acid arginine. Arginine boosts blood flow throughout the body, bringing fresh oxygen and vitamins to the cells and promoting healthy looking skin. Goji berries are known as the ‘youth fruit’. They are packed with glutamine, the amino acid that stimulates the hormone responsible for fast healing and anti-aging of the skin. Blend these beauties together and you have yourself a gorgeous cocktail that will make you smile from the inside, out.

2 cups watermelon (cubed)

2 tbsp dried goji berries

1 litre filtered water

Blend the watermelon, goji berries, and 1/2 cup of water in your blender until fully liquefied. Strain this beautiful pink water through a nut-milk bag or cheesecloth. Add it to your favorite glass pitcher or large mason jar with the remaining filtered water and ice cubes. Snap a photo because this water is gorgeous!

Keep Exploring

In Hawaii, we call the time spent causally chatting with dear friends Talk Story. Sharing what’s new and being there for the things that matter most. We invite you to join the Leahlani community as we explore skincare and much more.

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