How to keep your skin hydrated in summer

by Botika Malta

Warm weather sees us out of the house, with a beach towel draped over one arm, a book tucked under the other, ready for a day at the beach. Parents, however, face a slightly different scenario with more bags and toys to juggle– and of course, the kids themselves. All in all, longer days beg us to stay out and fully enjoy summer. But the summer heat and extended sun exposure can take a toll on our skin, leading to dryness and dehydration. In this blog post, we’re exploring effective tips to keep your skin well-hydrated in summer.

What happens to our skin when it’s dehydrated?

Dehydration happens when your body lacks water; losing more fluids than it takes in. it is a skin concern that can cause discomfort, and other uncomfortable changes.

  • Increased sensitivity to environmental variables, irritants and allergens. Which in turn can cause, redness, itchiness and irritation.
  • Without moisture, skin can appear dull and lacking the usual glow.
  • Dehydrated skin loses its plumpness and elasticity, accentuating the appearance of fine lines.
  • The skin may feel rough and uneven to the touch.
  • Dehydrated skin often feels tight and uncomfortable especially after cleansing.

 

 

Try the PINCH test to check if your skin is dehydrated*:

Pinch the skin son the back of your hand with your thumb and forefinger. If you’re well-hydrated, your skin will go back to how it looked after you let go. If it takes longer than usual to bounce back, it’s likely you are dehydrated.

*this is a preliminary measure.

Not to confuse it with dry skin. You need to know whether your skin needs hydration or moisturizing – which are two different things completely. Dry skin is a skin type whilst dehydrated skin is a skin concern. The former is how your skin is naturally. The latter is usually temporary when your skin lacks hydration.

 

Hydration starts from within

For most, drinking water is the best way to rehydrate. **Once you drink it, water is absorbed after 5 minutes – which makes it an effective solution to dehydration. You can also incorporate foods that help hydrate your skin in your summer diet. Water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, celery, peaches, tomatoes and melons.

Choose the right skincare products

Before splurging your wage on a skin product haul, learn what your skin needs. Consult with your skin professional who can help you understand what products truly support the health of your skin. You can introduce products with ingredients that will help hydrate your skin, brighten your complexion and smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) plumps up the skin when you’re most hydrated, improving and nourishing the skin on a surface level. If your skin is not well-hydrated, it won’t be effective on its own.

 

Lightweight moisturizers can work better for dehydrated skin and use one with SPF during the day for extra protection.

Remember to:

  • avoid excess sun exposure
  • use SPF products
  • wear sunscreen and reapply if you’re out
  • drink water throughout the day

Severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment and attention.

 

 

** https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/how-long-does-it-take-for-water-to-pass-through-your-body

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