People spend a fortune on an array of procedures in the hopes of having good skin. Taking care of your skin, however, must not be a hassle. It all starts with a few habits that you must incorporate into your daily routine to garner the best results. Research proves that a good skincare routine enhances the overall quality of one’s complexion.
So what are you waiting for? The following is a list of 10 great habits that you can adopt for healthy skin. Let’s get started.
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking a lot of water is not only a great habit for healthy skin but overall physical health as well. The human body comprises of cells that contain water. Water, therefore, plays a critical role in maintaining the physiological balance of the body.
Make it a habit to drink a lot of water on a daily basis as it will not only keep you satiated but will fulfill your skin’s hydration needs as well. Replace your coffee, juice, and other beverages with water because, unlike other beverages, water is free of any calories, so you can drink it as much as you want.
2. Apply sunscreen
Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from any sun damage. The sun’s UV rays are harmful to the skin as they accelerate the effects of aging. They damage the skin’s collagen and elastin tissues, resulting in skin sagging, wrinkling, and stretching. It also results in the appearance of age spots, freckles, discoloration, and in extreme cases, skin cancer.
While sunscreen may be well known for skin protection and preventing the development of premature aging signs, as per the results of a recent study by NCBI, continuous sunscreen application is beneficial for photoaged skin (skin damaged due to sun exposure). The study observed that people reported an improvement in their skin after 18 months of persistent sunscreen use.
It is crucial to pick out an effective sunscreen. Opt for a formula with SPF 30 or more. Moreover, it is best to opt for something water-resistant and broad-spectrum. Apply a thin layer 15 minutes before you head out and reapply every few hours.
3. Eat a healthy diet
You are what you eat. Your skin reflects your internal health. Therefore, if you wish to have healthy skin, you must look after what you put in your body. The human body needs a list of essential nutrients to thrive. Good nutrition and good skin go hand in hand. Make the switch to consuming healthier dietary options. These include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, E, and K, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, omega-3, selenium, zinc, etc. Be sure to consume balanced portions for the best results.
4. Use beauty supplements
Supplements are great because they compensate for all the nutrients that are lacking in your body. Since the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it requires more nutrients to stay healthy. Aside from a nutritious diet, be sure to incorporate supplements such as multivitamins in your everyday routine. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before you proceed to take anything.
Aside from oral supplements, topical supplements such as natural oils packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and skin-healing properties help the skin look and feel healthier.
5. Cleanse your face before bed
Cleansing is the best method to save your skin from any external dust, dirt, and leftover makeup. If left unattended, these environmental irritants result in clogged pores, breakouts, and more. Moreover, exposure to free radicals damages the collagen in the skin, thereby contributing to the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Cleansing helps maintain a healthy and flawless complexion.
6. Get good sleep
Sleep is essential for good skin as well as physiological health. It is vital to get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep as it helps skin rejuvenation. Interrupting your sleep cycle results in reduced cellular regeneration and thus accelerated aging.
Research proves the association between a lack of sleep and skin conditions by suggesting that people who suffer from sleep disorders are more susceptible to skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, aging, and more. Give your body and your skin some rest.
7. Manage your stress
Stress is one of the root causes of an array of ailments. It also harbors a massive impact on your skin health. Stress activates an emergency physiological response to help you cope with the circumstances. These responses, however, have been studied to result in skin aging. As per the Dermatology Online Journal, stress results in immune system dysfunction, DNA damage, and endocrine and immune modulation – all of which result in skin aging.
The best way to go about the matter is to manage your stress with the help of different coping strategies such as breathing exercises, meditation, exercise, music, and more; whatever helps ease your mind.
8. Use a good moisturizer
Moisturizers provide your skin with the necessary hydration it needs to rejuvenate and thrive. The skin is exposed to various environmental factors, all of which damage the skin in one way or another. A moisturizer helps replenish the skin’s lost moisture and natural oils. Moisturized skin is soft, supple, smooth, and youthful. Dry skin, on the other hand, looks scaly, rough, dull, and aged.
People with oily skin often avoid using moisturizers because they do not feel the need to apply them. Every skin type needs moisturizer. For oily skin, we recommend opting for a gel or water-based moisturizer as opposed to a cream-based one. If not a moisturizer, you may also opt for a light serum.
9. Become more active
Exercise benefits the skin in more than one way. Increased heart rate due to exercise results in enhanced blood flow, which in turn boosts collagen production in the skin. Improved blood flow also helps deliver blood nutrients to the skin cells better. This mechanism results in more youthful and firmer-looking skin. Moreover, exercise increases oxygen uptake, which promotes cell rejuvenation, and maintains muscle mass which prevents sagging, wrinkling, and more.
For people with inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, it is critical to exercise with caution as increases in body temperature can exacerbate your skin condition. Try to exercise in a cool environment and refrain from swimming in chlorinated pools.
10. Have a good skincare routine
A robust skincare system is essential if you wish to have healthy skin. A simple skincare regime can make a world of difference, so do not wait around. We recommend opting for skincare items that are manufactured with natural ingredients as they are just better. Products loaded with parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, and more can irritate and damage the skin or aggravate any pre-existing skin conditions.
A skincare regime need not be complicated. Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any accumulated debris and dirt on the skin. Proceed to exfoliate to remove any dead cells on the skin. Do not exfoliate daily; it can result in more harm than good.
After exfoliation, apply a light serum with hyaluronic acid and use a smooth formula like the Obagi eye cream around the eyes. Finish up with a layer of moisturizer, and you are good to go. Ideally, you should have a morning and nighttime skincare routine but at the very least, try to set a nighttime routine.
Parting thoughts
When it comes to skincare, consistency is critical. You cannot expect overnight results. You have to adopt regular practices to witness any long-term effects. Be sure to use our guide to help you out.
