When you’re working on your feet all day, moving quickly from patient to patient and potentially not finding much time for yourself, you’re probably not drinking enough water. Over time, this can wreak havoc on your skin. And that includes your face.
We’ve heard of oily, dry, and combination skin, but these are typical terms used to refer to a skincare routine or cosmetics for your skin type. Dehydrated skin, however, is a different concern that often starts from the inside out. Skin hydration isn’t about topical creams or treatments. It’s more than skin deep.
This article will explain all the signs of dehydrated skin and how to hydrate your skin while on the job. We know as a healthcare worker that health—even skin health—is important. Consider this your 101 course on the meaning of skin hydration and physician and nurse skincare—the kind that keeps you healthy from the inside out so that you can always put your best face forward.
Signs of dehydrated skin
How can you tell if you’re dehydrated? Here are some of the top signs that your skin is trying to tell you something:
- Dull or itchy skin
- Dark under-eyes or shadowy skin
- More prominent wrinkles and fine lines
What causes dehydrated skin?
If you’re a medical professional then chances are good that you already know what causes dehydrated skin, but perhaps you don’t. Here are the five leading causes of dehydrated skin:
- Not consuming enough water
- Sweating a lot
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Having a sunburn
How to keep skin hydrated
From the list above, we’d venture to guess that you suffer from at least two causes of dehydrated skin while at work: not having time to drink enough water and sweating as you exert yourself throughout the day. So, let’s tackle the problem—starting at the source—so that your skin doesn’t take a hit. Here are 10 tips for keeping your skin hydrated all day long:
- Drink water: We know that you may not have lots of “me” time while you’re on a shift, so it can be hard to keep up with your water intake. Nevertheless, try to make it a priority. This is the best way to keep skin hydrated. Bringing a water bottle with you to work makes it more likely that you’ll stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Eat water: When you think about hydrating your skin, your mind may not jump to doing so with food, but it is an essential source of water intake. Eat foods that are high in water content, like veggies and fruit. These foods will keep you going throughout the day since they’re rich in nutrients.
- Watch the caffeine and alcohol: Many of us take pleasure in that energizing cup of coffee in the morning or that relaxing glass of wine at night but try not to overdo it with either. These substances can leave skin parched.
- Wear sunscreen: You can get dehydrated just from a sunburn, so remember always to apply sunscreen whenever you head outdoors, be it with the family or to take a mind-clearing run.
- Get your skincare routine right: Want to know how to rehydrate your skin? Start by meeting with a dermatologist to find out what your skin needs to establish a winning lineup of moisturizers, serums and exfoliants. This won’t take the place of staying hydrated, but it will help your skin look great. A bonus is that your skincare routine is also a form of self-care, and as a busy healthcare professional, this time is essential and not to be missed.
- Get a humidifier: If you live in a dry climate or are in a hospital or clinic with heat or air conditioning, you may find your environment is taking a toll on your skin. You can counteract this problem by getting a humidifier for your bedroom.
- Avoid hot water: A hot shower feels good, right? Unfortunately, your skin may beg to differ. That’s because hot water dries it out. The silver lining of cold showers is that they not only wake you up but also prevent your skin (and hair) from becoming parched.
- Watch out for harsh cleansers: Take care to avoid harsh soaps, as this may counteract all the good work you’re doing to keep yourself hydrated from the inside.
- Order that avocado toast: Foods rich in good fats—like avocados—are great for your skin. So, pile on the guacamole, add some salmon to your salad or keep some nuts in your bag.
- Don’t just focus on your face: Develop a skincare routine for your body. Yes, that includes your face, but it should also extend to your body. We’re talking about comprehensive hydration here, not just cosmetics. Moisturize your skin from head to toe and apply sunscreen daily.
Yes, our expertise is scrubs, but we also know great skincare. As medical professionals, we’re here to provide you with all the support and advice we can to help you feel your best both on and off the clock.