5 Steps Toward Healthy-Looking Skin
While we all get blemishes at some point, the AAD reports that 50 million Americans actually get affected by acne each year. And while it is usually thought of primarily as a young person’s condition, the truth of the matter is that more and more adults are having to deal with skin issues as well. The good news though is that having healthy skin overall isn’t far out of reach if you’re willing to put in a little effort. As long as you’re fairly healthy and you follow the steps laid out below, your skin will look and feel better.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Healthy skin starts on the inside. In order to get (and keep) healthy skin, having a healthy, sustainable diet is important. As expressed in our piece “Essential Nutrients For A Healthy And Glowing Skin”, all of the vitamins and nutrients we need should be coming from what we eat. Many of those vitamins are specifically for skin – vitamin A is excellent for shiny skin and hair, while selenium helps skin cells. It’s also recommended that you avoid refined sugar and other highly processed foods while sticking to whole grain options, fresh veggies and fruit, and healthy fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids: remember that your skin tends to give away what you eat.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
According to Harvard, you should generally be looking at 4-6 cups a day if you’re in good health, and more during hot, sunny days and when you’re sweating. Apart from, you know, keeping you alive, water is also particularly great for your skin. As it keeps your skin hydrated, it increases elasticity, which means fewer wrinkles. Drinking enough water also helps reduce acne breakouts and decrease existing blemishes.
Keep A Regimen
Keeping your skin bright and healthy is simple if you stick to some certain steps. An effective skin brightening routine will consist of a gentle exfoliating cleanser to start with, followed by a brightening toner, a time corrector for the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, and a defense (SPF 50) to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays – and yes, you should be using a protector or sunblock even in the winter. Some of these products are for use once a day, while others should be used twice (once in the morning, and again before bed). Keeping a regimen will help you remember every step of your skincare routine and avoid missing things – like sunblock, for example.
Be Careful In The Sun
It’s perfectly natural to enjoy a little time in the sun. And in moderation, a little bit of color can even give your skin an attractive and healthy glow. That said, the truth of the matter is that sun us ultimately damaging. It causes oxidation in the skin, which in turn leads to wrinkling, tightness, and an appearance of premature aging. Additionally, that healthy, “tanned” look can go too far. In an article last year, SymptomFind identified sunburn as a common cause of unwanted discoloration, noting the potential for too much UV ray exposure to cause inflamed, red skin. Sunburn fades (sometimes peeling in the process), but severe or frequent burns an lead to more permanent, blotchy discoloration. To avoid this sort of ill effect however, you need only use the correct products; wear long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses when you’re in the sun too long; and try to limit exposure to give your skin breaks –– even on trips to the beach or summer afternoons by a pool.
Get a Checkup
It’s highly recommended that we go to the dermatologist for a regular checkup once a year, with quarterly checks being the norm if you have a history of skin cancer or other skin-related issues. And of course, if you find anything strange on your body and your first thought is “Well, that’s weird.” make an appointment immediately. Apart from making sure you’re in the clear for skin cancer or other types of melanoma, your dermatologist can also give you recommendations for the best skin routine and products specifically for your type of skin (of which there are five, according to Today). They can also guide you in the right direction if you’re looking for treatments for acne, severely dry or cracked skin, rosacea, or other conditions.
If you have oily, dry, or acne-ridden skin, take a moment and look at your skincare routine. If you see that you’re not drinking enough water or keeping the right skincare regimen, it may be time to make some lifestyle changes. Your skin, the largest organ of your body, will thank you!
For more tips on healthy living, come visit Twigs Cafe again soon!
About the Author
Twigs cafe staff is comprised of editors, writers, food & drink experts, nutritionists, and researchers to create informative and helpful content for health-conscious people.
