Tips For Keeping Your Body And Skin Hydrated This Summer
It’s finally summer, sun, and all things hot! Summer is a favorite season of many, with plenty of time spent outside in the sunshine enjoying cookouts, pool days, and more. That being said, you probably know the sluggish, exhausted feeling of walking back inside after a day in the sun all too well.
It is much easier for your skin and body to become dehydrated in the summer. Hydration is essential for maintaining your energy, keeping your mind sharp, and enabling your body to function properly. In fact, did you know that water accounts for more than half of your body weight? Every day, reports Family Doctor, you lose water through urination, breathing, and sweating—and even more so during the summer months. This makes staying hydrated absolutely vital to your health and well-being.
We spoke with two hydration experts, Sarah Bowmar of Bowmar Nutrition and Dr. Christina Rahm of DRC Ventures, to learn about their favorite methods for staying hydrated in hot weather. Read on for their top tips!
Stay Hydrated This Summer
Increase Your Hydration
Summer’s rising temperatures and increased time outdoors can be fun, but they can also lead to severe dehydration. According to Kettering Health, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and high temperatures further heighten the risk for everyone. HAP.org explains that the body needs to replenish fluids to replace those lost through sweat.
Drinking water and other hydrating liquids consistently throughout the day, rather than waiting until you’re thirsty, is key. According to HAP.org, signs of dehydration include dry mouth and lips, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and even confusion or irritability. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you address dehydration before it becomes more severe.
Beyond drinking fluids, you can also eat to stay hydrated! Water can be found in many fruits and vegetables. A refreshing summer salad featuring water-rich foods like tomatoes and cucumbers can help you easily increase hydration. Add a big slice of watermelon, and you have the perfect hydrating summer meal.
Cut Down On Caffeine
Reducing your intake of diuretics, such as caffeine and alcohol, is another effective way to maintain proper hydration levels. While a small amount doesn’t significantly impact hydration, consuming larger quantities can increase urination, which depletes the body’s water supply.
Load Up On Electrolytes
Another great way to boost hydration in the body is to replenish electrolytes. If you’re sweating heavily, the Mayo Clinic recommends choosing drinks that contain electrolytes to replenish lost minerals (HAP.org). When levels are low, we experience poor muscle function, cramping, depleted energy, and impaired focus. Sarah Bowmar shares, “To perform at a high level athletically, electrolytes must be at an optimal level in the body.”
Bowmar Nutrition’s Replenish Electrolyte Hydration and Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier are two great electrolyte options. Replenish Electrolyte Hydration comes in a 60-serving package and can be stored in the kitchen for easy hydration at home. The Hydration Multiplier is a convenient source of electrolytes on the go, allowing you to choose from a wide array of flavors to boost hydration.
Protect And Hydrate Skin
Your skin also craves hydration in the summer. Sunburn occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage the outer layers of the skin, triggering an inflammatory reaction (Yale Medicine). Prevent sunburn by wearing sunscreen and spending time in shaded areas.
Dr. Christina Rahm emphasizes the importance of sun protection, stating, “Reapplying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours while in the sun is key to significantly reducing the risk of sunburn.”
Sunburn is not only painful, but can also cause the skin to dry out. As Yale Medicine shares, your skin may start to peel a few days after the initial burn. This means your body is trying to eliminate damaged cells. The Root Brands incorporates aloe vera into its products, a powerful ingredient highlighted for its moisturizing benefits after sunburn. To keep your skin hydrated this summer, Root’s 3-Step Peptide Pack offers an excellent solution. Featuring a cleanser, moisturizer, and serum, this trio is carefully designed to purify, nourish, and support your skin’s health.
Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, but it’s crucial to keep your body and skin hydrated while having maximum fun. To maintain proper hydration, increase your water intake, eat foods rich in water content, limit your consumption of diuretic foods, and replenish electrolytes. Protect your skin from sunburn, and if you do get burned, be sure to moisturize it. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and make this summer your healthiest one yet!
