9 Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy

Skin is the largest organ in our bodies so it is crucial that we take very good care of it. Skin care products on the market require a lot of steps, contain unhealthy ingredients or don’t even work. The good news is that there are proactive ways you can achieve healthier, better-looking skin.

1. Sun: The sun is the number one thing you must protect your skin against. It can cause a lot of skin issues, including age spots and skin cancer. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. You should use it anytime you’re going to be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Make sure it is 15 SPF or above and remember – you need to reapply throughout the day. Also, try and seek out shade so you can cool down.
2. Smoking and Alcohol: The second worst thing for your skin is smoking. It causes premature aging, wrinkles, and decreases blood flow, which sucks out the oxygen and nutrients your skin needs. Drinking alcohol can dehydrate your skin and your body, so watch your consumption.
3. Water: Use warm, not hot water, to shower and wash your face. Hot water dries out and takes away the oils from your skin. Taking a shorter shower can also help. Another important thing about water and your skin; make sure to drink plenty of it!
4. Soaps and Cleansers: Use basic soaps and cleansers, not ones that contain a lot of chemicals that claim to fight skin issues. Go for gentle and unscented cleansers. Don’t use a ton of products because it can irritate your skin, and too many products will cancel each other out. Keep it simple and don’t overdo it. Skin products take time to work, so don’t abandon one when it doesn’t start working within a week. For women, you really need to clean your face before going to bed. If you don’t wash off your makeup it can badly ruin your skin.
5. Drying: Pat dry, don’t rub, otherwise it will take the moisture out of your skin.
6. Shaving: For both men and women, before you shave, you must make sure your skin is wet. Never shave dry skin. A perfect time to shave is after a warm shower.
7. Moisturize: It’s good to moisturize every day because it protects your skin from drying out and being damaged by the weather and environments. Having a lotion or cream that contains SPF is great, because no matter what the weather, you’re doing your skin a great service.
8. Diet: A good diet is good for the skin. Foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E will help to protect your skin from the sun as well as wrinkles. Eating foods high in omega-3s and monosaturated fats can also help protect your skin. Whole foods help against premature aging and less wrinkling.
9. Stress and Sleep: Stress causes breakouts; try to find some time to relax and unwind. Everyone needs to do this regardless of skin issues. Try yoga, meditating, getting a massage, or taking a bath. Getting enough sleep is also very important. It can leave you with bags under your eyes and your skin looking tired. Lack of sleep can also cause stress.

Editor’s Note: Learn how milk thistle can protect your liver and your skin.