As the skin is the body’s largest organ and offers a layer of protection for the entire body, it’s vital that we all take good care of our skin. While skincare is important for aesthetics and youthfulness, skincare goes far beyond merely being of cosmetic benefit. This guide will be offering helpful and topical advice on caring for your skin, to keep you healthy as well as looking and feeling your best.
Wear Sunscreen When Outdoors
While it’s good for you to get some direct sunlight on the skin for Vitamin D production, for the most part when outdoors, you’ll want to protect your skin against sunburn with a quality sunscreen with a SPF protection factor of 30 or higher. Not only will sunscreen protect you from burning, it will also slow down premature aging due to sun exposure.
Moisturise Daily
For your skin to maintain its hydration and youthful and supple appearance, it needs to remain hydrated. Moisturising the face and the body will help to keep skin hydrated and soft, rather than being dried out, itchy and irritated. Moisturising your face will also help to reduce or prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
A quality moisturiser will feed the skin layers with vital nutrients and promote the production of all-important collagen for elasticity. The action of massaging the moisturiser into your skin also promotes better blood flow to the skin, providing even more vital nutrients for skin health.
Don’t Wash Or Shower In Hot Water
While it’s very tempting to hop into a piping hot shower in the dead chill of winter, water that’s too hot will damage the skin. Even if it doesn’t feel like it’s actually burning you, it will be causing damage to the skin and will also dry it out.
Instead, opt for warm showers in the cooler months and even cold showers during summer. Your skin will thank you for it.
After you wash your face or get out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, as this can cause irritation. Better still, allow your skin to air dry on occasion for the best results.
Avoid Using Harsh Soaps
On occasion, you might need to use a harsh or abrasive soap to cleanse grease and stains from your skin but in normal circumstances, there’s no reason to use a harsh soap on your face or body. It will strip the skin of its essential natural oils, leaving it dry, flaky and more prone to developing skin conditions.
Use soap or body wash that contains a moisturiser. It will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated and silky smooth. If you’re prone to sensitive or itchy skin, then using soap that has a moisturiser is a must.
Consume Foods Rich In Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most essential vitamins for excellent skin health, with its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Consume foods daily that are rich in Vitamin C for skin that exhibits a healthy glow. Let’s list some things you should strive to eat every day:
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and kiwi fruits
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts
- White potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Plums and cherries
- Blackcurrant
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Kale
Drink Plenty Of Fresh Water
It’s well-known that one of the most important components of good skin health is for the skin to remain well-hydrated. For this reason, drinking plenty of fresh water each day is a must. The key word here is ‘water’, not just liquids such as coffee, milk, alcohol and other drinks. While other fluids and juices are fine, plain old water in generous amounts will do wonders for your skin.
Cleanse Your Face Daily With a Quality Cleanser
It’s important to choose a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight after use. You want your face to feel clean but not tight. Always choose a facial cleanser that’s been specifically formulated for your skin type or one that’s suitable for all types of skin.
Change Bed Linen Once a Week
Pillowcases get a build-up of oils and skin dander very quickly. If you truly want to look after your face (and hair) as best you can, then get in the habit of changing your pillowcases and sheets once a week. This will ensure bed linen is always fresh and will be far kinder on your skin. Remember, we all spend a lot of time in bed, so it only makes sense to ensure our beds are healthy for our skin.
Exercise For Skin Health
Regular exercise is beneficial for every part of the body, including the skin. The more you exercise, the better the blood flows through your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin layers.
Get Plenty Of Fresh Air
Fresh air is a must for healthy skin and good health in general. Getting out of the house, away from stale air and air conditioners, and getting out of the city and away from its pollutants is good for the appearance and health of your skin. Get out in nature regularly, give yourself a break from daily life, relax, inhale the fresh air and rejuvenate your skin in the process.
Get Plenty Of Quality Sleep
If you don’t get enough restful sleep and are scraping by on a few hours a day, one of the first things that is going to suffer is the appearance and health of your skin, especially your face. You’ll develop eye bags, wrinkles and possibly premature aging.
Sleeping also gives your body an opportunity to repair cells and this includes skin cells.
The Takeaway
Everyone should make a point of taking great care of their skin as it’s just so important, and not just for looking good. Healthy skin protects the body and helps to ensure that you remain healthy internally as well. Follow the tips in this article and give your skin a new lease on life.
https://www.self.com/story/guide-to-skin-care#:~:text=The%20three%20basic%20skin%2Dcare,Skotnicki.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-foods
https://www.sallybskinyummies.com/blogs/blogs/17681905-the-10-best-ways-to-take-care-of-your-skin
Ashley writes the articles and posts for MyMedici and other websites. He has a background in digital marketing and provides services through www.websitestrategies.com.au and www.ashleybryan.com.au. He lives on the Sunshine Coast, QLD with his family.