Ways To Keep Your Skin Healthy: The Ultimate Guide
Everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for some people might not work for others. That being said, there are universal tips that can help keep your skin healthy and wholesome.
There are so many things to take into consideration when it comes to keeping your skin in tip-top shape, from washing your face to staying out of the sun.
Your skin is one of the first things others notice about you, so it’s important to keep it as healthy as possible. From common issues such as dryness and redness to more serious concerns like acne and psoriasis, different people have different struggles with their skin.
Luckily, there are lots of ways you can help improve your complexion and avoid those concerns before they happen. Here are some simple ways that will help keep your skin healthy.
Common Skin Conditions To Be Aware Of
There are many skin conditions that can affect people in their daily lives, such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, and sunburn. A proper skincare regime can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
Whereas, using suncream when spending time outdoors, especially during the hotter months of the year, can protect you from getting sunburn. To learn more about these conditions and more, check out the guides here.
- Psoriasis is a common condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin. It often appears on areas of the body that are frequently touched, such as the back of the hands, elbows, knees, and scalp.
- Acne is a common issue that affects many people. It typically shows up as pimples or cystic lesions on the face, shoulders, and upper back.
- Eczema is a condition that causes itchy, red patches of skin that are often very dry, causing the skin, in some cases, to split and bleed. It commonly appears on the hands, wrists, and the inside of the arms.
- Sunburn is a result of overexposure to the sun. It can lead to serious issues such as skin cancer, so it’s important to avoid sunburn as much as possible.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
Your skin is your largest organ, and whatever you put on it will be absorbed into your bloodstream. That being said, it is important to choose skincare products that are made with ingredients that are safe for your skin. Be sure to avoid products with harsh chemicals or alcohol, which can be irritating for most skin types.
Eat Healthy Foods
If you eat a healthy diet, you’ll get plenty of nutrients that are good for your skin, such as vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and selenium. A healthy diet can help prevent dryness and redness, as well as wrinkles and breakouts.
There are no specific ingredients you have to eat to have healthy skin, but you should try to eat a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Be sure to limit your intake of sugar, salt, and processed foods.
Try Out Some Skincare Products
There are tons of skincare products to choose from, but not all of them are created equally. You can find cleansers, toners, moisturisers, masks, scrubs, and other products to help treat your specific skin concerns. Skin products are not one-size-fits-all, so try a few out to see which ones work best for you.
- Cleansers are important because they remove dirt, excess oil, and bacteria from your skin.
- Toner is sometimes used after cleansing to balance pH levels and reduce redness.
- Moisturisers are applied after toning to help protect against environmental damage, like sun damage and dryness, and reduce signs of ageing.
Exfoliate Once Or Twice A Week
While many people do this more regularly, it’s best to do it a few times a week. Exfoliating your face helps remove dead skin cells and excess oils that can clog your pores. This can also help reduce redness and prevent blackheads from forming.
Make sure you use a gentle exfoliant with natural ingredients such as coconut or jojoba oil. Exfoliating your body with a loofah or a bath sponge can also help clear pores and remove dead skin cells.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
The sun is great for your skin, but only when it’s done in moderation. Getting a good amount of sun can help you produce vitamin D, which is extremely important for healthy skin. However, spending too much time in the sun can cause wrinkles, dry skin, and even skin cancer. The best thing you can do is to seek shade when the sun is at its highest and wear suncream when you know you’ll be outside for a long period of time.
Stay Hydrated
If you don’t drink enough water, your skin will likely show signs of dehydration, like dryness and redness. Drinking lots of water can also help you avoid dark circles, breakouts, and wrinkles. If you don’t like plain water, try adding some citrus or herbs to give it a flavour boost.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising is always good for you, but it’s especially good for your skin. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. When your body is relaxed, and you’re getting enough exercise, your skin will reflect that. Getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day can help improve your skin’s elasticity and keep it looking young. There are many different types of exercise, so finding one that you enjoy is the best way to stick with it.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke regularly, you’ve likely noticed the effect it has on your skin. It can cause premature ageing and lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and discolouration. Your skin is among the first organs to suffer from the harmful effects of smoking, so quitting as soon as possible can help you reverse those effects. It’s important to note, however, that quitting smoking can take a long time and be difficult, so don’t feel discouraged if it takes time.
Practise Wellness To Reduce Stress
While there are many things that you can do to improve your skin, sometimes the best thing you can do is reduce your stress. Most people don’t realise that stress can actually do a lot of damage to the body and skin. From causing acne to breaking out to causing redness and irritation, stress can wreak havoc on your skin. There are tons of ways that you can reduce your stress. Try meditating, journaling, or even just taking a walk outside. The best way to keep your skin healthy is by taking care of your mental health.
Drink Less Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your skin and cause redness and irritation. While moderate alcohol consumption is fine, drinking too much alcohol can cause serious damage to your skin. When out with friends, you can moderate your drinking by choosing alcohol-free versions so you can still enjoy your night without impacting the health of your skin.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your skin healthy is important, and the best way to do that is by staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and eating healthy foods. There are so many ways you can help your complexion, but the best thing you can do is take care of your skin. Regularly exfoliating, wearing sunscreen, and using a face wash can also go a long way in keeping your skin healthy.