The skin is the largest organ in the body, so keeping it healthy is of the utmost importance.
Healthy skin is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. Taking care of your skin can help reduce your risk of skin cancer, rashes, acne breakouts, and premature skin aging. Consider these skincare tips for maintaining skin health.
Here are some tips to keep your skin stays healthy and youthful.
- Your skin needs to clean every day. Taking a bath every day will keep your skin clean and free from harmful microorganisms. The use of antibacterial bath soap can help to eliminate bad bacteria that can be harmful to your skin.
- Our skin has a normal exfoliation process, which removes the dead skin and also the bad bacteria. Exfoliation helps also to stimulate new skin cells to develop and produce. The use of a sponge or body scrub may aid the exfoliation process. Use of astringent, toner, and exfoliating lotions and creams can be helpful also.
- Eat food rich in omega fatty acids, proteins, and vitamin A, C, and E. Such foods are fish, citrus fruits, dairy products, meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and other carotenoid vegetables and fruits. The substances contained in this food are very important in the development of new healthy skin cells and nourishing the old ones.
- Keeping your skin hydrated keeps it healthy and functions well - to protect and regulate the body temperature. Hydrating your skin also keeps your skin youthful. Drink a lot of water every day. Apply moisturizer if needed or the use of oats, honey or eggs can be effectively moisturized your skin.
- Take vitamins and skin supplements to nourish your skin. Adding vitamins to your daily meals can help to boost your skin nourishment. Sometimes nutrients coming from the food we eat are not enough to provide the skin with enough nutrients it needed, thus, vitamins and supplements are essential. Taking collagen supplements can be helpful too. Collagen is very significant and responsible for skin elasticity. Diminished collagen production in our body causes wrinkles and skin to sag. Collagen supplements can prevent early signs of skin aging.
- Avoid long exposure to sunlight and radiation. Radiation coming from the sun can destroy skin structure. It does not penetrate only the epidermis but even the dermis where the new cells are being developed. When exposed to sunlight, use lotions and sunblocks that contain sun protection factor (SPF), opacifying agent, and other agents that block or protect you against the damaging radiation coming from the sun. Or always stay shade if necessary.
- Go to a dermatologist if you have the extra money in your pocket. Dermatologists will take care of your skin and they will provide you the care you need to keep your skin healthy. Also, they have special products and procedures that can aid your skin to stay healthy and youthful.
Wear Protective Clothing
- UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a rating assigned to clothing that indicates the level of sun protection the fabric provides. Protective clothing rated UPF 50 or higher is recommended for blocking out harmful UV rays.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
A broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) prevents sunburn and provides an effective layer of protection from skin cancers, such as melanoma.
Give your skin a break from sun exposure
Sun damage from prolonged sun exposure causes the skin to lose its elasticity, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. When working outdoors, wear sunscreen, and protective clothing, and take frequent breaks in the shade.
Moisturize dry skin
There are a wide variety of skincare products-moisturizers, lotions, and creams-that protect different skin types from dryness. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding to the oiliness.
Wash your face daily
Use a gentle, foaming, facial cleanser once or twice a day to remove impurities from the skin's surface. Avoid using excessively hot water and harsh soaps that will strip your skin of natural oils.
Exfoliate your skin weekly
An exfoliating scrub is great for removing dead skin cells from elbows, knees, and heels, but exfoliate only once a week to avoid irritating your skin.
Drink plenty of water
Water hydrates all of the body's organs, including the skin. One of the easiest ways to avoid dry skin is to stay well-hydrated.
Eat healthy fats
Healthy fats-such as those found in nuts, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil-contain antioxidants that help keep skin cells healthy. Omega 3-fatty acids-primarily found in fatty fishes such as salmon, mackerel, and herring-can keep the skin supple and moisturized.
Take vitamins
Though you may not associate vitamins with your skincare routine, taking a daily supplement is a simple thing you can do for your skin. Vitamin E protects the skin against free radicals and inflammation. Vitamin C can help brighten your skin tone and increase your skin's production of collagen and elastin.
Get regularly screened by a dermatologist. Regular screenings by a dermatologist are recommended for those with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. These conditions are characterized by rashes that can become itchy. Scratching can lead to open wounds that can easily become infected and cause the rash to spread. A dermatology professional can provide a diagnosis and topical solutions that can help keep skin conditions in check. Dermatologists can also keep an eye on your skin for signs of skin cancer.
Avoid smoking. Smoking shrinks the blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin, which decreases blood flow to the skin. This makes skin look paler and deprives it of essential nutrients.
Best Foods for Maintaining Healthy Skin
Fatty fish
Fatty types of fish like salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. They’re also a good source of high quality protein, vitamin E, and zinc.
Avocados
Avocados are high in beneficial fats and contain vitamins E and C, which are important for healthy skin. They also pack compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage.
Walnuts are a good source of essential fats, zinc, vitamin E, selenium and protein — all of which are nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant for the skin.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock and may protect your skin from sun damage.
Red or yellow bell peppers
Bell peppers contain plenty of beta carotene and vitamin C — both of which are important antioxidants for your skin. Vitamin C is also necessary to create collagen, the structural protein that keeps your skin strong.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids that are important for skin health. It also contains sulforaphane, which may help prevent skin cancer and protect your skin from sunburn.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene. These carotenoids protect your skin from sun damage and may help prevent wrinkling.
Soy
Soy contains isoflavones, which have been shown to improve wrinkles, collagen, skin elasticity, and skin dryness, as well as protect your skin from UV damage.
Dark chocolate
Cocoa contains antioxidants that may protect your skin against sunburn. These antioxidants may also improve wrinkles, skin thickness, hydration, blood flow, and skin texture.
Green tea
The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness, as well as improve its hydration, thickness and elasticity.
Red grapes
Resveratrol, the famous antioxidant found in red grapes, may slow your skin’s aging process by impairing harmful free radicals that damage your skin.