7 Tips for Healthier Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. And, it’s one of the most worried-over attributes when it comes to beauty. Coincidentally, healthy skin is beautiful skin. What can you do to keep your skin soft, healthy and glowing? Follow these tips for healthy skin.
Protect
Prolonged sun exposure is the number one cause of wrinkles and age spots. Plus, it increases the risk of skin cancer. The best thing you can do for your skin is to slather on the sunscreen. Be sure to use at least SPF 15 and reapply every two hours; apply more often if you’re sweating profusely or swimming. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM, so you might want to avoid direct sunlight during that time. You can also wear protective clothing, like tightly woven long-sleeve shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats.
Cleanse
Keep your skin clean to avoid clogged pores and a dull appearance. Wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, dirt and oil. Always be sure to wash off makeup at the end of the day. You’ll also want to cleanse your face and skin whenever you’ve been exercising, cleaning, gardening or participating in any other physical activity. Cleaning and sterilizing objects that touch your face, like smartphones and makeup brushes, will help keep your skin clean, too.
Moisturize
You’ve got to moisturize. Immediately after washing your face or bathing, liberally apply lotion to your skin. If you have oily skin, find an oil-free lotion to use. Lotion and moisturizers create a barrier that traps the skin’s moisture. That’s why it’s so important to lotion up right after cleansing; so that the skin doesn’t have time to lose that moisture through evaporation.
Hydrate
Properly hydrating is not only great for your skin, but for your overall health. It helps flush the body of toxins and boosts skin elasticity and vibrance. Remember, the recommended daily water intake is 64 ounces.
Eat Right
A diet high in fats and carbohydrates may cause acne and wrinkles. Get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in your diet for optimal skin health.
Don’t Smoke
It goes without saying that smoking is a big no-no for your health. Smoking narrows tiny blood vessels in the skin, which limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients. It also damages the collagen and elastin that give skin its strength and elasticity. Plus, the repetitive facial motions, like pursing your lips when inhaling, contribute to wrinkles.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
There’s a reason that expression exists. Lack of sleep leads to dark under-eye circles, because sleep deprivation hinders circulation. Nighttime is also the best time to rejuvenate your skin. While you sleep, your body begins the process of cellular renewal; that’s why it’s so important to wash and moisturize your face before bed.
Creating a routine around your skincare regimen can help keep you in the habit of taking good care of your skin. Now get out there and put your best face forward!
