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Dehydration of the Body and Skin
Is when the body does not have enough circulating fluid to maintain basic functions for health.
Dehydration happens when you lose more circulating fluid then what you take in. Even if you have swelling from water retention, that fluid is not circulating and your body can still be dehydrated.
Fluid loss mostly happens from the kidneys (urine) bowels (feces), and skin. Because it's impossible to measure the exact amount of fluid lost, we use the average of 2 litres per day for most adults. For those who sweat a lot from work, exercise night sweats from menopause or other issues, the average can be up to 3 - 4 litres per day.
Dehydration can quickly lead to complications and even serious complications depending on the level of dehydration. Some complications include:
Flaking, itchy, dull, visibly dry skin and skin openings putting you at risk for infections.
Dry mouth, thirst, congestion.
Headache, confusion, irritability, dizziness, lack of energy.
Dark urine, bladder infections, kidney stones, constipation, leg cramps.
Body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate changes
Taking action to avoid dehydration by drinking enough fluids every day is very important, but finding ways to keep the fluids you have is also key. For average daily fluid loss, be sure to drink at least 2 litres every day. This doesn't include caffeinated or carbonated drinks as they can actually make you lose more fluids. Water, milk. juice or other fluids are counted. Make sure at least 1 litre per day is just water (you can also go right for the 2 Litres with just water as well). For those who sweat a lot, drink 3 - 4 Litres per day. At least 2 Litres should be just water (but all replacements can be water as well). If you're feeling sick from the fluid loss you may need some electrolytes with the fluids. Check with your doctor if you have medical issues prior to adding electrolytes. If it's safe, over the counter electrolytes can be added to 1 or 2 of the 3 - 4 Litres per day. If you don't use electrolyes, you can also mix 250 ml juice with 750ml water to dilute for a similar effect.
The next step is to keep hydration in your skin. Skin is the largest organ of the body and fluid loss happens by direct loss and evaporation. To protect your skin, use a body moisturizer everyday and dress appropriately for hot or very cold weather. Your face can't be protected by covering it like your body, so you need to take additional care. Use products to lock in the hydration on your face like the Germaine de Capuccini Hydracure Line before applying facial moisturizer.
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Winter Skin Care
Winter in Canada means dry skin season for many of us. The skin care routine you use in the warmer months might not work when the temperature drops. Cold outdoor temperatures and artificial indoor heat can quickly lead to dry, flaking, itchy skin. Here are some tips to avoid winter skin.
Pay Attention to The Fluids You're Drinking
We all know the 8 glasses of water a day and it's just as important in winter as it is during summer. Cold weather makes us think about warm tea and hot chocolate. Be aware of warm drinks with caffeine because it could contribute to dehydration from diuresis (peeing too much). Dehydration causes skin to dry out and lose hydration. If you prefer the cosy feeling of a warm drink, try a cup of warm water or add a few drops of lemon and honey for your sweet tooth. Hot water or hot lemon water count as as part of your 8 glasses per day.
Review Your Skincare Routine
Your summer skincare routine might not cut it for skin exposed to the cold. Consider using a heavier night moisturizing cream and add skin serums or products with Hyaluronic Acid during the day to lock in the moisture. Serums and Hyaluronic Acid are thinner and absorb deep into the skin. Follow up with a moisturizing cream to protect the healing work of the serum or hyaluronic acid and protect your skin from the elements.
Exfoliate With Care
Exfoliating your skin is an important part of a regular skin care routine to remove dead skin and promote cell regeneration. When winter skin is dry or irritated, consider modifying your exfoliating methods or routine. Change from daily exfoliation to ever other or every third day. Try wetting your hands and face prior to applying the exfoliant to minimize direct friction. If you love your two or three minute face scrub, decrease to a minute or less and re-evaluate your skin tolerance daily.
Slow Down Between Product Applications
The more actions or products you need to repair and protect your skin, the more time your skin needs to absorb the product. Take a few extra minutes and let each product fully absorb before applying the next one. Try and let a few minutes pass between each application and you'll be amazed how much better your skin will feel.
Moisturize All Of Your Skin
It's easy to forget protecting all our skin because we think our clothes are protecting it. Skin is skin and it needs that additional moisture care every day. Apply lotion to your body after you shower and re-apply to exposed skin frequently throughout the day.
Don't Forget The Sunscreen
Just because we aren't in direct sunshine, doesn't mean our skin is safe. Skin damage doesn't happen from sunlight it happens from the dangerous UV rays from the sun. UV rays are still present even on cloudy days so using an SPF sunscreen is still needed.