Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It’s also one of the most visible organs in the body and the one that takes the most abuse. Think about it: every day, you expose your skin to ultraviolet rays, to dirt and bacteria, and put it at risk for injury with razors, waxes and harsh skincare products.
How youthful and healthy your skin looks can be due to your age and genetics, but how well you care for your skin also plays a part. For the healthiest looking skin possible, follow these skincare tips.
Good Skin Starts From Within
You really are what you eat. The foods you eat play a big part in how healthy your skin looks. For example, if you eat a lot of salty snacks or other high-sodium foods, your skin is more likely to look puffy and bloated.
In contrast, eating foods that contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, which helps maintain or restore the protective barrier on your skin, can help minimize inflammation and redness and can help your skin retain its moisture.
Wear Sunscreen
Consistent exposure to the sun’s UV rays is what makes your skin more likely to wrinkle and age. There are two things to remember about wearing sunscreen. One, for the best results, you want to wear it daily, even on cloudy days and even when you won’t be spending that much time outdoors.
Two, you need to reapply the sunscreen frequently. It usually only lasts two or three hours. If you put it on before going to the office in the morning, you’ll want to reapply before you head out to lunch. Once it’s time to head home for the day, reapply it again (if the sun hasn’t set yet).
Cleanse Often
Cleaning your skin regularly should be part of your skincare regimen. Washing your face gets rid of makeup, as well as any pollutants and fine particles your skin might have picked up while going about your day.
Choose your facial cleanser with care based on the type of skin you have. If you have oily skin or break out easily, you’ll want to try a cleanser with salicylic acid, which helps control and reduce oil and pimples. If your skin tends to be dry, look for a cleanser with moisturizers.
Start a Skincare Routine
While you can’t stop aging, you can take steps to improve the health of your skin and reduce the visible signs of aging. A skincare routine using products designed to help target and treat your specific skin concerns is a must, no matter how old or young you are. If you aren’t sure what products will help you, Visia Skin Complexion Analysis can give you a good idea of what’s going on with your skin. The estheticians at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique can recommend the right products based on the results of your analysis.
Go Easy on the Skin
It’s possible to do too much to the skin in an attempt to fight the signs of aging. Usually, combining a handful of products can do more harm than good to the skin, especially if those products contain strong ingredients. To avoid irritation, stick with one or two products, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
Reduce Stress
Whether it’s job-related or people-related, stress can do a number on your entire body. It not only affects your internal organs, it can also make your skin more prone to irritation or break outs.
If possible, try to keep your stress levels low. Find a way to relax and decompress after a tough day at work. Some people do yoga to help themselves relax, others try meditation. Even going for a bike ride or another low-impact workout can help you lower your stress levels and improve your skin
Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face
News flash: your hands are really gross. Anytime you touch your face, whether it’s to scratch an itch, brush your hair off of your forehead, or pick at a pimple, you risk transferring the dirt and bacteria from your hands to your face.
Picking at pimples doesn’t just increase your risk for exposure to bacteria and dirt. Popping pimples also puts you at risk for developing scars, which will hang around much longer than any blemish ever would.
Hydrate
Your skin needs hydration to look bright and youthful. Hydration also helps skin retain its elasticity, so that it’s less likely to sag. Along with using moisturizing, hydrating lotions, make sure you’re hydrating from within. Drink plenty of water every day — at least eight 8-ounce glasses.
Avoid Heat
Whether it’s a steaming hot shower or a flaming bonfire, heat can contribute to inflammation and n cause damage to collagen, the protein that helps skin stay firm. Try to avoid direct blasts of heat, whether from a space heater, radiator, open fire or an overly hot shower.
Get Your 40 Winks
Sleeping for at least seven or eight hours a night can do wonders for your skin. The more well-rested you are, the less likely you are to have under eye circles. Sleeping enough can also help your skin look brighter and more youthful.
Go Easy on the Sugar
Eating a lot of sweets and candy doesn’t just lead to weight gain, it can also affect the look of your skin. Sugars in the body often bind with collagen. This weakens the collagen so that skin becomes less firm and sags more easily.
Have more questions about skincare and what you can do to keep your skin looking youthful? The staff at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas, can help. To schedule a consultation and to learn more about what you can do to protect and care for your skin, call 281-810-9083 today.
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