Skin will stay hydrated thanks to two-ingredient drink and it's not water

If you're not a fan of drinking water, a nutritionist has shared three alternative and healthy drinks that will keep you and your skin hydrated in hot weather. With the Met Office announcing a heatwave for parts of the UK from Friday, staying hydrated is crucial.

According to Becki Hawkins BSc (Hons), MBANT, CNHC, Senior Nutritionist for Champneys Wellness Spas, although water is vital for hydration, certain foods and nutrients can also help keep your skin hydrated, radiant, and protected during the heat.

Becki suggests a simple two-ingredient drink made from celery and sea salt juice. Describing it as an "alkalising mineral hit", she said: "Love it or hate it, celery juice has a cult following for a reason. It's high in natural sodium, magnesium, and potassium; minerals that balance fluid levels and support cellular hydration.

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"Adding a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt (like Celtic or Himalayan) further enhances its electrolyte profile. Celery contains phthalides, plant compounds that may improve circulation, helping keep your skin evenly toned in the summer heat."

As well as celery juice, Becki recommends combining cucumber and chia to create a natural electrolyte elixir. An electrolyte elixir is essentially a beverage concocted to restore essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride, which we lose when we sweat, fall ill, or get dehydrated.

Becki sheds light on her recommendation: "Cucumbers are 96 per cent water, but what makes them extra hydrating is their silica content. Silica is a trace mineral essential for collagen stability and skin elasticity.

"Pairing cucumber water with chia seeds adds omega-3 fats, soluble fibre and natural electrolytes. Soaked chia forms a hydrating gel that helps retain water in cells; great after sun exposure or outdoor exercise in summer."

For those keen to whip up this thirst-quenching drink, she advises: "Blending; cucumber, mint, lime, and soaked chia for a cooling tonic."

Becki also suggests jazzing up your water with a tropical twist by adding coconut. More specifically, a mix of coconut water and coconut kefir, which not only quenches your thirst, but also supports the gut-skin axis.

The gut-skin axis support is all about using products, supplements, or diet tweaks to boost skin health by focusing on the gut, based on the gut-skin connection theory.

Speaking at Champneys' 100th anniversary celebrations, she added: "Coconut water is naturally rich in potassium, magnesium, and sodium, helping to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.

"Combining it with fermented coconut kefir adds probiotics, which support gut health, a key player in inflammation management vital for calming summer skin issues like heat rashes, acne, and dullness.

"Try combining the two in a blender with some frozen pineapple and a scoop of your favourite plant protein powder for a smashing summer smoothie reminiscent of a Pina Colada."

She concludes: "In summer, hydration isn't just about how much water you drink, it's about how well your cells retain and use that water. Incorporating hydrating foods rich in electrolytes, antioxidants, enzymes, and healthy fats can deeply nourish your skin and body from within. Focus on whole, colourful, seasonal ingredients and remember, your skin is a mirror of what's happening internally."