Your skin is the largest organ in the human body and serves as a protective layer from the elements, as well as from disease and infection. It sheds approximately 40,000 cells each day, meaning it is constantly renewing itself. However, it’s still important to take proper care of your skin in order to maximize your overall health. If you’ve noticed your complexion hasn’t exactly been glowing lately, you’ll want to consider these ways to take care of your skin.
8 Ways To Take Care Of Your Skin
1. Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
One of the most important, yet often neglected, skin care tips experts advise is to wear sunscreen daily. Find the best sunscreen for your skin. The sun’s UV rays can be tremendously damaging to your skin. Potential problems associated with sun exposure include dryness, hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, and skin cancer. Don’t be fooled into thinking you only need protection on bright days. The sun’s rays are still strong enough to penetrate the skin in cloudy or overcast weather, too. You can even experience sunburn while driving or sitting indoors near a window. It’s recommended that you use at least 30 SPF sunscreen every day for optimal protection. For convenience, you can find cosmetic and skincare products such as foundation, concealer, and moisturizer that contain an SPF.
2. Quit Smoking
You surely know that smoking isn’t good for your heart and lungs, but you may not realize the effect it can have on your skin. Smoking adds strain to the skin cells. It also blood vessels to constrict. This constriction contributes to premature aging and can negatively impact its ability to heal.
3. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Daily hygiene tasks like shaving and cleansing can be rough on the skin over time. Simply being mindful of the ways in which you take care of yourself can help lessen the toll taken on your delicate skin.
Some tips include:
- Avoid using hot water for baths and showers.
- Opt for mild cleansers, not harsh soaps.
- Use shaving cream and a sharp razor when shaving.
- Pat skin dry, rather than scrubbing it.
4. Get a Handle on Stress
Too much stress can affect your health in numerous ways. It certainly can wreak havoc with the condition of your skin by stimulating acne breakouts, irritating existing skin issues, and making your skin more sensitive. Managing your stress can keep such unwelcome complications at bay.
5. Get Adequate Sleep
One way to lower your stress is to be sure you’re getting adequate rest each night. A good night’s sleep not only makes stress easier to manage, but also allows your skin the time it needs to replenish itself. While you’re asleep, your skin is busy repairing UV damage received during the day and rebuilding collagen. Blood flow to the skin also increases during restful periods.
6. Eat a Healthy Diet
Another lifestyle choice that can benefit your overall health, as well as the condition of your skin, is eating healthy foods. What you put into your body impacts your skin health as much as the products you use on it. You’ll want to avoid fatty, sugary, and high-processed foods. These can cause premature aging, acne flares, and inflammation. Drinking lots of water should also be included in your daily habits to avoid dehydration.
7. Include Moisturizer in Your Routine
One of the essential skin care products you can include in your daily regimen is a good moisturizer. All skin requires hydration to be healthy. This is particularly true for aging skin, which loses its natural moisture over time. When your skin is dehydrated, it will feel dry and itchy, with a dull appearance. Moisturizer restores lost hydration, resulting in supple, glowing skin.
8. Consider Your Skin Type
Knowing your type matters when it comes to healthy skin. Skin types usually include dry, oily, combination, and normal. Your skin may also be sensitive. Adjust your skin care routine and choose products based on your particular type.
These eight tips should give you a general road map to better care of your skin. With practice and experimentation, you’ll soon develop a routine that ensures your skin looks and feels its best.