People can often tell a lot about our health by our skin. We get bags when we’re sleep deprived or stressed, for example. Skin is the largest organ of your body and we all want healthy looking skin, whether it be for cosmetic reasons or other health reasons. Taking good care of your skin helps delay the aging process and prevent or lessen many skin conditions.
Things You’ll Need
* Sunscreen
* Gentle cleanser
* Moisturizer
* Water
Step 1
Quit Smoking. Smoking is harsh on your skin, along with internal effects. Smoking makes skin look older and can yellow the skin. Smoking also narrows blood vessels in the top layers of the skin, decreasing blood flow and depriving the skin of oxygen and vitamin A, an important nutrient to skin health.
Step 2
Get sun protection. Excess sun exposure can cause skin changes like wrinkles, freckles, dry skin or even skin cancer. UVA rays are extremely harsh on skin Discovery health recommends a sunscreen that contains Mexoryl, which blocks the most UVA rays. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Step 3
Be gentle with your skin. Choose a mild cleanser and be sure to gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Use shaving cream when shaving to help lubricate and protect your skin. Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Step 4
Exfoliate your skin once a week. Exfoliating removes the top layer of dead skin cells, which can make a big difference in your skin’s appearance. Discovery Health recommends finding an exfoliate that has the smallest grains possible, to prevent skin damage. Men exfoliate when they shave, which is why their skin looks so healthy after a fresh shave.
Step 5
Keep stress under control. Stress can cause your skin to become more sensitive and can even trigger breakouts. Try a form of relaxation or meditation. Keep your schedule reasonably balanced, with time for yourself.
Step 6
Moisturize your skin if you do not suffer from acne. Consistent use of moisturizer softens aging effects on the skin and decreases skin damage. Dr. Rob Danoff of Discovery Health recommends applying moisturizer after a shower or bath to help keep your skin hydrated.
Step 7
Drink lots of water. Water is extremely important for the body, as it aids in digestion, absorption of vitamins and excretion of toxins. Being well-hydrated will help keep your skin moist and supple, helping to reduce the risk of wrinkles.
Speak Your Mind