Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Healthy Skin Is Happy Skin

Your skin bears a lot of stress considering it protects your body from the outside world and everything in it. Give back to your skin by protecting it from the wear and tear of the environment. Here are five tips to healthy skin:

1. Protect Yourself

Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and apply generously. If you’re headed somewhere warm this winter, be sure to reapply after each dip in the water. Check the expiration on that old tube of sunscreen; most sunscreens are designed to remain at original strength for three years. And don’t be fooled by the cold winter air; sunscreen should still be applied in the cooler months. For daily use, try a moisturizer with SPF to maintain the moisture of your skin while protecting it.

2. Go Lukewarm with Water

With the cold winter air settling in, resist the urge to turn shower water on hot. Hot water may feel relaxing, but it can remove natural oils from your skin, leaving you with dry, patchy skin. Instead, opt for lukewarm water. When drying off, gently pat your skin with a towel to leave it slightly damp; your skin will absorb the extra moisture and re-hydrate.

3. Treat Your Skin Gently

The daily routine of cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. Be gentle by limiting bath time, avoiding strong soaps, shaving carefully and moisturizing daily.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating nutrient-dense foods will help you look and feel your best. Stick to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins to improve your skin inside and out. Evidence suggests that diets high in Vitamin C and low in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates are associated with younger looking skin. Eating water-rich foods will help prevent dry, cracked skin.

5. Manage Your Stress
High levels of stress can irritate your skin and trigger breakouts or other skin issues. Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which damages skin’s ability to hold on to water and can damage collagen and elastin, the protein fibers that keep your skin smooth. By taking small steps to manage your stress, you can keep your skin healthy and stress-free too.

Bottom Line: Skin is our largest barrier against infection, so don’t forget to take good care of it. Techniques such as managing stress, eating a balanced diet, staying moisturized and using sunscreen can help keep this important protective barrier strong and healthy.




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