The skin is the largest organ of the body. It protects against germs and the elements, regulates temperature, controls touch sensation and produces vitamins. Everyone wants clear and healthy skin. While altering genetics or the inevitable aging process is next to impossible, there are many things you can do to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Follow these eight skincare and lifestyle tips to keep your skin at its best.
1. Consume Healthy Foods
Many foods are incredibly helpful in caring for the skin, so eating a nutritious diet is key for maintaining a rosy outer glow. Fish, avocados and nuts are rich in omega-3 fats, which help reduce inflammation and nourish your skin. Fruits, vegetables and even chocolate contain antioxidants and vitamins that aid in sun damage protection, collagen production, diminishing fine lines or wrinkles and easing inflammation. Green tea is beneficial as a treatment for dry and red skin conditions, while white tea may help in fighting cancer. It may be challenging to find fresh produce or time for shopping and preparing foods for a skin-healthy diet. Try a green powder supplement as an effective alternative to obtain many of the nutrients essential for nourishing the skin.
2. Protect Against Sun Damage
Exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and can cause other damaging effects to this outer layer. There are several ways to prevent sun damage to the skin. Applying sunscreen when spending time outside is one of the easiest ways to care for your skin. Covering yourself with protective clothing can provide additional protection from ultraviolet rays. Avoiding the strong sun rays that occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is also important.
3. Cleanse Properly
Regularly cleansing your skin keeps it free of harmful dirt and bacteria. Remove makeup and wash after exercising or other activities that make you sweat. Treat your skin gently. Use warm water instead of hot. Avoid harsh soaps that irritate or dry out your skin. Pat or blot skin with a clean towel to dry it rather than rub.
4. Hydrate and Moisturize
Drinking water keeps your body hydrated, so your skin feels and looks healthy. Applying moisturizers and cream are also effective ways to hydrate and make the skin shine. The application of these ointments is most efficient immediately after washing because it locks in moisture. Be sure to use products that work well with your skin type.
5. Get Adequate Sleep
Your body requires a good night’s rest to rejuvenate and repair the skin. The recommended average sleep for adults is 7 to 9 hours per night. The impact of sleep deprivation on the skin ranges from puffiness and under-eye circles to premature aging and collagen breakdown.
6. Manage Stress
Stress harms your skin. It can increase the production of oils that cause blemishes to appear. Stress may cause flare-ups or exacerbate the existence of skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. Reduce tension with exercise, meditation, yoga or other management techniques. Participation in relaxing and calming activities you enjoy is also a terrific way to control stress.
7. Avoid Smoking
Smoking causes your skin to age more quickly than normal. It damages collagen and elastin, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles. Smoking causes small blood vessels in the outermost skin layers to constrict, decreasing blood flow and making the complexion appear paler. Kicking the habit is the best way to avoid damaging your skin from smoking.
8. Remain Vigilant
Watch for changes in your skin. If you notice new moles, spots that become raised, change colors or increase in size, get it checked out by a doctor. Early detection is important in successfully treating skin cancer. Do not ignore flaky, blotchy, bumpy, itchy or rough skin patches. Any of these could simply mean you are not taking care of your skin, or they may indicate a more serious issue.
Maintaining strong and healthy skin does not require expensive or fancy treatments. Employ these simple tips, and you will see clearer, brighter and glowing skin in no time.
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