The skin is the largest organ of the body and is also the most exposed to the elements. Central heating, sunlight, air conditioning; all these everyday conditions can slowly damage your skin. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do for beautiful, healthy skin.
Sunblock
The sun emits so much energy that it illuminates the entire sky. Aside from providing us picturesque sunsets, it also emits high energy ultraviolet radiation that can harm the skin. Sunscreen blocks these rays from burning the skin. Sunburn can sneak up on anyone, so apply soothing gels and cold water to a sunburn. Cover burnt skin with light clothing when out in the sun to allow it to heal.
Each cream has a sun protection factor or an SPF number. This is the percentage of UV light that is absorbed by the sunblock. For example, skin protected with SPF 30 cream will receive one thirtieth the amount of sunlight to skin with no sun protection. There’s a lot of things to consider when choosing the perfect sunblock so make sure you find one that is right for you.
Hydration
When you are dehydrated, you feel tired, your throat gets dry, and your skin also suffers. Your skin gets dry if it doesn’t receive enough moisture, and that doesn’t just include moisturising creams but also drinking water.
Try to find a water drinking schedule that works for you. Keeping a water bottle by your desk can help if you forget to drink water whilst working. Putting a glass of water on your nightstand for when you wake up in the morning is a great way to start the day (you can put a coaster on top of the glass to prevent that dusty taste).
Daily Exercise
Exercising every day does not need to be a high intensity slog, but something that can increase the heart rate and open the capillaries in the skin will keep essential nutrients and oxygen in the blood flowing.
The easiest way to guarantee you get your blood flowing everyday is by incorporating exercise into your daily commute. If you take public transport, then hop off the bus a stop early, or cycle to work once a week. If you have a lunch break then take a fifteen minute walk around your local area. Check out these 7 moves that will tone your butt for a quick kickstart to not just keeping your skin healthy but also your body.
Vitamins and Minerals
You need to eat food from all corners of the food pyramid in order to fuel your body with all the nutrients it needs to keep it healthy. This includes vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C for strong blood vessels that keep the skin vibrant, vitamin D that helps the skin repair itself and keep healthy, non hydrogenated fats for springy skin.
Don’t Squeeze Spots
Although it is tempting to pick at spots, acne or blackheads, it is better to use other techniques to clear up clogged skin. Popping spots actually damages the skin and can let bacteria through the skin barrier. Spots are the body’s natural response to fighting bacteria and will disappear on their own.
If you are struggling with acne, then visit a doctor who will work with you to gradually fight it. There is not an overnight cure for acne and often the cause can be hormonal. Wash pillows once a week and don’t share towels to minimize re-infection.
Skin Creams
A daily moisturizing routine keeps your skin soft and prevents dryness. After a shower, or anytime you work with cleaning products or other fluids that dry-up or damage the skin, wash with a gentle soap and apply a moisturizer. You do not need to use much, just enough to cover the surface.
Some people, as they age, can get sun spots or darkened patches of skin. This is a normal effect from ageing skin and sun damage, but if you want to homogenize your skin tone then use an intensive moisturizer and consider using a spot-reducing cream such as underarm whitening creams.
Taking care of your skin can be as simple as swapping your face cream for one with an SPF or keeping a water bottle with you when you leave the house. Use these six simple tips for healthy, glowing skin that is strong and beautiful.