Your skin is the largest single organ in your whole entire body. Taking care of it is important to your physical health given how it’s the physical barrier protecting your internal organs from everything you touch or are exposed to. It’s also important to your emotional and mental health since it is your actual appearance to others you meet. Having options for improving your skin health is crucial to maintaining how you look and feel.
Quit Smoking
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should quit smoking if you currently partake in this habit. Smoking can make skin appear older than it actually is because it contributes to wrinkles. It narrows tiny blood vessels that are closest to the surface of the skin. That makes skin more pale and decreases blood flow so there is less oxygen and nutrition reaching your skin.
Protect Your Skin From Sunlight
You’ll likely hear this piece of advice every time you see a specialist for a dermatology appointment. Apply sunscreen that is SPF 15 at a minimum, and reapply it every few hours. Do so more often if you are sweating or swimming. Also, wear wide-brimmed hats and long pants or shirts to cover your limbs from UV radiation. If possible, don’t go outside between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon and wear dry skin creams.
Eat and Drink Right
Fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains go a long way to putting the right nutrients in your body. These eventually make it to your skin, and what you eat and drink does impact your sweat that skin excretes. Refined carbs are assumed to be something you should avoid, as they might increase your chances of acne. Water is something you should have lots of to stay hydrated so your skin can wash itself out.
Be Gentle
If you want your skin to look gentle, then you need to be gentle with it first. Limit your time bathing, and don’t use particularly strong soaps. Shave with care when you need to do it, and use a good moisturizer consistently. Pat dry as much as you can to keep some moisture in your skin.
When you care for your skin properly, you are actually caring for yourself. Using these four options for improving your skin health keep you looking better and feeling great in life. Use each one you can incorporate into your daily routine or usual lifestyle to benefit the most.
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2