In all the talk about the different ways we can make ourselves look and feel better, it can be easy to lose track of the basics. There’s nothing simpler or more important than our need for water.
If you start feeling tired and dizzy and you can’t concentrate, it might not mean you’re seriously ill. It could just mean that you haven’t had enough to drink. Think about it. If you’ve had a busy day or you’ve been physically exerting yourself more than usual – or even if it’s just particularly warm weather – you might not have realized you need extra hydration.
If that’s the case, the solution is simple. Have a glass of water. Oral rehydration therapy is one of the first solutions for dehydration in medical settings. You may also need salt and other minerals. Sodium and potassium are near the top of the list for treating dehydration, as is glucose.
How much water you need on a daily basis may vary between individuals. Everyone has a different body type and different genetics. It also changes depending on your surrounding environment and level of activity. Older people often don’t notice they’re getting dehydrated, while some conditions (such as diabetes) also put you at increased risk.
You’ll also hear hydration being talked about a lot in the context of skincare. Dry skin can be itchy, flaky and uncomfortable, and it definitely doesn’t make you look your best. Skincare routines can vary widely, but they’ll pretty much all include moisturizer as an essential ingredient. Is there a link between skin hydration and drinking water?
Well, there’s no definitive evidence (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hydrated-skin/faq-20058067). Dry skin may involve the epidermis (the outermost of the three layers that make up your skin) not having enough water, but drinking water may not be the best solution.
In fact, too much exposure to water (especially hot water, or rough exposure such as in handwashing) without using moisturizer afterward may cause more damage. When it comes to skincare, the most important things are being gentle and not using too many harsh chemicals in your products.
So, if you’re not feeling good, try looking at your water consumption first as a possible solution. If you’re not looking your best, maybe you need more moisturizer in your skincare routine. Either way, hydration is vital.
