Skin is the largest organ we have and no matter what season it is, we need to take good care of its health so that it can protect our bodies from the environment. Of course, different parts of your skin require different types of care, but there are things you can do right now to improve the overall health of your skin, and here are some of them.
Healthy diet
What we eat is important for our whole body, which includes our skin. Furthermore, there are certain foods which contribute greatly to our skin health. For example, tomatoes provide your skin with natural protection against sunburns. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, improves skin’s SPF. Similar to this, olive oil may lower your risk of skin damage, such as wrinkles or discoloration, resulting from sun exposure. Dark chocolate, with its cocoa flavanols, help improve your circulation and hydrate your skin. Fish, like sardines or salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory. This means they might remove the cause of acne before they appear. Green tea helps rejuvenate your skin, while white tea has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. Other skin-friendly foods include walnuts, kiwis, almond milk and even coffee.
Hydration
The simple solution of drinking plenty of water never fails us. It’s good for your overall health, so it’s also good for your skin. Water gives your skin a healthy glow, by washing away impurities from within. It hydrates your skin, leaving it youthful-looking and tight. Six to eight glasses a day is enough, but more is better than less. Also, instead of water, you may want to take iced and sugar-free natural green tea. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits can only do your skin good.
Massages
A massage can be very beneficial for your skin. Other than stimulating your blood flow and the circulation of oxygen through your whole body, it can help remove any dead skin cells, leaving your skin fresh and, with the use of right oils, nourished. Plus, a massage can encourage the movement of toxins out of your cells, making it easier for nutrients from oils and creams to be absorbed. On top of all this, a massage will leave you feeling relaxed and stress-free, which is also good for your skin. However, if you have any type of skin condition, talk to your dermatologist before getting a massage.
Treat your skin well
This means you need to clean it regularly by taking a 5-10 minute shower every day and especially wash your face and hands, since your skin is more exposed there. The skin on your face is more sensitive and it shouldn’t be washed with regular soap. Very hot or very cold water can irritate your skin, so use warm water when washing yourself. And while exfoliating can be good for your skin, always use gentle exfoliators and avoid scrubbing your skin too hard. This includes abrasive sponges or scrub brushes, which can damage the skin surface. The cosmetics you use should match your skin type, and switching to natural, sophisticated organic products such as L’Occitane can significantly improve the state of your skin. Moisturize your skin as soon as you wash it, since applying lotions, oils or creams within minutes of drying off can help trap the moisture. It may be a good idea to have a hand cream and some facial mist in your bag at all times, to keep your skin moist wherever you are.
Get enough rest
Not sleeping enough may cause your skin to age prematurely and decrease its ability to repair itself during the night. Plus, your body needs rest to regenerate your muscles, blood and brain cells, as well as your skin. It also needs sleep to produce enough collagen and keep your skin from sagging. By sleeping for 7 to 9 hours a night, you will feel calmer, have a stronger immune system, and consequently healthier skin.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise improves your blood flow, which then improves your skin health, leaving it vibrant and youthful. There is even a research suggesting that everyday physical activity could even reverse the aging of your skin. Plus, sweating helps you get rid of toxins from your body. Just be sure you drink enough water to make up for the loss and avoid direct sun while exercising outdoors.
Things to avoid
Beside the things you should do to improve your skin health, there are those you need to avoid to achieve that result. One of those things is definitely stress, since stress makes your body produce various hormones, causing your skin to be oily and unable to prevent the appearance of acne. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in your skin, reducing skin elasticity and blood flow, causing your skin to age faster. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of certain skin cancers. And finally, avoid being in direct sun, since it can cause wrinkles, dark spots and skin discoloration.
If you follow the advice from this article, you won’t have to spend tons of cash on keeping your skin healthy. It will show you how to have naturally youthful and glowing skin, even without too much effort. And don’t forget, healthy is always beautiful.