Summer invites us to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace moments of reconnection, relaxation, and renewal. It’s a season that energises the body and uplifts the spirit, but it also puts extra stress on your body's internal hydration and mineral balance.
In fact, electrolyte imbalances are more common in summer than in any other season. If your skin feels dry yet sweaty, looks dull, or becomes unusually sensitive to sunlight or skincare products, even with a consistent routine, your skin may be signalling an underlying imbalance.
So, why does summer put you at greater risk of losing electrolytes, and how does it show on your skin? Let’s explore.
Why does summer increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance?
As the temperature rises, so does our body’s need for electrolytes, making imbalances more common this time of year.
More Sweating
Our bodies naturally sweat more in summer to stay cool, but this also means we lose key electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. During periods of heat or exertion, this loss can be substantial, up to 1-2 litres of sweat per hour, leaving the body and skin feeling depleted.
More Outdoor Activity
We tend to be more active in summer and enjoy outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, running, swimming, or travelling), which increases sweat and fluid loss.
Insufficient Rehydration
While reaching for plain water is a natural response to thirst, relying on water alone can sometimes dilute essential electrolyte levels, especially sodium. This imbalance, known as hyponatremia, may leave the body feeling fatigued, lightheaded, or depleted, despite being well-hydrated on the surface.
How does electrolyte deficiency appear on your skin?
Since electrolytes play a key role in keeping your skin hydrated, balanced, and well-circulated, a deficiency can quickly show up on your skin’s surface.
Dryness, dehydrated skin
If your skin is experiencing tightness, flakiness, or dryness, even after applying skincare, an electrolyte imbalance could be the reason. Low levels of sodium and potassium can disrupt your skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it dehydrated from within.
Increased sensitivity or irritation
Noticed increased sensitivity or burning, stinging sensations? A loss of essential minerals, particularly magnesium and calcium can weaken your skin barrier health, making it more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
Excessive sweating
In hot weather, low electrolyte levels can disrupt your body’s cooling system, leading to cold, clammy skin, a common early sign of heat exhaustion. It’s your skin’s way of signalling that your internal balance is off and needs quick attention.
Breakouts or congested pores
When sodium and potassium levels are imbalanced, your skin’s sebum (oil) production can be disrupted. If your skin is also dehydrated, it may overproduce oil to compensate, contributing to clogged pores and breakouts.
Pale, poorly circulated skin
Low electrolyte levels and fluid volume can cause poor blood circulation, making your skin look pale or dull.
4 tips you can do to support your electrolytes' balance
Maintaining electrolyte balance starts from within, but it also reflects on your skin. To stay healthy and glowing during the summer months, support your body from both the inside and out.
1. Stay Hydrated (Smartly)
Drink water consistently, but not only with plain water. Replenish lost minerals with electrolyte-rich beverages, such as coconut water, homemade fruit-infused water with a pinch of sea salt, or electrolyte tablets, after sweating.
2. Replenish Skin Topically with Dead Sea Minerals
Use skincare products that replenish minerals lost through sweat and sun exposure. Our mineral-rich products help restore skin hydration, calm irritation, and support the skin's natural barrier function.
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🧖 Purifying Mineral Mud Mask: Packed with magnesium, calcium, and potassium to help rebalance the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
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🧴 Defining Body Cream: Rehydrates dry or tight-feeling skin while delivering a mineral boost.
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🛁 Floatation Bath Salt Crystals: Soak in mineral-rich Dead Sea salts to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and give your body a chance to absorb essential electrolytes through the skin.
3. Eat Electrolyte-Friendly Foods
Incorporate potassium, magnesium, and calcium-rich foods into your meals, such as bananas, leafy greens, avocados, seeds, and yoghurt. These support both your nervous system and your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Avoid consuming too much caffeine, as it can lead to dehydration and deplete electrolyte levels.
4. Avoid Overexposure to Heat
Take breaks from direct sun exposure, wear breathable clothing, and use skincare that helps your skin retain moisture, not just seal it. Products with Dead Sea minerals help draw water into the skin and soothe irritation caused by overheating.
Balancing electrolytes is about more than hydration. It’s about supporting your body and skin holistically. Support your summer routine with our mineral-rich products and keep your glow all summer long.