As the largest organ and your body’s first line of defense against outside threats, it’s crucial that you take good care of your skin. A large percentage of our skin is protected by clothing, but one area that gets almost no protection is the skin on our faces.
Not only do our faces get the most exposure to the sun, wind, and extreme temperature, but they’re also impacted by our diets and how much water we drink (or don’t drink!). While prevention is the best way to keep our skin looking great, once the damage has been done, it’s time for a new approach. Repairing and healing your skin takes some time, but the results are absolutely worth it.
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Preventing Skin Damage
The best way to have healthy-looking skin is to avoid the damage before it begins, but that’s easier said than done. Besides, a lot of it may be out of your hands, as genetics and your body chemistry play a big role in the health of your skin. There are some things that can be helpful to anyone, however.
Sun protection is one of the easiest things to do. Starting by swapping your normal daytime moisturizer with one that contains SPF is a great beginning step. For those that spend a lot of time outdoors, adding sunscreen to your skincare routine is a smart choice as well, just don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours. Wearing a hat and staying in the shade during the sun’s peak hours can be a big help as well.
Additionally, you can prevent a lot of damage again by not smoking. Cigarettes are bad for countless reasons, but if you want to maintain that youthful glow, stay away. They damage elastin and collagen, increase your chances of developing squamous cell skin cancer, and smoking can cause wrinkles.
Skincare Routine
Healing your skin can be a big challenge, but with the right tools, you can do it. Your repairing skincare routine makes a big difference in how the process goes. Keeping your face clean and moisturized is important, but you should use the right products. Start with a gentle cleanser that works to remove dirt, grime, and makeup, but without any strong ingredients. Follow up with a hydrating toner, the right repair serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Not only should you be caring for your skin with better products, treating your skin gently matters, too. Exposure to hot water for too long depletes your skin’s natural oils, so be sure to take shorter baths and showers, as well as use warm water instead of hot water. It’s also helpful to pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it to avoid irritating the skin.
Make sure that you are using the best dermatologically tested skin care products when caring for a normal skin. Do not go with any and every product that you see on advertisement hoardings. It is best to consult with a dermatologist and figure out what works for your specific skin type. You need to stick with a specific skin care regimen for a few months to start seeing results.
Healthy Diet
Taking care of our bodies happens from the inside out, so maintaining a healthy diet is ideal for feeling and looking our best. While there isn’t a confirmed link between acne and diet, many people experience skin challenges when they’re eating more fatty foods rather than healthy options. Hydration is crucial for healthy skin, so drinking plenty of water helps tremendously. Make sure to incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Diets that are low in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats often result in younger-looking skin.
Stress Management
The unfortunate thing about uncontrolled stress is that it can impact our health, and in more ways than one. People that have high stress levels are at increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and more. When you experience too much stress, skin becomes more sensitive and can lead to more acne breakouts, as well as other skin problems. To manage this stress, get plenty of rest, set boundaries for yourself and stick to them, and don’t take on too much responsibility if you can avoid it. When you live a calmer, stress-free life, your skin will show it.
Help From a Professional
If you’ve improved your skincare routine, changed your diet, reducing your stress levels, and still are experiencing problems with your skin, there’s nothing wrong with seeking professional help. Look around for salons and spas in your area, a licensed Esthetician has a ton of tools to work with, from high-quality skincare products to the knowledge and expertise to help you find the right products for your skin.
Skincare Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
Sometimes when presented with the prospect of changing or implementing a skincare regimen, it can feel intimidating and even overwhelming. There is so much conflicting information out there, and countless supplements and other products, that the process is only further complicated. However, by following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to healthier skin that is in better shape than it was just yesterday.
