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As the largest organ of the body, your skin is a reflection of your overall health. Maintaining good skin health requires more than just washing your face regularly. It involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits that promote skin wellness. Here are five no-nonsense tips to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Shield Yourself from the Sun
Sun damage is one of the primary causes of premature aging and skin cancer. To keep your skin protected:
Use Sunscreen:
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, and apply it generously to all exposed skin areas. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade:
- Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Wear Protective Clothing:
- Cover up with tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. You can also use laundry additives to give your clothes an extra layer of ultraviolet protection.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking causes premature aging and contributes to wrinkles. It narrows the blood vessels in your skin, which reduces blood flow and deprives your skin of oxygen and nutrients. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, which are essential fibers for skin elasticity and strength. Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Treat Your Skin Gently
Over-cleansing and shaving can damage your skin. Here’s how to keep it gentle:
Limit Bath Time:
- Long showers or baths and hot water can strip your skin of natural oils. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm water instead of hot water.
Choose Mild Cleansers:
- Strong soaps and detergents can remove oil from your skin. Use mild cleansers instead.
Shave Carefully:
- Use shaving cream, lotion, or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Pat Dry:
- Gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel after washing or bathing, leaving some moisture on your skin.
Moisturize Dry Skin:
- Use a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Consider a moisturizer that contains SPF for daily use.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat affects your skin’s health. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. While the association between diet and acne is unclear, some studies suggest that a diet rich in fish oil or fish oil supplements and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates can promote younger-looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To maintain healthy skin and a healthy state of mind, take steps to manage your stress. Get enough sleep, set realistic goals, reduce your to-do list, and make time for activities you enjoy.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy skin is not just about looking good but also about promoting overall health. By following these five tips, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin that looks and feels great. Remember, healthy skin is a reflection of a healthy lifestyle.
