GO FOR THE GLOW: STAYING HYDRATED IN THE SUMMER MONTHS

With the humidity level up and increased sebum production, skin hydration does not seem to be an issue in the summer months. However, with all the sweat you are wiping off, you probably have noticed those enlarged pores and blackheads on your nose and face. Yes, our skin can get dehydrated during the summer months due to the elevated temperature, intense UV radiation, and increased water evaporation, to compensate for the lost water, our sebaceous glands make more sebum which will make our pores enlarged and clogged. Here are some tips to stay properly hydrated this summer and all the days ahead.

DRINK MORE WATER

Though scientists have updated the water intake requirements to 11 cups for adult women (including from other beverage sources and other food sources), they’ve been pretty inconsistent at giving the populous an exact number that they need to stay at the optimal hydration level. While this research is ongoing, there are a few facts that are absolute when it comes to making sure you’re maintaining proper hydration levels during the summer months. First, it’s important to know that your body works harder to function when it’s dehydrated. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), maintaining proper water levels in the body can cut back on the amount of stress placed on the heart. Dehydration can make the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body. The AHA also warns that dehydration can lead to swollen feet, headaches and life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke, especially in those hot summer months. If you’re feeling fuzzy or can’t concentrate, it could also be a sign of dehydration just as is the case if you’re suffering from headaches or bad breath. How can you tell if you’re getting enough water? Your urine color is a tell-tale sign, if you’re peeing infrequently and your urine is a dark (apple juice) color, you’re not getting enough water. If your water is a light or pale yellow, you’re likely properly hydrated. Here are some tips for maintaining proper hydration levels.

3 WAYS TO STAY HYDRATED 

Staying properly hydrated can help with everything from your ability to exercise to the radiance level of your skin. Though it can be hard to remember to drink (or eat) the recommended amount of 11 cups of water a day, it’s something that you need to get in the habit of doing to ensure your body is functioning at its most optimal level. Try incorporating these water-inducing techniques into your everyday schedule.

  • Choose water. Yep, we know they count everything from fruits to soda in your water intake goals but it’s truly best to make sure pure water is your main source of liquid hydration. Fruit juices and soda contain hidden sugars that can cause unwanted spikes in blood sugar levels and help to pile on the weight. Though fine in moderation, coffee and tea contain caffeine which is a diuretic that can cause you to lose water at a faster rate.
  • Think ahead. By placing water in strategic locations around your house, you’ll be more likely to drink it. Have a glass of water on your nightstand and hydrate as soon as you wake up. Add a nice tea in the evening to up your cup count and carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times. Eventually, you’ll get in the habit of sipping on it all day long.
  • Know Your Levels. Do some research with your doctor about what water intake category you fall in. If you’re an athlete who sweats a lot each day, you’ll likely need to drink more water than your office sitting counterparts. Figure out what works for your lifestyle and your climate and drink up accordingly.

HYDRATING YOUR SKIN WITH DERMYOUNG MIST AND FLUID

As discussed in our earlier post, our epidermis, the outermost layer of our skin gets water through free diffusion and the water channel pumps on the cell membrane, aquaporins. The effective agents that can activate aquaporins in the skin are heavy metals and urea which are not healthy to be included in your daily skincare products. However, scientists have also discovered that inflammation can upregulate the expression of aquaporins in the suprabasal layers of the epidermis which will result in increased water loss. DermYoung hydrating mist and pore refining fluid are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and various antioxidants to soothe skin inflammation and prevent water loss. Do not like the thick, greasy feeling on your skin in the summer? No problem. The Hydrating mist and pore refining fluid are oil-free, water-based products without synthetic copolymers and silicon compounds. They are light in texture and will not clog pores. These hydrating products are multi-benefit treatments that help protect skin from dryness while promoting the clarity and brightness that you are hoping to achieve. Continued use of the products will also help reduce the visible size of existing pores and helps prevent pores from looking enlarged. When looking for a proper hydrating product, you want one that maintains abundant moisture for optimal clarity and radiance, provides a refreshing texture and gives skin a feeling of dewy smoothness and one that minimizes the appearance of pores for an all over even complexion. When used in combination with a healthy hydration routine, the benefits of healthy, glowy skin can be yours for the taking.

Remember that as you age, your skin may need more water to achieve the glow that you had as a youth. Taking time to add a healthy balance of proper water intake with the benefits of a hydrating fluid can give your skin the boost it needs. If you’re having any trouble figuring out how to keep your skin properly hydrated, talk to your dermatologist about the benefits of adding hydration to your regimen. You’ll be so glad you did.

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