There’s been a lot of focus on skincare over the past few years – and with good reason. Healthy skin doesn’t just look good; it also does a better job of keeping us protected. Regulating body temperature, preventing germs from entering the body, and manufacturing vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, our skin plays a huge role in our overall health.
It can be difficult to keep track of all the things that you need to do to ensure that your skin stays healthy, especially considering differences in skin type and how weather affects our skin. Still, there are some universal rules we can follow to keep our skin healthy all year long, such as:
Eat and Snack Healthy
There’s an age-old saying: You are what you eat! An unhealthy diet can impact how all your organs work – including your skin. Fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits like avocados, and beta-carotene-rich vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are all essential to a diet for healthy skin. Walnuts, rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as zinc, can be a great snack. And as an added bonus: Studies have shown that consuming a cocoa powder high in antioxidants can result in thicker, more hydrated skin and less prominent wrinkles. Try to swap out those sweets with 70% cocoa dark chocolates for best results.
Hydrate Inside and Out
Many celebrities claim that drinking water and staying hydrated is their “skincare secret”, but dermatologists have actually found that there’s no hard evidence that drinking water will make a huge difference in your skin’s appearance. However, not drinking enough water can leave you dehydrated, which can make your skin dry, tight, or itchy. Experts agree that the best way to keep your skin healthy is through drinking enough water and having a good moisturizing regimen. Use products like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day!
Exfoliate – Gently
Exfoliation is something that many skin newbies shy away from, as they’re afraid that it might hurt. After all, exfoliation is meant to remove dead skin cells to get rid of dry or dull skin and improve blood circulation, right? But just about everyone can benefit from some gentle exfoliation, especially people who spend a lot of time driving through industrial areas. Exfoliation plays a huge role in any anti-aging skincare routine because it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and helps tighten pores. Many products like cleansers gently exfoliate, so you often won’t even need to mechanically exfoliate your skin with a brush or a sponge.
Always Wear Sunscreen
Experts have often said that exposure to the sun can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and worst of all, skin cancer. We can’t realistically stay indoors (or away from direct sunlight) all day, but it’s important to wear sunscreen even if you don’t anticipate having to go outside. In fact, some studies have even shown that the blue light from our devices can also have negative effects on our skin. Effective sun protection for your skin should be labeled broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher. Luckily, many products like lotions and moisturizers will already be labeled as SPF 30 or higher, so finding a good sunscreen for your skin type won’t be too hard. All you need to do is to remember to apply (and reapply) your sunscreen in the morning and throughout the day.
Check out our other beauty tips for more great advice on keeping your skin healthy!
Xo,
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