There are different methods to catering for different types of skin. But to get a healthy skin for all skin types, you must try to get proper sleep, drink much water, exfoliate more, avoid unnecessary stress and smoking, and try to see a dermatologist when possible.
We all know that feeling of having a face filled with acne, a skin complexion displaying different colours, and an entirely dried up skin always. We may even feel ashamed or disgusting while staying with friends because you’ll feel so odd amongst them – the only one with the dried up skin, and you really wanna get rid of that.
The skin is undoubtedly the largest organ of the human body. Its appearance shows what is going on internally. The way you cater for the skin and the kind of treatment you apply to it matters a lot and needs not to be overlooked. When followed cautiously and effectively, simple routines will help you maintain an amazingly radiant, clean and smooth skin texture. Without any further ado, let’s know how you can take proper care of your skin.
What Ways Can I Take Care Of My Skin?
1. Always Drink Water
Just as oxygen is needed for life, water is needed to maintain your skin’s condition. While it doesn’t necessarily give you a glowing complexion, water has many benefits, including improving the health of other organs. If you lack water, you may experience breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity to sunlight. On the other hand, drinking water can help you eliminate blemishes.
To increase your water intake, start by finding a goal you can achieve over time and maintain. Once you have achieved this, you’ll soon find that drinking water is fun!
2. Exfoliating the Skin
Every day, our body tends to shed off dead skin cells. These skin cells are all left on the skin’s surface – acting as a barrier that prevents essential vitamins and lotions from gliding effectively through the skin’s surface. To this effect, you’ll need to exfoliate the skin to get rid of these dead skin cell layers.
Exfoliation is one of the most important aspects of cosmetic dermatology, but it’s also tricky to figure out how much you should be doing and at what frequency. In addition, you should also know that different people’s skin reacts differently to exfoliants. It’s best to seek a dermatologist’s advice before starting any new skincare regimen.
3. Eating a healthy diet.
What you consume daily actually impacts your skin’s health and appearance. First, make sure you get your fair share of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These compounds fight free radicals and improve the texture of the skin. Fish is also an excellent source of protein as it contains essential fatty acids that promote collagen and elastin production. These acids are also helpful in reducing inflammation.
Antioxidants in fruit and vegetables are also important for your skin because they protect it from free radical damage that can lead to wrinkling and age spots. You’re advised to have five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Some of these include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and papaya. Lutein is an antioxidant that is essential for normal skin cell development.
4. Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep is important for the skin as it allows the body to repair damaged cells and restore a youthful appearance. Overnight, the skin undergoes repairs to remove toxins, replace ageing cells, and produce new ones. This process requires seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Aside from skincare, good sleep also helps improve the lymphatic system, flushing out toxins and improving the skin’s appearance.
Lack of sleep is detrimental to the skin’s pH and moisture levels, leading to drier skin. Sleeping also increases the production of human growth hormone, a hormone responsible for firm skin, healthy hair, and shiny nails. Ultimately, sleep is the most important part of our lives. But besides all of the above, it also improves our mental and physical attractiveness.
5. Avoid Dairy Products
Dairy products contain proteins that may alter the genetic information in your skin, leading to acne. Acne is the most common skin condition affecting one in ten people worldwide. It affects as many as 54 percent of adult women. According to Dr. Fran E. Cook-Bolden, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai Health Systems, “dairy products may trigger acne because they contain high levels of lactose, a form of sugar”.
Cutting out dairy products from your diet will improve your skin’s texture, tone, and condition in a couple of weeks. If you’re looking for an easy way to get beautiful skin without cutting out dairy, you can opt for almond milk, vegan cheese, and other alternatives. Beyoncé’s flawless skin is a result of avoiding dairy. So, it’s definitely worth the change.
6. Avoid Smoking
You may have heard about the many health benefits of avoiding smoking, but how does avoiding it actually help in giving a healthy skin? First of all, cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. These chemicals are free radicals and can cause damage to your skin’s collagen and elastin, the two main substances that give your skin its elasticity and strength. When these substances are compromised, your skin will appear saggy and wrinkled. This is irreversible damage to the skin, so avoiding smoking is essential for healthy skin.
Apart from causing visible signs of ageing, smoking also damages the skin by reducing blood flow. It decreases the skin’s blood flow, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin’s surface.
7. Avoiding Stress
Did you know that your mental health can have a big impact on your skin? Stress affects your entire body, including your skin. When you are constantly worried about your financial status, the result can be a blemish-prone chin. Luckily, there are some simple solutions to help you avoid the negative impact of stress on your skin.
Psychological stress can cause various problems, including acne breakouts and rashes. In addition to causing irritated skin and hair, stress can also interfere with your skincare routine. People who suffer from high-stress levels will often skip their skincare routine, worsening their skin condition. People with acne might hide their problems or suffer from other health problems because of their blemished skin.
8. Choose Good Products
You can have beautiful skin with the right skincare products. But how do you choose them? It is a personal choice. Some ingredients can be harmful to your skin, such as lanolin, mineral oil, or specially denatured alcohol. You should avoid products containing artificial colours or fragrances because they can cause breakouts. You can also look for ingredients that contain antioxidants like vitamin E.
It is important to know your skin type. Different products are meant for different skin types. If your skin is oily, try Benzoyl Peroxide or alpha hyaluronic acid products. The lightweight, non-comedogenic0 formula is a good face moisturizer for oily skin. Look for jojoba oil, Shea butter, and lactic acid products for dry skin.
9. Gently Wash Your Face
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of washing your face gently. But how exactly does this benefit your skin? First, it helps clean your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup without drying out your skin. And don’t forget to wash your hands, too. By washing them thoroughly, you’ll get rid of any bacteria and dirt on your face.
Another great benefit of washing your face gently is the addition of alpha hydroxyl acids, which help to break down dead skin cells and minimize dullness. These acids also work as humectants, drawing moisture to your skin. And if you’re prone to dryness, exfoliating every other day can help you get rid of dry skin. Using a face cleanser that contains these ingredients can be a great way to achieve healthy skin without harsh chemicals.
You should also remember to dry your face gently. Avoid over-drying it, which can cause irritation and reduce your skin’s elasticity. By leaving a little bit of moisture, you’ll be able to absorb more of the products that you put on your face. When you’re finished cleansing, don’t forget to use a toner to eliminate any lingering impurities and replenish your skin with moisture.
10. See a Board-Certified Dermatologist
Visiting a dermatologist for skincare is a good idea for many reasons. For one thing, you will have access to the latest advancements and treatments in dermatology. A board-certified dermatologist is also a highly trained physician, so they are in the best position to take care of your skin. However, you should avoid choosing a dermatologist based on fancy marketing.
A dermatologist will also perform a full-body skin examination to screen for skin cancer. Skin cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, but if caught early, it is curable. Full-body skin exams will determine your risk for developing skin cancer and review your skincare routines. During these visits, your dermatologist will also review your medical history. As an actual physician, your dermatologist will need to know what medications you’re taking and whether or not you’re allergic to any substances.
Final Words
Taking care of the skin is as important as taking care of your internal organs. When your external organ isn’t in good shape, you tend to put your internal organs at risk. For a healthy skin, you must try to get proper sleep, drink much water, exfoliate more, avoid unnecessary stress and smoking, and try to see a dermatologist when possible. I hope you learned a lot from this article today. Tell us what you’ve been doing to cater to your skin’s health today in the comment section.