It is fairly common knowledge that proper hydration is important for bodily health. Hydration boosts the immune system and helps transport nutrients throughout the body. What many people may or may not realize is that the importance of hydration also applies to skin health.
It can be easy to assume that topical treatments and surface-level care is the key to glowing skin. However, appearance of the skin is largely tied to internal health, making hydration vital. Keep reading as we explore the various roles that proper hydration plays in skin health.
Improved Complexion
Healthy, well-hydrated skin yields a more desirable complexion. It gives off that plump, glowing radiance. Many dermatologists like to use the grape/raisin analogy when describing skin complexion. Well-hydrated skin is like a fresh grape that is plump, shiny, and full of juices. Conversely, poorly-hydrated skin is more like the wrinkled, withered appearance of a dehydrated grape, or raisin.
Detoxification
Most people are aware that the skin is the body’s largest organ. Like other organs, the skin is essential for optimal bodily function. It helps the body sweat out toxins. In addition, hydration is essential for proper immune function. It can help the skin fend off bacteria that leads to acne, rashes, and other types of unsightly and aggravating conditions.
Prevents Dryness and Flakiness
If you’ve ever traveled to an arid location, you have probably noticed that your skin feels dry and itchy all of the time. Some people probably even experience dandruff and skin flakiness. This is a sign that your skin is lacking the essential oils and moisturizers it needs to heal itself. Even if you are in an area of high humidity, the same symptoms can occur if you are dehydrated, so it is essential to provide your skin with the fluids it needs.
Faster Healing
Even the most harmless accidents can lead to skin injuries. Paper cuts, rug burns, and hangnails all have the potential to draw blood. In normal, healthy skin, these types of wounds heal themselves rather quickly. This is because nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, and E have key anti-inflammatory properties and aid in metabolic processes that facilitate recovery.
Poorly-hydrated skin will be much slower to recover from these types of injuries. It will also increase the likelihood of scar formation. Water is the medium through which the body diffuses nutrients to the bloodstream for transport to the rest of the body. Therefore, it is crucial to be properly hydrated to give your skin the best chance of a seamless recovery from lesions.
Fewer Wrinkles
As mentioned, dehydrated skin closely resembles a raisin. On a deeper level, people get wrinkles as they age because the skin dries out. People over 60 have roughly 5% less body water than young adults. It should come as no surprise that people in the more elderly demographic are much more likely to experience heavy wrinkling.
However, it is not just aging that causes wrinkles. Overexposure to the sun will expedite the wrinkling process. The sun’s powerful rays quickly dry out unprotected skin, causing damage that leads to sunburns and skin cancers in severe cases. While wearing adequate sun protection is vital, proper hydration is also an essential aspect of keeping the skin healthy and wrinkle-free.
Tips for Proper Skin Hydration
There are numerous best practices that people can take to keep their skin well-hydrated and radiant.
Drink Plenty of Water
It may sound overly simplistic, but drinking plenty of water is the best way to keep the skin well-hydrated. However, many people fall well short of their daily hydration needs. Some tips for staying on track with water intake include having an 8-ounce glass before and after each meal, challenging a friend for greater accountability, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Limit Sugary Drinks
There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to hydrating beverages. Many beverage companies will make specious claims about the hydrating benefits of their products to facilitate sales. However, many of them are garbage. Even if the first item on the ingredient list is water, sugary beverages will actually dehydrate you.
Fluids leave bodily cells to rush to the stomach to aid in diffusion of the sugar. The same can be said for electrolyte beverages and other types of high-sodium “sports drinks.” While it is true that the body does need electrolytes for proper fluid absorption, they must be present in the correct ratios to do the most good.
Schedule IV Therapy
Mobile IV therapy for skin is a trending concept for people living on-the-go lifestyles. By introducing key fluids and proper electrolyte balances directly to the bloodstream, IV therapy is the best way to offer immediate hydration. It can be a lifesaver for people who simply don’t have time to drink their daily fluid intake or have fallen behind and need a pick-me-up from dehydration.
Stay Ahead of Hydration for Radiant Skin
Proper fluid intake is just as important to skin health as it is to other bodily systems. It plays a critical role in warding off skin infections and maintaining optimal appearances. If you are interested in additional ways that IV therapy can help promote skin health, contact a mobile IV therapy provider today for a consultation!
