Hydration Inside and Out - A Q and A with Elisabeth Muhr

Elisabeth Muhr, the co-founder of Hallstein Water, discusses with us the inspiration behind Hallstein Water, what makes it so unique and healthful, and her tips for hydration, both inside and out. 

Why is water important in general? 

Water is so important because our bodies are made up of on average 60% water. Being 2-5% dehydrated can result in fatigue, migraines, brain fog, and even short-term memory loss. Dehydration becomes fatal at 10%! 

How did you find this water source and why did you choose it?

It started in 1999 as a family project to find the best drinking water available to us. The main goal was to avoid cell inflammation, which makes you age faster and increases the probability of developing dormant illnesses.

Working with a team of scientists and water experts, we began to establish some core metrics, which we called the "Hallstein Octagon," for defining drinking water quality. Using their criteria, we began testing a large number of waters (from stores and tap water) in laboratories. The results were eye-opening. What they revealed was that there wasn't a single commercially available drinking water that met our criteria for "high quality."

Then we knew that we had to discover our own source.

A team of hydro-geologists, geological university departments and an oil company, who scoured worldwide formation maps, pointed to the only possible area with a probability to find such amazing water, and this area was surprisingly in Austria, our homeland. 

 What testing do you do on the water?

We originally started out to drink the very best water for ultimate hydration, ultimate cleansing and prevention of aging. Two years ago, we were asked to provide Hallstein for a clinical study in Germany, where the doctors and scientists wanted to find out if, and then how different waters acted in humans. They had 182 participants and the results were baffling. A way to measure one's health is to measure one's "antioxidative capacity" and one's "free radicals."

According to our data: "Laboratory values show that antioxidant capacity increases by 14.5% (p = 0.038) with AQ water, and by 6.2% with tap water. Free radicals, which were increased on average in all groups at the beginning, decreased by 9.7 % (p = 0.018) with AQ water and by 3.6 % with tap water. Overall, it can be said that the AQ water from Hallstatt/Obertraun can reduce oxidative stress more than twice as well as the tested tap water from the Forstenzell (best tap water in Germany) water protection area.”

What is different or better about this water than other bottled water sources?

It is the only water on the market which is totally and honestly untouched, untreated, and uncompromised. It has a remarkable velvety palette and rare balance of minerals that naturally occur due to the unique terrain and limestone at our source at the base of Dachstein mountain in the Austrian Alps. 

How is the water healthier than other waters?

Hallstein is un-processed and therefore naturally pure with the ultimate combination of factors including high pH of 8.3, perfect calcium/magnesium ratio of 2:1, high naturally dissolved oxygen and low (really trace amounts) of sodium. Additionally, what we are incredibly proud to state is Hallstein has been proven to be 100% PFAS and microplastics free. Both these toxins are practically unavoidable in daily life - microplastics are also in the air. Our source is so pristine and how we harvest what it naturally produces, allows us to maintain this delicate gift of nature. 

Why is alkaline water preferable or healthier to drink?

A high pH value is hugely important in drinking water, because its alkalinity helps return the body’s pH back to neutral (7), balancing many of the acidic elements we encounter every day. An ideal drinking water to maintain good health has an alkaline pH level between 8 and 9.5 – Hallstein Water’s pH level is 8.3. 

What do you suggest is the optimal amount of water to drink daily? How much water do you drink daily?

Drinking 8 oz or so every few hours is the ideal hydration strategy versus drinking a lot in one sitting, which tends to pass through the body too quickly to be absorbed.

 

How does Hallstein and your water intake affect your skin’s health?

Skin is 70-75% water, so dehydration leads to premature aging, cracked lips, scaly skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and more. 

What is your skincare routine?

My evening skincare regimen is very important to me, as it is key to cleanse the environmental deposits, especially after a day of being outdoors skiing or playing golf. My skin also needs hydration, replenishment of oils and collagen, and rest, so that my skin wakes up glowing and healthy. 

In the morning, I splash tepid water on my face to wake up. I apply a serum with antioxidants and a daily moisturizer with a high SPF. One must not forget lip care too. If I am in the sun or cold longer than 2-3 hours, I reapply my SPF moisturizer.

What is your favorite Retrouvé product?

My favorite products from Retrouvé are the Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer and Revitalizing Eye Concentrate Skin Hydrator.

Plus, exclusive to Retrouvé subscribers, enjoy 25% savings on a one-time purchase of Hallstein Water with code RETROUVE25.