We hear about it all the time. “Drink lots of water!” they say. Whether it’s your masseuse, your trainer, your aesthetician, or your doctor they all push hydration. We could just accept this as truth with no investigation. OR we could do a little research to find out exactly why hydration is helping us, what dehydration looks like, and how we can make sure we are making healthy, hydrated choices!
Why Is Hydration So Important?
Getting water into your body has many important benefits. This isn’t just about aesthetics. “Up to 60% of the adult body is water,” according to USGS.gov. Water is essential to the functioning of our bodies because it:
- Regulates our body temperature
- Aids the function of the liver and kidneys to rid the body of toxins
- Keeps our joints lubricated
- Prevents infections
- Delivers nutrients to our cells
- Keeps organs functioning
- Helps with digestion and bowel function
It also helps us in ways you might not have thought about before. Water:
- Allows us to sleep better
- Improves cognition, focus, and performance
- Elevates mood
- Helps us control our calorie intake
And in addition to all those fantastic benefits, look at what water does to help your skin. It can:
- Boost skin elasticity
- Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Prevent breakouts
How Does Dehydration Effect The Body?
Dehydration occurs when there is more water moving out of the cells of your body than coming into them. The results are that:
- Your skin will appear more dry and wrinkled
- You may be tired, cranky, confused, or nervous
- Headaches, lightheadedness, weakness, and dry mouth are common
- Your heart rate and blood pressure can be affected
- Urine can become dark in color and stools constipated
- In certain circumstances and climates, dehydration can result in death within days or even hours.
How Much Water Do I Need Per Day?
Women need to drink at least 11 cups (88 ounces) per day, while men need to drink 16 cups (128 ounces). However, this is an average suggestion. Your particular needs will vary depending on your age, activity level, diet, climate, and medications. Listen to your body. If you are thirsty, you’re already becoming dehydrated. Have a glass of water.
How Do I Know If I’m Hydrated Or Not?
A good meter for hydration is your urination. If you are hydrated, you should be urinating every 90 minutes to two hours, and your urine should be a pale yellow color or lighter. You can also evaluate your skin elasticity by pinching the skin on the back of your hand and observing its reaction when released. If it snaps back, you’re good! If it takes a moment to regain its shape, you are dehydrated.
What Liquids/Foods Are Good For Hydration and What Liquids Are Not?
We understand that some folks aren’t enthused about drinking plain water (though it is your best choice when battling dehydration). Luckily, you can get some of your daily hydration from other liquids and foods.
What’s a Good Way To Make Sure I’m Getting My Liquids?
Here are some good strategies to make sure you are staying adequately hydrated.
- Have a glass of water with every meal and snack.
- Keep a bottle of water with you everywhere you go.
- Get plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Have beverages that you enjoy around so that you have the desire to drink them.
*Remember, try to avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol as they can have a dehydrating effect on your body.
How Can I Ensure That My Skin Is Hydrated?
Make sure that you are taking in the recommended amount of water per day, but don’t depend on water solely. Water is always going to go to the organs that need it the most first. To keep your skin hydrated, also use a moisturizer both morning and night! Avoid products with alcohol in them because they are drying. Instead, use products containing hyaluronic acid. Getting facials regularly can also help make sure you are pampering and hydrating your skin.
WARNING:
Do not over hydrate! Once your cells have enough water, the kidneys will begin to excrete any excess. If you are urinating every 30 minutes and/or your urine is clear, you are too hydrated and the liquid is passing through your body without benefiting it. Over-hydration can result in water poisoning. Do not go overboard because you think it is helping—always listen to your body!
Grab Some Water!
Staying hydrated is more vital to the functions of our bodies than you might have guessed. Not only that, it can help improve performance, mood, sleep, and skin elasticity. What can’t it do? Now that you know, grab a bottle of water and some moisturizer and make sure you’re treating your skin (and your body) right!
Where Does Brich Aesthetics Come In?
At Brich Aesthetics, we are devoted to helping you look and feel good—and that means staying healthy! Whether we are finding out the latest on Chemical vs Mineral sunscreens or encouraging you to talk to yourself positively, we’ve got you. We pride ourselves on staying on the cutting edge of skincare and aesthetics and it’s all for you!
