Dehydration & Our Skin

Dehydration is just as common in oily skin as it is in other skin types. When the body becomes dehydrated it becomes evident on our skin.  The skin becomes dull and dry looking and may become flaky, tight and uncomfortable. As the body becomes dehydrated the skin cells lose their water content and therefore the plumpness of healthy skin cells and the glow we associate with healthy skin fades. If you have oilier skin you may not notice the dehydration on your skin  as readily as other types but the symptoms of dehydration and the dangers still exist.

Our bodies are losing water all the time –through evaporation, perspiration, organ function and cell processes and excretion. Add to this the water we lose through heating, cooling, flying, exercise, being in hot climatic conditions and air-conditioning and you have a large quantity of water that needs replacing on a daily basis. Heavy exertion and exercise vastly increase this loss. Some medications and illnesses cause us to lose more water than usual.

The drier our skin the more prone it is to fine line formation.

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dry lips
• Decreased urination
• Dark coloured urine
• Loss of appetite

Seek medical help immediately if you suspect someone has severe dehydration – it can be a life threatening condition but is quickly treatable.

What to avoid:

• Exposure to the sun without adequate protection such as hats and long sleeved shirts.
• Not re hydrating adequately after exercise or exertion.
• Alcohol and caffeine are diuretic – meaning they cause us to lose water. Compensate if you drink either of these with a glass of water.
• Prolonged exposure to central heating, sitting too close to a radiator or heater.
• Air conditioning robs the air and therefore your skin of moisture.
• Windy conditions both hot and cold winds.
• Letting ourselves become thirsty – rehydrate frequently throughout the day.

What to do:

• Increase raw foods and fruit in the diet that have a high water content such as grapes, tomatoes, oranges and on.
• Increase your water intake – little and often is a good way to start if you are not used or do not like to drink large quantities of water.
• Water can be made more palatable for those people not to keen on drinking it by adding a squeeze of lemon, lime or mint. Use a small amount of fruit juice to flavour if needed.
• Change the temperature – some people find it easier to drink warm water rather than cold.
• Carry a water bottle to remind you to increase your daily intake.
• Drink frequently to avoid becoming dehydrated – especially if you are not a ‘thirsty’ person.
• Compensate water intake with water loss when doing manual labour or exercising that causes you to sweat.
• Use a humidifier or a water spritzer to keep moisture levels high in heating and air –conditioned places.
• Ensure the diet has adequate good fats such as avocado, flax seed and olive oil. Water is not the only answer to keeping our skin cells hydrated. We must have adequate good fat intake in order for our bodies to produce water for our skin cells.
• Use a moisturiser that provides the skin with long lasting hydration in order to reduce the water lost through the skin and keep the skin cells from drying out.

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Red Faces & Rosacea

What is rosacea?

Rosacea (which can be pronounced as ro-zay-sha)  is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can come and go with people suffering from flare-ups. Tiny red veins can form on the face that look like a cobweb of red veins – these are permanent. People sometimes call rosacea “adult acne” because it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and often happens to us as we get older. Sometimes there can be an associated soreness of the eyes and the eyelids. Although rosacea should not affect your vision, it can cause eye problems and a doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms. Rosacea can cause a lot of embarrassment and discomfort for sufferers but there are things we can do to minimise flare-ups.

What causes rosacea?

There is some evidence that people with fair skin and who have a tendency to blush are more prone and that a family history can also predispose you to developing rosacea. In an attack of rosacea the blood vessels in the face expand, filling with blood and causing the face to redden. While there is no one cause for all people there are certain common triggers it would be best to avoid.  Some attacks may last minutes or in severe cases can last for days. If you can work out your own personal triggers it will help you manage your rosacea and some people find keeping a trigger diary helpful.

Some triggers include:

Exercise or heavy exertion
Exposure to the sun and wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Hot food and drink
Stress or anxiety
Emotional changes such as embarrassment or laughing
Hot baths and showers
Menopause
Some medications – ask your doctor

Medical help should be sought and exposure to triggers reduced as rosacea can worsen and turn into advanced rosacea where bumps on the nose and cheek area can form, giving the area a swollen, lumpy look. While there is no cure medical treatment includes antibiotic creams and drugs. Laser treatment can also help to reduce the size and number of the veins.

Prevention by avoiding triggers is an important part of learning to manage and lessen rosacea attacks.

• Cut down on food and drink that causes symptoms
• Try shorter work outs more frequently when exercising
• Have lukewarm showers and baths and keep them short
• Drink plenty of water in hot conditions
• Cool the face with a damp, cold washcloth if you become overheated.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum – it doesn’t cause rosacea but it can make it worse.
• Always hear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors
• Use a skin care regime that has products with no perfumes, colourings or fragrances that will help soothe and not irritate the skin such as skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser.
• Skinsaviour Cream and Cleanser are specially formulated for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated.

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