Sometimes, it’s not just your body thirsting for electrolytes after a wild night out — applying this type of ingredient can be great for your skin, too. Found in bananas, avocados, and even cactus water, electrolytes play a crucial role in helping the body function at it’s best. Keep reading for our essential guide to electrolytes.

What exactly are electrolytes? 

You’ve probably heard the term every time one of those sports drinks commercials comes on, but you might not know exactly what they are. Well, let us help you there: Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. They are also found naturally in your body. “[Electrolytes] are necessary to maintain hydration, muscle function, homeostasis, and other essential body functions,” explains Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Primary electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate, and hydrogen carbonate.”

Why does my skin need them?

The roles played by these minerals are vital to the functioning of all of the organs, including the skin. “The simplest way of considering how electrolytes affect the skin would be how they regulate fluid balance,” says King. “Without maintaining proper levels of electrolytes, our body cannot maintain hydration and fluid balance, and the body, including the skin, becomes dehydrated.” Electrolytes also play vital roles in sweating and the contractions of muscles in the skin, while also maintaining the skin barrier.

How does each electrolyte benefit the body and skin? 

• Potassium regulates nerves, muscles, blood pressure, bone mass, heart function, and other key body processes. “In the skin, potassium plays a role in water pathways within the skin, maintaining proper hydration and fluid balance,” says King. “It also contributes to the skin barrier by facilitating the organization of the lipids in the barrier.”

• Sodium regulates blood pressure, hydration, and fluid balance, as well as nerve function and muscle contraction. 

• Magnesium is necessary for muscle contractions, as well as for the function of nerves, some enzymes, and for production of proteins and ATP, a cellular source of energy. “In the skin, it plays a role in hydration and barrier repair, as well as in skin cell regeneration and shedding,” says King. 

• Calcium is critical for bone structure and function. “In the skin, calcium acts as a humectant to maintain moisture, and it plays a role in skin cell turnover,” says King. 

• Chloride is necessary for maintaining the proper balance of bodily fluids. 

So how do I work electrolytes into my skin-care routine? 

While sipping on electrolytes is great for post-workout recovery, if you want the skin-care benefits, you’re better off applying them topically. In addition to being ridiculously hydrating and soothing, our Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream is loaded with electrolytes, including high percentages of magnesium and potassium. This decadent cream will help to rebalance irritated and inflamed skin, maintain a healthy barrier, and add moisture back into an otherwise dry and dehydrated dermis. Already fully stocked on the cream (it’s great, we don’t blame you)? Glow Recipe’s new Watermelon Glow Lip Pop is made with watermelon extract —a juicy, electrolyte-infused fruit full of potassium that will help add hydration while giving you a slight pop of pink.

Give your skin a jolt of energizing electrolytes for a healthier, stronger, more hydration complexion.