DON’T LET DEHYDRATION GET YA DOWN…
The summer sun is beating down… you have your favorite pair of rose gold Ray-Ban’s on as you lounge on the beach with your girl squad and a cold glass of rosè while one of your friends is about to fire up the BBQ: no worries in the world, right? Sorry to burst your bubble babe, but all of this summer fun can lead to (dun, dun, dun): DEHYDRATION.
What seems like harmless fun in the sun will affect the overall health and appearance of your skin resulting in: pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging that will likely appear in your late 20’s or early 30’s.
ENTER THE CULPRIT OF MANY A “SUMMER SCARIES”: DEHYDRATION.
Dehydration is the bane of summer. Dehydration does not just mean that you are thirsty from the Aperol Spritz’ you enjoyed the night before. Yes, cocktails can cause dehydration, however, this is just one small drop in the dehydration bucket.
De·hy·dra·tion (dē′hī-drā′shən) n.: the harmful reduction in the amount of vital life-giving water in the body that can cause skin dryness and contribute to pre-mature aging. Just a FEW symptoms of dehydration include: acne, dryness, chapped lips, gas, bloating, acid reflux, brain fog, poor mental performance, fatigue, stiffness, dizziness, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
Feeling a tad worried and thirsty now? Let me quench your thirst with the top four things that dehydrate your skin and body during the summer months and how to rehydrate quickly and efficiently for vibrant and healthy skin today and 10 years from now. (Feel free to grab your hydro flask while reading this article.)
The Sun
Ah, Mr. Sun! While this seems like the most obvious culprit of the dehydration monster, it is especially prevalent in those summer months due to extended time spent doing outdoor activities. The UV rays produced by the sun have many harmful affects on our body and skin. Check out our blog post The 4-1-1 on UVA & UVB Radiation for more information.
With increased time spent at the beach, pool and outdoor concerts (or whatever your squad does during the summer months), these harmful rays can dry the skin of its natural oils, leading to rapid dehydration. The importance of a fantastic sunscreen and moisturizer to create that physical barrier between your skin & the sun becomes crucial during the summer months. CRAM SESSION® Blue Light Blocking Moisturizer is the PERFECT lightweight moisturizer for pre-sunscreen application. It contains natural melanin which protects the skin against damaging blue light that emits from the sun & your digital devices. After CRAM SESSION® has fully absorbed, apply HIGHER EDUCATION SPRING BREAK® Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 for sheer solar protection against UV rays and hydrating benefits with added Aloe Vera and super antioxidants.
Alcohol & Caffeine
Two of my fave indulgences just so happen to make this list – SAD! I know most of our summers consist of ice-cold beer and cold brew consumption (amirite?) – so what I’m about to tell you may be hard to accept, friends.
Caffeine is a mild diuretic, which means that the more you drink, the more frequently you will urinate, in turn losing crucial fluids your body needs for hydration. I know it may be unrealistic to completely blacklist caffeine from your summer routine (it’s all about moderation, folks); but, you can balance your intake of caffeine with your good pal water. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests that women drink 9 cups (a little over 2 liters) of fluid each day.
Pro-tip: Grab yourself a trendy hydro flask: this has really encouraged me drink more water and just bring it with me everywhere I go. It doesn’t hurt that its super cute, too.
Not only caffeine dehydrates the skin, but so does alcohol. The diuretic effect of alcohol dehydrates the body and depletes it of water, so in order to stay hydrated, double-up on your water intake and drink wisely! During my freshman year of college, I learned a little tip from a friend: if you’re drinking, consume one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume. This may also leave you feeling less thirsty & decrease your alcohol intake over the course of the night. Trust me, your body will thank you at the ring of your 8:00am alarm in the morning!
If the hangover bug kicks you in the teeth and the bags under your eyes are absolutely NOT designer, try applying NIGHT OWL® Caffeinated Eye Cream to help de-puff and moisturize with added Caffeine and Jojoba Seed Oil.
Exercise (Summer Yoga Class or Soul Cycle Junkie)
Hold up! Don’t trip out and think I’m encouraging you to skip that morning spin class. That is 100% not the case here (I am a fellow soul-cycler myself!) So, during that wonderful 45-minute spin class, you’re breaking a sweat to Ariana Grande and this causes water-loss. If during your workout, you’re sweating out more than your water intake: you could become dehydrated.
It is imperative to hydrate pre-workout, during your workout and post workout. Of course, every recommended dose of water can vary based on workout intensity, heat conditions, etc. However, it’s recommended to drink 8 ounces of water before your workout to make sure your properly fueled. During your workout, many doctors recommend drinking some form of low-cal electrolyte to help stay hydrated (I personally like Liquid IV, great for workouts and keeps me hydrated). Of course, rehydrate after your lovely workout my friends, depending on how much you tend to sweat - try drinking 6-8 ounces of water post workout.
Oh, and my fellow badass cyclers or yogi’s: don’t forget about what this water loss (sweat) does to your skin. You MUST make sure you cleanse or wipe your face after a workout! I get it, you may have to drive home to get your legit shower in, but a quick fix is HIGHER EDUCATION EASY A® Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads. These bad boys fit perfectly in your lululemon gym bag and are great for the on-the-go gal. Using one wipe front and back replenishes my skin’s moisture and is the perfect post-workout pick me up.
Refined Sugar/Salt (Summer Sweets & Snacks)
Summer BBQ’s tend to consist of burgers, s’mores, and ice cream sundaes (my mouth is watering rn). Proceed with caution at family BBQ’s! Some of these beloved summer treats contain hidden amounts of refined sugar and salt when consumed in excess.
DYK: ONE tablespoon of barbeque sauce has 5.6 grams of sugar – Never would have guessed right?!
Metabolizing stubborn and excess sugars uses water, which in turn increases the body’s need for water and can lead to dehydration. The same ideology can be applied to the body’s ability metabolize refined salt. The body uses water to get rid of all the natural sodium present in salt. Try opting for an alternative sweet treat that contains water like fresh watermelon!
Not only do foods that contain refined sugars and salts contribute to dehydration and water-loss, but yes they can be the culprits of those pesky sugar-induced breakouts as well. Foods high in sugar and refined salts can spike insulin, which leads to inflammation in the skin. Big increases in insulin levels can lead to a higher production of oils which play a role in clogging pores and leaving you with those stubborn breakouts.
RUSH® Salicylic Acid Complexion Pads are the perfect acne-fighting sidekick for these sugars induced and hormonal breakouts. Containing 2% salicylic acid to fight breakouts & Allantoin to soothe and moisturize irritated skin, these bad boys are super refreshing on the skin if you’re experiencing that sugar hangover. Apply a pump of DOUBLE MAJOR® Hyaluronic Acid Gel Moisturizer after RUSH® for the ultimate hydration power duo.
Pro-tip: Try getting creative with your water consumption. Try mineralized or carbonated water which has been known to hydrate you more efficiently (I swear I am obsessed with San Pellegrino). Even try adding lemon juice or unrefined sea salt to your hydro flask, this helps increase mineral absorption and make for optimal and lasting hydration.
The summer months bring spiked temps that lead to copious pool days and glasses of rosè (and hey, I’m not mad at it!), so it’s imperative to stay in tune with your body’s need for water and signs of dehydration. Grab your hydrators, SPF, and a huge hydro flask and HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.
Remember that magical chant babes and I see hydrated skin and good times in your future.
