What We Are Loving Right Now: Being Hydrated Inside and Out
Why Water Alone Isn’t Enough — And How to Nourish Your Organs, Skin & Sinuses from the Inside Out
When the mercury rises and the Santa Ana winds start sucking up all the humidity, our bodies, skin, and sinuses need more than plain H₂O. That’s why we’re loving plant-powered, mineral-rich hydration to help us stay clear, calm, and radiant all summer long. In this post, we’ll cover:
Sinus & Smoke Support: How hydration helps flush PM2.5, VOCs, and black carbon from your nasal passages
Air Purifier Tips: Why filtering your air is just as important as hydrating your sinuses
Skin Health: Why moisture inside prevents UV damage, dryness, and irritation
Hormone Harmony: How electrolytes and adaptogens stabilize cortisol and ease perimenopausal shifts
Muscle & Metabolism: Why minerals fuel performance and recovery—no reverse-osmosis pitfalls here
Eat Your Hydration: High-water foods to complement your sips
Our Favorite Mineral-Rich Sips: Clean, effective products we trust and love
Sinus Support: Hydrate from the Inside Out
If you’ve ever woken up with a dry nose and scratchy throat during wildfire season or after a blast of Santa Ana winds, you’re not imagining things. Summer brings a cocktail of microscopic particulates (PM2.5, black carbon, VOCs) that challenge our natural filtration system—and internal hydration is your first line of defense.
Why internal hydration matters for sinus health:
Mucociliary Clearance: Staying hydrated helps your nasal cilia function properly to sweep out pollutants (American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 2020).
Barrier Defense: Moist mucous membranes are better at blocking viruses and bacteria (CDC, 2022).
Less Reactivity: Hydrated sinuses are less sensitive to smoke and pollen carried on dry winds.
What we reach for:
Societea Chocolate Mint Tea — This 100% peppermint blend is rich in menthol, which may help open airways, reduce inflammation, and soothe sore throats. Bonus: It’s delicious with a spoonful of local honey which will also help combat dryness and lingering hoarseness. Hot or iced this is cooling to the body and soothing to the senses. Speaking of honey…
Bee Keeper’s Naturals Nasal Spray & Throat Spray — Think of them as external hydration support. One clears nasal passages, the other soothes a scratchy throat when the air gets rough. Xylitol helps to expand the nasal passages, supporting the flow of mucus to ease congestion. Propolis delivers powerful antioxidants to support your immune system in fighting off viruses and particulates. Their propolis delivers the highest concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids on the market, as well as vitamin C, iron, B vitamins, and other uniquely beneficial compounds that support immune health. They also make lollipops for kids, or yourself which the kids will think are candy, but you’ll know they are getting a dose of health.
GoodOnYa Hydrate Packets — Quick-dissolving sachets with clean electrolytes that support sinus function and daily hydration without the sugar or fillers of traditional sports drinks.
Air Purifier Tips: Clean Air + Clean Hydration
When it comes to wildfire smoke, hydration helps protect your internal systems—but don’t forget your external environment. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap over 99% of airborne particles, including PM2.5, black carbon, and pollen. For maximum benefit:
Place purifiers in bedrooms where you sleep and recover.
Close windows during high smoke days to prevent outside air from circulating.
Check your filter regularly during peak wildfire season—it may need replacing more frequently.
We’re fans of models from AirDoctor for their power and ease of use.
Skin Health: Hydrate from the Inside Out
Dehydrated skin is cranky skin. Whether it’s from the sun, wind, or smoky air, when your internal hydration is lacking, your skin’s ability to protect and repair itself nosedives.
What happens:
Sun Sensitivity: Dehydrated skin is more prone to burning, uneven pigmentation, and signs of aging (Journal of Dermatological Science, 2020).
Irritation: Dry air plus dry skin equals redness, flaking, and eczema flares (Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2019).
Inside-Out Fixes:
Societea Refreshed Herbal Blend — This isn’t just calming—lemon balm supports collagen, milky oats hydrate deeply with beta-glucans, and tulsi helps your body fight oxidative stress from UV exposure. We like to make a large french press in the morning and then sip on it throughout the day. Wanna get a little extra? Soak a washcloth in tea and throw it in the fridge or freezer for a post sun refresh. Or use it warm to wipe away your cleanser. Instant spa vibes.
