Tips on how to keep your skin hydrated

08 Nov, 2015 - 00:11 0 Views
Tips on how to keep your skin hydrated

The Sunday News

drinking water

Drink Plenty of Water
ONE of the foremost ways to keep skin hydrated is by drinking plenty of water, which hydrates the body besides being naturally low in calories and sugar. Keeping skin hydrated is essential all year round, but especially important in the summer months when fluid is lost through sweat. Therefore increasing consumption of water by a couple of glasses a day sure does help. However, if one finds it difficult to drink plain water, mix things up a bit by adding freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.

Well-Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet is the base for healthy skin as it provides the body with necessary nutrients. Indulge on foods like fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, as they are naturally high in fluids, offering extra benefit of fibre, vitamins, minerals, as well as antioxidants. Besides, the high fluid content is more easily absorbed by the cells than drinking water. These factors, keep the skin hydrated and at its best making them supple and radiant.

Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm
The hottest part of the day during the summer is the most damaging time. Don’t stay out in the sun for long periods of time around the hottest hours; the longer you’re outside, the longer your skin is exposed to the radiation. Get your exercise and activities done in the earlier, cooler hours, or in the later, cooler hours of the day.

Avoid Alcohol/Aerated Drinks
Cut down on alcohol and caffeinated aerated beverages providing empty calories, as they do not offer any benefit in terms of nutrition. Sweetened coffee, as well as fruit juice with added sugar should also be limited.

Avoid Excess Sodium
Condiments and foods very high in sodium will naturally draw water from body, contributing to dehydration. Hence, limit intake of sodium laden junk fast foods and other processed food such as crisps canned soups, frozen pizza, processed meat and canned vegetables.

Eye and Skin Protection
Wearing sunglasses, a broad rimmed sun hat or carrying an umbrella should protect skin and eyes from the blistering heat of summer.

Supplement Intake
Increase intake of supplements like selenium, zinc, vitamin C and E rich foods. Apart from shielding the skin from free radicals caused due to the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun, they help the skin cells retain more moisture and elasticity.

Skip the long, steamy showers
Opt for shorter, cooler sprays. Long, hot showers strip skin of its moisture and wash away protective oils. So limit showers to 10 minutes and keep the water cool.

Right Soaps
Using the right soap is essential as heavily scented harsh soaps strip skin’s natural oils; encourage drying-out process, therefore trading in rich, foamy mild fragrant-free soaps will help prevent dehydration of skin.

Moisturise Everyday
Using the right kind of moisturiser during the day and night is very essential hydrated. Hyaluronic acid to keep skin and plays a major role in the skin’s rejuvenation process by retaining moisture, regulating tissue repair thus keeping the skin soft and supple. It is an important ingredient; hence, skin care experts recommend looking for in hydrating products. Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1 000 times its weight in water making it a super moisturiser. Although water-based products boost hydration, it is advisable using them as part of the morning routine. Since skin requires nutrients it is important to use oil-based, nutrient-filled products at night to soak up the benefits and remain healthy. — www.besthealthmag.ca.za

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds