Internal hydration has more of an impact on your skin than you’d think, however both internal and external habits matter and work together. Healthy skin starts from within but it equally needs to be protected and supported with the right topical products.
The Phizz team and our very own neuroscientist & co-founder, Dr Paul, spent the day at Cetaphil Skin Labs talking all things skin and hydration, and we learnt A LOT. Dr Paul spoke to Dr Emma, a consultant dermatologist, and she gave us valuable insights into skin hydration. But don’t worry if you weren’t there, as we’ve got all the information written down just for you.
Hydration and Electrolytes - what do we need to know?
We asked Dr Paul to explain what electrolytes actually are and why we humans need them - here’s what he revealed:
Life on earth started in hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the ocean. And what two properties is the ocean known for? Water and salt. Consequently, all life on earth requires those two things to survive.
As we don’t live under water, our body needs to replenish this on a regular basis. Electrolytes are salts and minerals, and are crucial for many bodily functions, helping the body to absorb more water. The balance of electrolytes and water is what governs how hydrated your body is.
Hydration is vital as just over a pint of water loss from the body will start to have various cognitive and physical effects.
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Dehydration effects on your cognitive ability include; reduced attention/focus, slowed reaction time, impaired decision making, mood changes.
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Dehydration effects on your physical ability include; slower reaction times, thicker blood, increased heart rate.
Hydration is essential for physical and cognitive function but how does it work with the skin? 
Hydration & Skin
We asked Dr Emma why hydration is so important for the skin and this is what she taught us:
Consistent hydration is very important for the skin. As the body is 60-80% water, the skin stops it from evaporation but equally needs hydration itself. Skin is the body’s largest organ and needs hydration to function as a protective barrier. Dehydrated skin feels tight, itchy and may look dull with fine lines becoming more visible.
External skincare supports hydration and strengthens the skin barrier, and consistency is key to maintain hydrated and healthy skin. In your skincare products, look for humectants (e.g. hyaluronic acid, glycerine) to draw water in, emollients (e.g. shea butter) to soften skin and occlusives (e.g. oils) to lock in moisture.
Is water still important?
Yes, it is the fundamental thing which drives hydration so you do need to be drinking enough - around two litres a day. Electrolytes actually improve your body’s hydration capabilities - getting water into your internal systems more efficiently.
The Phizz formula is designed to hydrate you three times faster than water alone. The seven key electrolytes in Phizz are; sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese.
Our formula also activates the sodium-glucose co-transporter. When sodium and glucose are present together, a natural mechanism in the body pulls in more water molecules faster - hydrating you three times faster than drinking water alone.. While some hydration brands remove sugar entirely, Phizz uses a precise amount of low-calorie quality glucose to unlock this process - because better hydration starts with better science.
So what are our key takeaways?
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Both internal and external hydration habits work together.
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Staying properly hydrated on the inside AND protecting your skin barrier on the outside is the sure fire way to protect your skin
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The balance of electrolytes and water is what governs how hydrated your body is - Phizz is made up of seven key electrolytes and helps you hydrate three times faster than water alone
