Warning! Summer Is Coming!

As it gets warmer over these summer months, our bodies will naturally burn more calories to produce more sweat to keep us cool. If you’re in an indoor environment locked in with air conditioners continuously running, it can dry the skin out. And if you are using harsh cleansers or exfoliating cleansers, they can damage your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

This means our biological water loss will be increasing, which in turn, means our water consumption needs to increase.

Some overlooked symptoms of early stages of becoming dehydrated are tiredness, dry lips as well as dry mouth, and headaches. We usually experience these and dismiss them from being dehydrated and try to use quick “band-aid” fixes to reduce the symptoms. Such as, drinking coffee, or other stimulants, to become awake and alert. Or we’ll take Panadol/Nurofen for our headaches.

We forget that have 250-500mL of water will actually help reduce these symptoms just as effectively.

But How Do We Tell the Difference Between Dehydrated Skin and Dry Skin?

Dehydrated skin lacks water, whereas dry skin lacks a fair amount of sebum,. Dry skin can also be the result of certain medications or diseases. Factors like climate, lifestyle, age and the products you use on your skin can contribute to a change in your skin type.

But here are some other signs with your skin that might be evident that you are dehydrated:

• Dull/dark looking skin
• Prominent dark circles and shadows around eyes
• Itchiness
• Appearance of fine lines/wrinkles
• Puffy eyes
• Increased sensitivity

Hydration + Moisturization = Healthy Skin

Hydration and moisturization go hand in hand to keep your skin cells functioning at optimum levels. Hydrating requires to add water, while moisturizing implies adding ingredients to lock water inside your skin.

If you only add water to your skin, it may temporarily feel plump. However, the water will escape from your skin if there is nothing to retain it.

Moisturization involves adding ingredients that lock in the moisture and repair your skin’s barrier. This prevents water loss and improves your skin’s texture and health.

Here are 10 Things You Can Do to Hydrate Your Skin:

1. Drink An Adequate Amount Of Water

The first step to hydrating your skin is hydrating your body. It is recommended for you to drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day. Your body may require more, depending on your daily activities and weight.

2. Use Hydrating Skincare Products

Water-based creams/products that penetrate through your skin and deliver water are vital and are recommended if you have dehydrated skin.

Products containing hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, ceramides and panthenol can preserve skin hydration.

3. Avoid Very Hot And Long Showers

As contradictory as it may sound, bathing for long hours can eradicate your skin’s barrier. This may result in loss of moisture content and necessary oils which can dehydrate your skin. Using lukewarm water while bathing is ideal.

4. Face Masks/Sheets

Face masks are packed with hydrating ingredients. Incorporating a hydrating face mask into your daily skincare regimen will keep your skin plump and moist. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

5. Humidifiers

A humidifier can be used when the moisture content in the air around you is low. Especially useful when locked in an office all day.

6. Sunscreen Is Essential

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent UVA and UVB skin damage every time you step out in the day. Sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, causing it to lose moisture and break down its collagen and elastin, which are responsible for its strength and elasticity. This can cause premature signs of aging.

7. Eat Foods Rich In Water

Fruits and vegetables are not only hydrating but are beneficial for your skin in many other ways. Citrus-based fruits like oranges and lemons are packed with juice and are rich in Vitamin C, which is vital to maintain your skin’s texture. Foods rich in Vitamin A and B3 are also essential to improve your overall skin health.

8. Reduce Intake Of Caffeine & Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can reduce the water content of your skin, this causing tightness and dehydration. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake to two cups of coffee and one glass of wine to minimize their impact on your skin.

9. Exfoliate Every 4-5 Days

Exfoliating your skin is important to get your skin rid of dry patches, dead cells, etc. accumulated due to the lack of moisture. Make sure to exfoliate once in 4-5 days. However, remember not to over-exfoliate as too much exfoliation may disrupt the natural skin barrier, leading to moisture loss.

10. Moisturize

During summers, your body tends to lose a lot of moisture, which is why hydrating yourself from the inside out is important. Besides, eating water-rich foods and drinking adequate water, make sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturize religiously at night before sleeping.

We hope this helps you bring awareness to your hydration levels and aids when you realise the symptoms of being dehydrated.