Summer is just around the corner, and with the human body being around 60% water it’s no surprise that H20 is one of the most crucial energy sources for the body, especially during the warmer months. Our bodies depend on water for our overall health; the skin is no exception.

Dehydrated skin feels thirsty, plus you’ll feel dry, fine lines will be more visible, and you may experience itching and dullness. While we all know we should be aiming for eight glasses of water a day, sometimes that much water can be quite literally, too much to swallow.

So instead of drinking your water, why not eat some instead? You’ll be doing yourself a favour, as certain foods help maintain the cell structure that allows your body to retain water. On top of that, drinking too much water can strip the body of vital vitamins and nutrients. When you're eating foods rich in water, with additional minerals and vitamins, this is far less likely to happen. This is because the added nutrition helps the body hold onto and utilise water more efficiently to sustain cell structure, blood flow, and also help keep the digestive tract healthy, too. Luckily, there are some foods out there that are over 80% water and can help skin stay beautifully hydrated, we’ve listed our favourites here.

The clue is in the name with this one. Watermelon has a whopping 92% water content, but if you think that's all this fruit has to offer, you'd be wrong. Watermelon is not only hydrating, but it's also one of the top sources of cancer-fighting lycopene. It’s also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, plus vitamin C, which helps boost collagen, the precious protein that helps keep skin firm and youthful.

Why not add watermelon to a summer skewer with halloumi and crisp bread? This makes for the perfect vegetarian option for barbecues.

It may be a surprise to see yoghurt on a list of hydrating foods, but regular plain yoghurt has a water content of around 85%! Yoghurt is also an excellent source of protein, electrolytes and calcium, as well as vitamins D, B2, B12 and B5, plus it has plenty of skin-loving probiotics that heal the gut and leave you with a glow.

To enjoy your yoghurt, either add some to your morning smoothie or simply scatter a few frozen or fresh berries on top of one, for a leisurely summer breakfast.

Berries are not only delicious, but they're also a wonderful source of hydration—specifically strawberries, with a water content of 92%, and blueberries with 85%. Berries are also packed full of vitamins and antioxidants that benefit the body and the skin. They contain polyphenols, which are compounds with a known ability to help reduce muscle pain and inflammation, making berries a fantastic, rehydrating  post-workout snack!

Berries don’t have to be enjoyed solo; they're still effective when popped onto a shortcake, or in a crumble. We love the idea of making Blueberry and Coconut ice-lollies, check out the recipe and berry many more here.

There is nothing like the bitter zing of radish on a hot summer's day, and the good news is that radishes have an astounding 95% water content, meaning they're also hydrating you with every bite! Radishes also contain dietary fibre, which maintains your digestive system, as well as plenty of iron, something your skin, hair and nails need to preserve their natural shine. 


While you can easily enjoy radishes or their own, they’re also delicious sliced thin and put in a salad.

Snacking on a sharp, tangy grapefruit is an excellent way to stay hydrated, thanks to its 91% water content. However, that’s not all grapefruit has to offer—it also contains collagen-boosting vitamin C; vitamin A, which does wonders for the hair; plus, fibre, potassium and magnesium. 

Of course, grapefruit can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s equally delicious when served in a salad—try it with avocado, spinach and feta for a hydrating, nutritious treat!

It’s a no-brainer that celery is a hydrating vegetable, but don't think celery is just water. This vegetable is packed full of nutritional must-haves, such as antioxidants and beneficial enzymes, vitamins A, C and K, potassium, folate and vitamin B6. Vitamin K is a real healer for the skin—not only is it useful for treating bruises, but it's also believed to have a positive effect on stretch marks and spider veins. 

Celery can be enjoyed on its own, though add organic peanut butter, and you elevate its nutritional powers (plus, let's face it, it's delicious!)

As well as drinking water and eating plenty of these hydrating and nutritious foods, don’t forget that skincare is essential for hydrating the skin.