Often mentioned without really knowing what they are or what they are used for, electrolytes are nevertheless essential minerals for your health and your skin. In cosmetics, electrolytes are often neglected.

Yet even in small percentages, electrolytes offer powerful benefits for the skin. So what exactly are electrolytes and how do they contribute to healthier skin?

Understanding Electrolytes

The term “electrolyte” comes from the Greek words “electro” (meaning “amber,” known to produce static electricity) and “lysis” (meaning “to dissolve”). Electrolytes are minerals that carry electrical charges when dissolved in water. They help nutrients absorb more efficiently into the skin.

Electrolytes play a key role in nerve and muscle function, regulate blood pressure, balance skin pH, and maintain body hydration. They prevent dryness and inflammation of the skin. They are often used in post-workout drinks for athletes because they help improve muscle recovery.

A good balance of electrolytes, in combination with minerals like copper and zinc, improves skin hydration, promotes collagen production and speeds up cell turnover. Electrolytes also help move nutrients into skin cells and recycle damaged proteins into collagen and elastin.

The role of electrolytes for the skin

Electrolytes are essential for skin health and work in several ways:

• Hydration: They help maintain the skin's moisture balance by attracting and retaining water. They form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated and plump.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory action: Minerals such as magnesium and calcium soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, especially for sensitive or reactive skin. They also help prevent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  
  
• Skin Barrier Preservation: Electrolytes strengthen the skin’s protective barrier against external aggressions such as UV rays, pollution and stressors such as smoking. They can also combine with antioxidants to better protect the skin against aging.
  
  
• pH Balance: They help maintain the skin's natural pH, which is typically between 5 and 6. This keeps the skin in an optimal environment to regenerate and prevent issues like dryness and irritation.
  
  
• Better absorption: Electrolytes facilitate the absorption of other skin care actives, allowing products to be more effective.
  
  

Incorporating electrolytes into your skincare: which active ingredients should you choose?

Magnesium : Magnesium improves blood circulation, boosts antioxidant activity, and maintains moisture levels. This mineral is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for calming inflamed, sensitive, or reactive skin, and reducing redness and irritation. Products containing magnesium can help relieve symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Sodium : As a “hydration hero,” sodium plays a crucial role in skin care by regulating moisture levels. It attracts water molecules, promotes hydration, and keeps skin plump. In skin care products, sodium is often used in cleansers, toners, masks, and moisturizers to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. It’s also found in hyaluronic acid, for example.

Potassium : Potassium helps regulate the skin’s pH balance, keeping cells hydrated and functioning optimally. By supporting the skin’s natural acid mantle, potassium promotes firmness, radiance, and elasticity while preventing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.

Calcium : Calcium plays a vital role in the integrity of the skin barrier. This mineral strengthens the outer layer of the skin, making it more resistant to environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss. Calcium-enriched products can improve skin barrier function and facilitate renewal, resulting in smoother, more hydrated skin. Look for calcium in face and neck creams for photodamaged skin.

What foods are rich in electrolytes?

Maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial for health. Here are some foods to incorporate into your meals to benefit:

Carrots

Rich in potassium, carrots help regulate fluid balance, support muscle function and blood pressure, and prevent cramps.

Coconut water 

Excellent for hydration, coconut water is rich in potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium. It helps restore lost electrolytes and maintain optimal hydration. It is ideal for replenishing electrolytes lost during physical activity or hot days, while maintaining optimal hydration throughout the day.

Discover our Tan Boost cocktail

These foods are present in our Tan Boost cocktail, created in collaboration with 48 Collagen Café . This unique café, dedicated to collagen, is located at 48 Rue La Fayette, 75009 Paris. A cocktail based on coconut water, carrot mousse and collagen, to boost your tan and prevent the risks of skin aging.