Skin is the human body’s biggest organ, and with the body being roughly 60% water, the connection between hydration and skin health is hugely important.
A dehydration level of 1-2% can take a toll on our bodies, where the skin will be the first to show symptoms of dehydration. Checking the skin’s turgor, or elasticity, by pulling and counting the seconds it takes to return to its standard form is the perfect way to check if your skin is suffering from dehydration. If your skin does not return to its normal position almost immediately, there is a strong chance that you are dehydrated.
The ingredients that are used to make your skin glow and look young can be anything from collagen supplements or an extravagant skincare routine. But if you have dehydrated, dull looking skin then there's another key player in this quest: electrolytes! These little salts help keep the moisture on our face so we don't get wrinkles early - something no one wants!
The connection between skin and electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that are essential to balancing water levels in your body. In addition to supporting skin health and keeping us hydrated, electrolytes play a vital role in regulating muscle contractions, maintaining normal nervous system functioning, and balancing our body’s pH levels.
When we consume foods or beverages with electrolytes, our blood vessels carry them and supply them to our bodies where they are needed – including our skin.
Plus, it’s even suggested that the more electrolytes people consume, the better their skin becomes at retaining moisture.
What are the benefits of electrolytes to the skin?
Electrolytes can first and foremost help hydrate the skin.
Hyaluronic acid and collagen, amongst other skincare ingredients, have been touted in skin care regimes for their ability to bind water and improve the skin’s moisture. When looking into skin hydration techniques, it is essential to keep the habits and ingredients that help retain water. Research suggests that drinking more water than the average human consumes a day may help improve the hydration levels in the outermost layer of the skin. Since the skin contains around 30% water, it contributes to skin elasticity, plumpness, and an overall glowing and youthful appearance.
So, adding electrolytes to your water regime helps your body replenish any lost electrolytes and helps your skin retain even more water, aiding the hydration level of your skin. Potassium helps strengthen the skin barrier and directs water to the skin, leading to a more supple and nourished skin surface.
Electrolytes may help manage acne. Making sure your skin is hydrated is important to reduce acne. Electrolytes aid the skin in staying hydrated and moist, which helps reduce the production of excess oil from dry skin. Increased oil production can lead to clogged pores and acne.
When used alongside a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, fluids and electrolytes are the perfect duo to add to your arsenal of reducing and clearing acne.
While promoting clear and hydrated skin, electrolytes can also enhance the effectiveness of the products you use in your skincare regime. Skin care products like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are just some of where electrolytes can aid their functions.
How to combat dehydrated skin
When the skin becomes dehydrated, it can cause your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to hyper pigmentation and dark shadows where the skin is thinner, and blood vessels are more prominent, such as around your eyes and nose. Dehydrated skin can also start to flake or look dull. Flaking skin can lead to itchiness, irritation, and red skin. Dehydration can also cause your skin to look saggy and reduce plumpness, emphasizing existing wrinkles.
When it comes to having good skin, you must start from the inside out. This is particularly true if you have dehydrated skin. You can't merely moisturize or exfoliate your way to hydration. You must address your body's water shortage and electrolytes to replace your skin's moisture. The best strategy to combat dehydration, which leads to dry skin, is to take an oral rehydration solution such as Keppi Supplements.
Water alone isn't enough to keep you hydrated when you're dehydrated. To aid absorption, your body needs a precise balance of salt and glucose.
Here are some great ways to ensure you keep your skin hydrated:
- Drink more electrolyte-infused water in the morning.
- Drink more water at night before bed.
- Drink more electrolyte-infused water throughout the day.
- Avoid excessive alcohol & caffeine.
- Using a moisturizing cream to lock moisture in will help fix dehydrated skin.
What does this mean for your skincare routine? If you’re looking to give your skin an extra boost of hydration, consider adding electrolytes to it. You can find them in many forms, including powders, drinks, and topical treatments. And if you’re not sure where to start, we have a few suggestions for products that will help get you on your way to healthy and glowing skin.