As the sun shines long and bright in the warm summer months, our skin often starts to speak to us with a withering whisper. Along with playful sunshine comes the special attention our skin demands to stay healthy and hydrated.

Excessive heat, harmful rays, and pollution in the air cause our skin to become dry and dehydrated in the summer, especially when we are outside soaking in that beautiful weather. We can often associate the need for hydration as more of an essential during the winter months because of the cold, crisp air. However, hydration is a critical factor to having that healthy, gorgeous, summer glow amid the dry, hot air outside as well as the back and forth between the outside elements and air conditioning.

Here are a few ways to keep your skin hydrated and glowing in the glorious summertime!

Hydrate from the Inside Out

As we focus on all the ways to take care of our skin, we can often underestimate one of the most important basics: drinking water throughout the day. If you’re like me, it can be difficult to remember to drink water, and it can sometimes feel like a chore that you’re not motivated to do. When we dehydrate our body our skin becomes depleted of water and will begin to lose its elasticity, which accentuates the appearance of fine lines and depleted texture. All of the amazing botanicals that nourish your skin from the outside in are best absorbed when your skin is hydrated from the inside out. Think of the way the earth absorbs water when the water tables are strong vs. the way rain creates floods during times of drought. Similarly, our skin absorbs scrumptious serums more readily when it's hydrated from within. This summer, make it a priority to make hydration not just a goal, but a habit. Here are a few hydration hacks to add the sparkle even into still water!

Use a Reusable Straw: 

One thing I always carry with me everywhere I go is a reusable water bottle, and my favorite hydration hack is to drink out of a straw. There are many insulated reusable water bottles that have a silicone lined metal straw attached, so you can keep your water cold, and mindlessly drink from the convenience of a straw. 

Dress It Up, and Make It Flavorful:

A delicious way to inspire you to stay hydrated is to dress up that clear water with your favorite fruits and herbs. It can be fun to try a new mix every day, based on which botanicals are calling you! Wander through your garden (or your window sill garden) each morning to pick a gorgeous water bottle garnish. Some of our favorites include: mint, lemon verbena, and basil. Add a twist or slice of bright citrus to keep your water tasting great throughout the day!

Eat Water-rich Foods

While drinking water is essential for your health, you can also "eat" your water from water-rich foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and celery to name a few. All of these fruits and vegetables contain at least 90% water. They are also low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, adding an extra bonus to your summer hydration goal. Studies have shown that some of these hydrating fruits and vegetables can be twice as hydrating as water alone (due to their mineral, vitamin, sugar, and salt content). The body recognizes the enriched water from them as being similar to what it produces naturally, so it is more effectively utilized. Quench your skin's thirst by maintaining a mostly plant-based diet to hydrate your cells and keep your skin looking fresh.

Mist your Skin

Keep a face mist in your bag for on-the-go hydration. Each spritz is like a sip of water for your skin! During the steam distillation process of plants, the steam that is used in the still to extract the essential oils from the plant matter is converted back into liquid water through a cooling process. The essential oil floats on top of that water in the receiving vessel, and that water is called a Hydrosol. It contains the water-soluble components of the plant. Hydrosols have similar yet more subtle aromas and properties than the essential oil from their same distillation. One of their unique features is their content of carboxylic acids, which are exceptionally calming to the skin. Hydrosols offer a beautiful source of hydration for the skin.

We love using Hydrosols to mist the face throughout the day for hydration and refreshment. They are also an important element in a complete skincare ritual. After you wash your face and pat it dry, mist with a refreshing Hydrosol such as the Soothing Hydrosol Tonic or the Replenishing Hydrosol Tonic to calm and tone your skin. Apply a targeted treatment as needed (we recommend the Soothing Wand for irritation and the Replenishing Wand for dark spots). Finish the ritual with a serum to lock in hydration and nourish the skin, such as the Soothing Ritual Serum or the Replenishing Ritual Serum. Hydrate, Treat, Nourish. 

Cheers to staying hydrated and sharing your glowing skin with the world!