The skin is the body’s largest organs, and one of the most important. It helps with circulation, provides aesthetic value, and is the body’s first line of defense against invaders. Skincare should be a part of everyone’s health regimen, and taking care of your skin is easy when you know what to look for.
In this guide, we’ll cover six important tips for improving the health of your skin. From ditching smoking to moisturizing and eating better, these tips are tailored for people of all ages and ethnicities.
1. Quit Smoking
It’s time to address smoking. It’s been decades since preliminary research revealed the true extent of the damage that smoking causes, and since then, we’ve discovered thousands of illnesses, diseases, and cancers that are associated with the habit. But wait, there’s one more thing…it also negatively affects your skin.
If you’ve ever seen a decades-long smoker, you probably noticed the pursed lips, wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and nose, sagging skin, and age spots. These are tell-tale signs of smoking, and the more you smoke, the more damage you do to your skin.
Smoking not only causes vasoconstriction, which restricts blood flow, and therefore, oxygen and nutrients to the skin, but it also damages collagen and elastin. These fibrous compounds are responsible for keeping the skin firm and supple, but when you smoke, you’re actively destroying them.
So, if you want better skin, the first step is to quit smoking altogether. Your entire body will thank you! Luckily, there are tons of quitting aids, alternative products like tobacco-free dip from Black Buffalo, and even apps to help you track your progress.
2. Moisturize
Soaps, cold and hot air, and even certain fibers can dry out your skin. If your skin becomes too dry, it will crack and blister. This can be painful and inconvenient, and is terrible for the overall health of your skin. The solution? MOISTURIZE!
Do you moisturize when you get out of the shower? Yes, every time. You can’t just moisturize some of the time and expect your skin to achieve that radiant glow you’re looking for. Moisturization helps keep the skin healthy, giving it that soft feel and beautiful sheen that you see in the beauty ads. Ok, so maybe your skin won’t look that good, because of photoshop, right? But moisturization is still important to skin health.
There are thousands of skin care products out there for moisturization. Some contain vitamin E, which is great for skin health, while others contain things like essential oils or scents to give you moisturization and a good smell. Some people even take CBD in the form of gummies or topicals. The best CBD gummies, like those from Verma Farms, can improve skin health, reduce anxiety, and even improve heart health.
3. Drink More Water
Even with frequent moisturization, your skin needs water. Every organ in the body needs water, in fact, and the more water you drink, the better. It’s a good idea to replace those sugary drinks with as much water as possible, both for the sake of your skin and the sake of your waistline.
Water hydrates the skin, helps the healing process, reduces inflammation, and so much more. How much water did you drink today? It’s recommended that adults drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
4. Use Sunscreen
Yes, even adults need to use sunscreen! Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can contribute to things like age spots, premature wrinkles, and even melanoma. If you’re out in the sun for several hours at a time, make sure you’re using plenty of sunscreen and finding shade when you can.
5. Eat Better
Are you surprised that eating better is a tip for better skincare? The old saying, “you are what you eat” is more true than you might think. If you’re eating fatty, sugary, carb-rich foods, your body is going to suffer. The average American drinks almost 45 gallons of soda per year. That’s a lot of sugar!
Excess sugar is stored as a fat layer under the skin, which stretches and deforms your skin. Even if you lose weight, the skin can become stretched to the point where it doesn’t return to normal.
Aside from gaining weight, a poor diet increases your risk of health complications. Your body needs specific nutrients for all of its systems to function properly, including the skin. Remember that the skin is technically an organ, so it needs nutrients, too.
6. Use Higher-Quality Soaps
The soaps you use at home may also be contributing to dry skin, among other problems. If you’re still buying your soaps, shampoos, and other skincare products at the dollar store, it’s time to step up your game. Low-quality soaps are usually filled with cheap fillers that aren’t great for skin health.
The quality of the ingredients of any product you put on your skin should always be a priority. Plus, you’ll feel more moisturized and extend the overall life of your skin! Who doesn’t want that?
2018 ·