Throughout our lives, we’re bombarded with advertisements for skincare products that promise youthful, glowing skin. Whether it be on social media or in our local cosmetics stores, these promotions all seem to guarantee the same thing: achieving perfect skin.
While moisturizers and anti-aging serums may seem like an easy solution, skin issues are often more complex to resolve. In fact, certain skin conditions – such as dry or sensitive skin – are often linked to the quality of your diet and the food that you’re eating.
Unfortunately, many of us tend to overlook how our diets affect our skin. More specifically, we tend to ignore the importance of hydration and electrolytes.
So, let’s take a deeper look at the significance of electrolytes and why they may be the key to unlocking healthy, nourished skin.
What Exactly Are Electrolytes?
We’ve all heard the term ‘electrolytes’, but what does this actually mean? Simply put, electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that attract water. While that may sound a bit strange, electrolytes are essential for maintaining a healthy body.
These minerals are responsible for a variety of bodily functions, including nervous system function, muscle contractions, tissue repair, and keeping our bodies hydrated.
But how does this impact our skin? After we consume electrolytes, our blood vessels transport these electrolytes to our skin. In the skin, electrolytes work to regulate pH levels and optimize the body’s hydration.
Without the necessary electrolytes, your skin will not retain the moisture it needs to stay hydrated. This can result in skin issues, like experiencing dryness, and could even escalate to a slight electrolyte imbalance.
The Risks Of Electrolyte Imbalances
Whenever you sweat, you lose electrolytes. This is normal – and it’s usually not a problem if you take the precaution to replenish your electrolyte stores.
However, we typically assume that water is enough to rehydrate our bodies after a workout or after being in hot weather. This actually isn’t true – even though water does a good job of cooling you down, it doesn’t contain any electrolytes.
When you don’t consume enough electrolytes, the risk of suffering from an imbalance increases. Not only does this have a major impact on the health of your body, but it can also leave you feeling fatigued and unwell.
Without the right minerals, your body is unable to work the way that it’s supposed to. As a result, this can take a big toll on the condition and quality of your skin.
The Benefits of Electrolytes For Skin Health
Balances Skin Hydration
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ, it is at the forefront of your appearance and plays the main role in keeping you healthy.
Like any other organ in your body, your skin needs to be adequately hydrated to function correctly and, by extension, look healthy. In fact, science shows that healthy skin contains 30% water, which largely contributes to its elasticity and youthful appearance.
Research shows that increased water intake can boost the hydration status of the epidermis, whereas increasing your intake of electrolytes may also help the skin retain more water.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is known for regulating water content throughout the body. This mineral helps transport water to the skin to ensure balanced hydration and even works to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
May Reduce Blemishes & Improve Appearance
Dehydrated skin is one of the main causes of acne. Both dry and oily skin are indicators that your body isn’t getting the nourishment that it needs.
When our skin lacks hydration, oil is overproduced to compensate for the lack of moisture. This excess oil can then result in breakouts and reoccurring blemishes.
Even though you should still be drinking water daily, incorporating electrolytes into your diet will only benefit your wellbeing further. Minerals (such as calcium) help the skin hold onto hydration and moisture, allowing your skin to function as it should while looking great.
How To Add Electrolytes Into Your Diet
Electrolytes are present in the foods that you eat each day. In fact, you can get most of the electrolytes that you need simply from following a nutritious, balanced diet.
Yet, cooking a full, nutritive meal isn’t always possible when you’re living a busy lifestyle. We lose essential minerals throughout the day, which can leave us feeling (and looking) dull and dried out.
That’s where a premium electrolytes powder can make all the difference. These dietary supplements are the perfect option for a quick fix of electrolytes when you’re short on time or when you’re on the go.
Whether you’re enjoying a summer hike or you’re in the middle of a strenuous workout, electrolyte drinks are great for keeping your body and your skin in optimal health.
