PRESS RELEASES

Dry Skin Is Exacerbated by the Dehydrating Summer Heat

A few simple tricks will keep both your body and your skin hydrated

I live in a very hot, very humid climate. Right now, for example, mid-morning, the temperature is unseasonably cool at 86 degrees (it will hit the mid-90s within a few hours), but the ‘real feel’ is 107 because of the humidity. You would think that such a humid environment would be dry skin friendly, but the heat can be so dehydrating that the moist air is of little consequence. Dehydration is easy to avoid, but you have to understand how it works and take action. The keys are water, minerals, and a good dry skin treatment that locks in natural moisture while helping dry skin to heal. Here’s how it works.

Why is someone with dry skin so much more susceptible to dehydration? The outer layer of healthy skin consists largely of dead skin cells and protective oils. When the skin is dry, the amount of oils are inadequate, the skin becomes damaged by exposure to harsh household chemicals, skin care products, harsh weather, pollution, and so on. It then develops cracks. Sometimes the cracks are tiny, even invisible, but they’re there. When you’re also dehydrated internally, that really complicates matters.

It actually doesn’t take much to become dehydrated. The body is 75 percent water and even lowering that to 74 percent causes thirst. When it gets down to 73 percent we actually have trouble working, and by the time we’ve gotten down to 71 percent we’re completely wiped out and can’t think straight. Even at this stage our metabolism slows down and our bodily systems follow. The result is lethargy, aches, pains, weight gain, food cravings and, yes, dry skin.

What can you do about it?

Drink lots of water. Not coffee, not iced tea, not soda. Water. About eight glasses a day will probably do it. Spread it out over the day so you don’t eliminate it before the body has a chance to absorb it.
Eat plenty of vegetables – preferably raw - and take mineral supplements. Minerals help the cells absorb water.
Use a dry skin care product that locks in natural moisture and oils which help to keep harsh, drying chemicals out. Don’t use a traditional moisturizer and think this will do it – it won’t. Most moisturizers contain chemicals that will actually increase the dryness, and block the pores in the process.

Staying hydrated with water, minerals and a good dry skin care solution will allow you to get the most out of your summer instead of feeling dragged down by the heat. And both you and your skin will be happier!