Topical Tip: Spritz a hydrating tonic such as Evan Healy Rose Hydrosol liberally to help seal in moisture before SPF. During this hot, dry weather, you will want to fully remove the SPF from the day but go gentle with exfoliation. Use soft cloths and enzyme cleansers to keep your skin barrier intact. Using retinols or chemical peels are just an invitation for the sun to scorch your skin. Stick with a gentle skincare routine during the hot summer months. (summer skin post loading soon!)
Hormone Harmony: Hydration for Peace
Brain fog? Mood swings? Fatigue that hits out of nowhere? Welcome to perimenopause — the hormonal roller coaster where your old habits stop working and your body suddenly demands a whole new level of care.
We’ve felt it too: the afternoon crash that no amount of coffee fixes, the restless sleep, the irritability that feels like it comes out of nowhere. The good news? Hydration can actually help — when it's done right.
Why it matters:
💥 Magnesium + Potassium: These electrolyte superstars help buffer cortisol spikes, supporting a more stable mood and nervous system (Human Psychopharmacology, 2017).
🧠 Hydration + Creatine: Proper hydration helps cells produce ATP — your body’s energy currency — which fuels brain clarity and keeps mental exhaustion at bay. You may have seen our recent post on creatine for women—and here’s the thing: if you’re investing in supplements and strength training, your hydration game has to match.
When you’re constantly running on empty, the last thing you need is another energy drink or sugar crash. What you do need is mineral support that works with your body, not against it.
What we reach for:
A pinch of mineral-rich salt in water when you're out of electrolyte packets. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference in daily energy.
Swapping that second (or third) cup of coffee for a calming herbal tea. Less caffeine = less cortisol = more you.
Subbing in Social Tonics between glasses of wine — because enjoying yourself shouldn’t come at the cost of sleep or hydration.
What we skip when hydration matters most:
Sugary “sports” drinks (cause glucose spikes and energy crashes).
Excess caffeine or alcohol (stealthy dehydrators).
Reverse-osmosis water with no mineral support (great filtration, but needs rebuilding).
If you’re navigating perimenopause, you’re likely juggling a lot: kids, work, aging parents, changing bodies, changing moods. The invisible load is real — and it’s exhausting. We’ve found that staying mineralized and hydrated helps us stay more present, more patient, and more us. Not perfect. But not spiraling from one crash to the next, either.
Muscle & Metabolism: Minerals at Work
Hydration is more than just not feeling thirsty—it’s how your body transports nutrients, contracts muscles, and recovers post-exercise.
P.S. — If you’re wondering how to support your strength goals during perimenopause, we wrote a full post about why we love Be Well by Kelly’s creatine and how we’re building muscle smarter — not harder.
Sodium & Potassium: Crucial for muscle function and preventing cramps.
Magnesium: Key for energy metabolism and muscle repair (Journal of Sports Sciences, 2014).
Movement tip: If you’re in the walking with a weighted vest club, being properly hydrated will get you an extra chapter of your audiobook or one more loop of your dog’s favorite trail.
Cool-down tip: Iced chamomile tea—nature’s gentle post-workout recovery drink thanks to its antispasmodic properties. Plus, it’s calming properties will help you relax and transition out of work out mode.
Eat Your Hydration: Foods That Quench Inside
Sipping isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Foods rich in water are a delicious (and underrated) part of the hydration puzzle:
Cucumber (95% water): Plus silica for glowing skin.
Watermelon (92% water): Lycopene-packed for UV protection.
Summer squash (94% water): Loaded with B vitamins for metabolism.
We love these food creators:
@plantifullybased — cucumber mint salads
@melonandmint — watermelon everything
@seasonalveg — zucchini bowl inspiration
Our Favorite Sips: Mineral-Rich Allies
Societea Chocolate Mint Loose Leaf Tea — A breath of fresh air, steeped. Menthol-rich peppermint to calm wildfire-irritated airways.
Societea Refreshed Herbal Loose Leaf Tea — Lemon balm, tulsi, and milky oats for skin hydration, cortisol regulation, and clarity.
Rose & Sauvignon Blanc Social Tonics — Looks like wine, feels like wellness. A sip-worthy ritual without the hangover.
GoodOnYa Hydrate Packets — Clean electrolytes for when your skin, brain, and muscles need a boost. We love the integrity of ingredients and responsible packaging from this company. They make a full size, resealable bag but the packets are a must for on the go.
Hydration for summer isn’t just a trend—it’s your toolkit for clarity, resilience, and showing up as your best self.
Affiliate note: We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post.
Disclaimer: Consult your healthcare provider for personalized hydration needs.