Whether relaxing at the beach, hiking through the woods, playing with your children at the park, or getting some much-needed yard work done, staying hydrated during the summer is so important. As the temperatures rise, so does our body’s need for water. Even though over half of our bodies are made up of water, we lose water through sweating. And if you do not consume enough water when it is really hot outside, you put yourself at risk for heatstroke.
But did you know that water is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant, and younger-looking skin? That’s right. Water nourishes our cells and helps hydrate the skin from the inside out. It also flushes toxins from the body and helps prevent dryness and inflammation. Water replenishes lost fluids from sweating, our body’s mechanism for keeping cool. Basically, water supports our overall health.
So beyond drinking more water, even if you’re not thirsty, here are a few tips on staying hydrated in the hotter months.
Genius Ways to Stay Hydrated
Add some zest to your H2O – One of the most common reasons people don’t like water is because they find water boring or flavorless. When given a choice between a plain glass of water and a sugary drink, one may tempt the taste buds over the other. To make your water more exciting, infuse it with fresh lemon, lime, berries, or herbs. You can try combinations like strawberry basil water, cucumber mint, lemon lime, or even peppermint. Not only will these additions make your water extra tasty, but you will also benefit from the vitamins and nutrients from your infused fruits and herbs. It is like a double dose of goodness in your water bottle.
Have your water and eat it too – You don’t have to drink your total water consumption. You can eat foods that contain water to boost hydration. Foods such as watermelon, stone fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are excellent water-packed choices. Not to mention that they are all very good for you and satisfying in the warmer months!
Try some tea – Black iced tea or iced green tea with lemon can also hydrate you while providing your body with antioxidants. Your skin will thank you, but you wouldn’t want to substitute for water all the time, but switching up your hydration method from water to iced tea every so often will prove beneficial. Just be careful if you need to add sweeteners – try to aim for a modest amount of natural sweetener to keep your iced tea on the healthier side.
Enjoy seltzer water – There are many different seltzer water products on the market. If you’re craving that fizz you get from soft drinks, then seltzer water is a great way to fill that void while still hydrating your body. Look for seltzers with no artificial or added sweeteners.
Crack into a coconut – What has hydrating properties, a delicious flavor, is all-natural, and is excellent for the skin? Coconut water! Most coconut water contains some calories, but it is also a refreshing alternative to water every so often. Coconut water contains electrolytes which your body loses as you sweat. Drink straight from the coconut for a tropical vibe, or visit your local grocery store to find natural coconut water in a can or carton.
Tracking Your Water Intake
One of the more recent, popular tips on how to stay hydrated during the summer months is to track your water consumption using an app or wearable technology. It can be easy to forget how many glasses of water you’ve consumed throughout the day. Tracking your water intake can give you a visible reminder to drink water and help you feel accomplished as you progress through your hydration goals. Like checking off an item on a to-do list, monitoring your water intake can be equally satisfying.
Daily Water Tracker Reminder is a free app for Android and iOS. You can set your hydration goal and simply tap the app to log your intake. This app also contains 7-day and 30-day charts to monitor your hydration progress.
Aqualert: Water Tracker Daily is another water tracking app that sends reminders your way throughout the day to drink water. This intuitive technology uses your activity level throughout the day to determine your daily hydration needs.
Apple Watch and Fitbit are technology wearables with their own set of interesting features. Both do, however, have a water tracking component where you can log in your water intake by tapping your device’s screen. Keep track of your hydration trends over a period of time.
Signs of Dehydration
It is crucial to know the signs of dehydration. Typically, when you feel thirsty, you are already entering a dehydration zone. You may get a headache. Your skin may get very dry, itchy, and irritated. You may feel dizzy, and your urine will be dark (vs. clear). If you are very hot, but your body stops sweating, that is also a dehydration warning sign. Get to a shady and cool place and sip plain water slowly.
Beyond Water: Increase Skin Hydration
In addition to drinking plenty of water, there are other things you can do to maintain happy and hydrated skin. Even though your skin doesn’t take in water topically, using hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture will keep your skin hydrated. You may also want to try a V2 Beauty Booster.
The V2 Beauty Booster injects a high concentration of natural and free hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the skin using a series of small needles. Each injection can boost skin hydration and target fine lines and wrinkles. The V2 Beauty Booster activates fibroblasts within the skin, encouraging new collagen and elastin production. This means hydrated skin that is supple, firm, and radiant.
Each treatment takes about an hour to complete. Three separate sessions are required, each scheduled one month apart. Then, you may want to schedule a maintenance session two to three times per year, depending on your skincare goals.
To prevent skin dehydration, turn down the dial when you’re in the shower. Hot, steamy showers may feel good and are much needed sometimes, but the heat encourages water to leave your skin. It does this to keep your skin from overheating. Stick to warm showers and lock in moisture with your favorite moisturizer when you’re all nice and clean.
Learn What is Available
The first step to establishing a solid skincare routine is to determine what your skincare goals may be. If you have sun damage or signs of aging, you may want to know what treatment options are available to you. If you have any questions regarding treatments or skincare, or if you’re interested in learning more about the V2 Beauty Booster, consider booking a consultation at First Impressions Rejuvenation Clinic. The expert staff is always ready to answer any questions you may have, as well as refer products and treatment options for you to consider. The staff may even share their favorite tips on how to stay hydrated as well!
Remember, water is critically important to your overall wellness. When you reach for a glass of water, know you are nourishing both the inside and outside of your beautiful body.
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