On average, the body is made up of 60 to 70% water, and the same goes for the skin. Hydration is therefore at the heart of how the body works. But what does water actually do in the body, why does the skin need it, and how can you stay well hydrated day to day? Drinks, diet, skincare and sun protection: here are a few tips for keeping your body properly hydrated!
What are the benefits of hydration for the body?
It is quite simply essential to life, since we cannot survive without drinking. The water present in the body is constantly being renewed: we eliminate around 2.5 litres per day through various metabolic processes (perspiration, breathing, urination…) and we replenish it through drinks and food. But what exactly does it do? It is used as follows:
- it enables cell regeneration;
- it contributes to the transport of substances essential to the body;
- it plays a part in clearing away metabolic waste;
- it keeps body temperature constant;
- it takes part in chemical reactions in the body;
- it is the source of multiple bodily substances, including saliva and mucus (which support digestion) and synovial fluid (the liquid that lubricates the joints).
In short, it is used by every single part of the body!
And does the skin need to be hydrated?
Absolutely! It is made up of 70% water. This water supports cell renewal (and the skin contains many different types of cells), plays a part in clearing away waste and forms part of the hydrolipidic film. This film, a blend of sweat, sebum and keratin, plays many roles:
- it forms the skin barrier, protecting against external aggressors;
- it maintains the balance of the skin flora, the multitude of ‘good’ bacteria on the skin’s surface that help fight microbial infections;
- it regulates hydration by slowing the natural evaporation of water through the skin;
- it maintains the skin’s natural pH.
Depriving the skin of water is not without consequences, as it is then less able to fulfil its protective role. But it also looks less beautiful:
- it feels uncomfortable, tight, red and may even itch;
- it loses elasticity, making certain concerns such as stretch marks more likely;
- it ages more quickly and premature fine lines appear;
- it loses its radiance and volume;
- it loses firmness, with a sagging appearance, a lack of tone, and even cellulite.
How to stay properly hydrated?
Tip 1: drink!
The body cream that hydrates and helps firm the skin
- Kigeline & Fenugreek, two plant-based actives at the heart of the formula
- Hydrates the skin and helps strengthen its firmness on targeted areas
- Melting texture: it absorbs quickly, with no residue or greasy film
Hydration starts from within. And what better way to ensure it than to drink? It may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating, because many of us simply don’t drink enough throughout the day. To make sure you’re drinking enough (that is, 1.5 to 2 litres a day), why not invest in a reusable water bottle or an insulated flask? That way, you can easily keep track of how much you’re drinking. Water should remain your go-to drink, but you can also top up with light drinks such as tea, herbal teas, flavoured waters, juices (fruit, vegetable or a mix of both), broths…
Tip 2: adapt your diet
Daily hydration also comes through what you eat. Some foods are dehydrating (they require a lot of water to be digested), while others bring a significant amount of water to the body. To keep your body well hydrated, you should:
- consume protein in moderation (nutritional guidelines recommend that protein should make up only 10–15% of daily intake);
- favour healthy fats (seafood, oily seeds and nuts) which, by contributing to the hydrolipidic film, help limit water loss;
- eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, to benefit from both their water content and their antioxidant vitamins.
Tip 3: use a daily moisturiser
Of course, you can also hydrate your body by applying moisturising skincare. Creams, balms and lotions contain humectant and emollient ingredients that help the skin hold on to the water it needs. A daily moisturising routine helps limit many everyday discomforts: tightness, redness, loss of firmness… It also helps keep the skin supple.
Formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients, our Moisturising Cream absorbs quickly into the skin. It contains hydrating and firming actives that nourish the skin. Suitable for all skin types.
Tip 4: protect yourself from the sun
The sun is one of the main causes of dehydration: it promotes water loss, damages the skin in depth and leads to dryness, premature ageing and loss of firmness. To keep your body hydrated:
- avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day;
- apply a high SPF consistently and every two hours;
- protect yourself with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers the skin;
- drink water regularly;
- after any sun exposure, apply a moisturising after-sun product.
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Useful categories: Stretch Marks.
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- Why does it work?
