Skin is the largest organ of our body; it actually reflects your overall health. Maintaining its healthy appearance should be a top priority for any individual. However, a large percentage of the population neglect their skin until it is too late to repair the damages that have accumulated throughout the years.
The Basic Foundation of Skin Care Health
With all the fads and complicated regimens available in the market, let me give you the basics to achieve the most-coveted healthy glowing, youthful skin. Follow these five commandments religiously and notice the change that is about to happen.
1. Have a healthy diet
This may sound cliché, but what you eat in private is what shows in public. The same goes to your complexion, whatever food you regularly consume will have an overall effect on how your skin looks.
Stock up on foods rich in vitamin E, this antioxidant protects the skin from cell-damaging free radicals. You can have it by consuming nuts, almonds, and broccoli. Foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, prevent future breakouts from occurring. Grapes and other berries, on the other hand, contain flavonols. Flavonols are very powerful antioxidants that can help with the improvement of skin clarity and texture. Also, add some protein and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet to help prevent premature skin aging. This fatty acid can be obtained from salmon, or flaxseed oil. It aids in water retention, therefore boosting the skin’s hydration and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking tea, which is rich in antioxidants also have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Of course, never forget your green leafy vegetables. They contain folate which helps repair damaged DNA, thus preventing skin cancer. Lots of vitamin C, on the other hand, will boost the production of collagen in your body to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.
2. Stay hydrated, and moisturized
Not all people will agree that proper water consumption for your body will greatly affect the health of your skin. But think about it this way, the skin, just like any organ in our body is made up of cells. And mind you, a single cell is composed of 70% water. Guzzling a good 8 glasses of H2O daily will also help flush toxins out of your system. This is why it is safe to say that drinking enough water is one of the keys to achieve a healthier, more glowing complexion. Add this good old-fashioned way of hydration to your regimen, and see the long-term results for yourself.
However, the sad part is that your skin will be the last to benefit from your water consumption compared to other organs in your body. This results to the increased need for moisturizing. The best time to slather on moisture is a few minutes after you have taken a bath. Your pores are still open, thus making the absorption of much needed water easier.
3. Exercise
Your daily physical activities not only contribute to your weight management but also to the maintenance of a healthy skin. Cellulites or those unsightly dimple-like appearance on the skin of certain body parts can be minimized or prevented as your muscles are being toned when working-out. Sweating during your routine also aides in flushing or purging toxins that may clog your pores.
Oxygen levels are also being boosted when you exercise, thus increasing blood flow to the skin resulting to a healthier state.
4. Use products that suit your skin
With the multi-billion dollar skin care industry, it is easy to get lost or rather overwhelmed with the amount of products to choose from. Using the proper skin care line is crucial in maintaining a healthier complexion. It’s just like picking the right clothes for your body type to improve your over-all appearance, except that this time, the enhancement is literally skin deep.
But how do you know if what you’ve been religiously applying is actually the right fit for you? It’s simple. First, analyze your skin. By now, you should have determined if you have oily skin, dry, or maybe a combination of both. Your skin could also be sensitive. Knowing the right products for your skin tone also helps. Then, assess the skin care concerns that you want to address. One of the common problems is acne, to which you may solve with the help of other skin care medications such as tretinoin, and antibiotics like clindamycin, or benzoyl peroxide. It is best if you will get expert advice on this one.
If you want to slow down the process of aging, it is best to start at an early age. By the time you hit your 20’s, the skin already loses collagen as fast as a forty year old does. Collagen maintains the elasticity of the skin. Seek professional advice in choosing products to treat conditions such as rosacea or hyperpigmentation.
Educating yourself about the ingredients of skin care products will help you determine which suits your needs best.
5. Never forget sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is a skin care commandment that should never be forgotten. We all know how damaging the UVA/UVB rays are, that no matter how good your diet is, or how often you exercise, they will still do great damage to your skin. Aside from the anti-aging benefits, it also helps in preventing skin cancer which is very rampant nowadays. So, never forget to bring a bottle anywhere you go.
Following these tips, hopefully will help you maintain a healthy complexion. Do you have any other tips? Let everyone know in the comments below.