Content created in partnership with Neutrogena

Seasonal changes, environmental stressors and genetics all play a large role in how hydrated – or dehydrated our skin can be. Hydration is, obviously, the goal for all our skin, not just our face. Properly hydrated skin will have a glow and freshness, and is better able to maintain elasticity, thereby resulting in less fine lines.

Annoyingly, most of these factors are largely out of our control, but thankfully if we are on the back foot and suffering the effects of air conditioning – or our ancestors – there are some things we can do to mitigate the damage and increase our skin's hydration. Ageing is, of course, another cause of dehydrated skin, please don’t stop ageing though – try these tips instead.

Drink water

There’s loads of discourse online (particularly from social ‘wellness’ advocates) around the optimum amount of water we should drink each day. Don’t overthink it. Just fill up your Stanley, Frank Green, Hydro Flask, discarded jam jar or a literal glass. Drink it. Refill it. Repeat. 

Putting a few drops of an electrolyte, or a pinch of pink Himalayan salt, in your water can help you absorb it better; this is advised for people doing strenuous exercise and/or those who may not be able to readily refill their bottle (i.e. when going on a hike or away from a water source for an extended amount of time). There’s no need to over complicate your water intake outside of those situations. Just drink it.

Drink coconut water

Naturally high in minerals that aid hydration, like potassium and sodium, coconut water is the best choice of electrolytes to ensure hydration. Anyone who’s sat under a Samoan sun and had their thirst quenched by a coconut fresh from the tree will have an understanding of how wonderfully hydrating it is. Of course, fresh coconuts aren’t always in ready supply in Aotearoa, and packaged ones aren’t quite as rich in vitamins and minerals, but are still a decent source of electrolytes your skin will enjoy.

Eat foods high in water content 

Around 20% of the water we intake comes from the food we eat. The water we drink and the food we consume moves through our body, lubricating our joints, keeping our organs flushed and healthy, and gently moving on toxins. This all adds up to hydrated, radiant skin. Foods high in water content include watermelon, pineapple, celery and cucumber. These make delicious salads, juices and smoothies. Try blending them with fresh coconut water as above, and concoct your own hydration cocktail. Or replace starchy carbs with a watermelon and cucumber salad when they’re in season (which is, deliciously, now). 

Avoid air conditioning and other harsh environmental stressors

Unfortunately ‘the office air con and lack of natural light is playing havoc with my skin’ is not high on the list of excuses being granted for employees to wfh. 

It’s important to use a deeply hydrating moisturiser in these situations. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel delivers five times more hydration than untreated skin, which makes it an ideal choice to wear in environments your skin would benefit from support. The lightweight water gel is super-charged with skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, amino acids and electrolytes making it your best friend when the office starts to have an impact on your appearance. Smoking would also fall under the category of harsh environmental stressors but anyone who cares about their skin wouldn’t smoke, so there’s no need to address that in 2024.

Minimise alcohol and coffee intake

The truth no one likes to face: alcohol and coffee are both diuretic, meaning they increase your need to pee and therefore promote fluid loss. Alcohol of course also does more complicated things to your liver causing additional dehydration. 

There are some brilliant no-alcohol alternatives on the market today for those wanting to reduce their alcohol intake. Or may we recommend a mocktail made by blending pineapple and fresh coconut water with a touch of lime and mint for an incredibly hydrating tonic. 

There’s no harm in a daily coffee, but you may consider replacing your second one of the day with matcha, made from ground green tea leaves, full of antioxidants and with a decent hit of caffeine. Hydrating homemade herbal teas can be made cheaply and easily by infusing hot water with any number of herbs and plants like kawakawa, ginger, mint.

Hyaluronic acid

The superstar ingredient for hydration that skincare aficionados can’t get enough of. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your body, but as with many good things (collagen, elastin) levels decrease as we age. Often described as a ‘magnet for moisture’, hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to bind and retain moisture, many times its own weight. It’s the star ingredient in Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, where you’ll find 20% more of it than in previous formulations. 

Niacinamide 

One of the buzziest actives in skincare this year, niacinamide is the perfect supporting cast member to hyaluronic acid (both are used in the brilliant Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum). It works on the skin’s moisture barrier, so when holding hands with hyaluronic acid it aids to increase hydration to this uppermost layer. At the same time, it brightens your skin and reduces pores.  Dream team!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost range is one of those unicorn skincare holy grails - with dermatologist recommended ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and accessible pricing. The range is extensive, and has developed a well-deserved cult-like status over the years, but the real MVPs in 2024 are the Hydro Boost Water Gel and the Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum. Add these to your skincare routine for 2.9x plumping power in two steps, and the best glow in town.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (RRP$35) and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Niacinamide Serum (RRP$45) are available to purchase online or at your nearest retailer.