It’s no secret that taking care of your skin is essential. But what many people don’t realize is that the key to healthy skin doesn’t lie in expensive creams or treatments — it lies within you.
By making a few simple changes to your lifestyle and daily routine, you can dramatically improve the health and appearance of your skin. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Your skin reflects the foods you eat, so make sure you’re eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Vitamin C is significant for healthy skin — it strengthens connective tissues, brightens your complexion, and reduces inflammation.
Since your skin’s health is mainly dependent on the health of the rest of your body, being significantly underweight or overweight can affect how well your skin functions. For tips on healthy weight loss, look at fitness websites for routines that will help you shed those extra pounds.
Seriously hydrate
Instead of reaching for another soda or coffee, try drinking more water instead. You should aim for eight glasses of water a day, but if you’re exercising or in a hot climate, you may need to drink even more than that.
And while we’re on the subject, stay away from high-sugar and caffeinated drinks — they can increase your skin’s oil production and dehydration. Finally, drinking a lot of fruit juices and other sugary drinks can give you acne.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your skin. When your body is active, it sends oxygen-rich blood to your skin cells, speeding up cell replacement and strengthening the appearance of your skin’s outer layer.
Ensure you’re constantly well hydrated before, during, and after your workout session — dehydration causes dry skin. And remember to take care of your skin afterward by applying sunscreen if you’ll be exercising outdoors.
Avoid stress
Stress is detrimental to your physical and mental health, so it isn’t good for your skin. When your body is stressed, it releases cortisol and other stress hormones that break down collagen. If you’re feeling stressed out, find an activity that helps relieve your tension — exercise, meditation, or yoga are all great options.
Stress can also give you wrinkles, so try to relax twice a day by taking deep breaths and closing your eyes for a few minutes.
Have enough sleep
Although you might think sleep is something you can easily cut out of your day, it’s crucial to your skin’s health — lack of sleep can lead to prematurely aged, damaged skin. Aim for at least eight hours of quality sleep every night.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants before bed to help you fall asleep faster and keep yourself sleeping comfortably. It’s best to drink water several hours before bedtime, so you don’t wake up with puffy eyes.
Get rid of your blemish-causing habits
Although acne is regular in teenagers, everyone breaks out occasionally, even during adulthood. When that happens, it’s tempting to pick or squeeze the blemish — don’t give in to that temptation! Not only can picking at your face cause acne scars, but it can also spread the infection to other parts of your face.
If you’re struggling with chronic acne, dermatologists recommend seeing a professional for treatment options. If you need to pick at your pimples, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly afterward to avoid spreading the infection or further irritating your skin.
Get regular facials
Getting regular facials can give your skin the TLC it needs, and many spas offer different facial treatments like steam therapy and exfoliation. After a facial, you’ll look refreshed and rejuvenated — you’ll love what other people see when they look at your healthy glow!
Before your next facial, find out the ingredients used in your spa’s products, especially if you’re sensitive to certain chemicals.
Seek professional treatment
When you notice that your skin’s appearance is deteriorating, if you notice redness or dry patches, or if any of your pimples won’t go away even after using acne medication, it might be time to see a professional.
An urgent care might be necessary if you notice signs of infection like swelling or pain, but you can also schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in most other cases.
When visiting your doctor, make sure you’re well-groomed and presentable for the best results. Remember that when visiting your dermatologist, avoid heavy makeup before your appointment.
When it comes to caring for your skin, you need to take care of yourself first! The best way to do that is by keeping a healthy lifestyle. With these simple steps in mind, you’ll be able to save your complexion looking fresh and youthful with little effort.
