Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin
Nothing can make a person look youthful and healthy like a beautiful, clear complexion. All of the information circulating about how to look younger and get younger looking skin can be daunting. While there is no miracle serum or drug that can turn back the clock, a few changes can make all the difference.
Wash Your Face at Night
Because human beings tend to touch their face thousands of times a day, the face can be one of the dirtiest parts of the body, especially by the end of the day. Washing your face at night is essential to keeping pores unclogged and your skin clean. While your face may be dirty, using harsh cleansers with tons of chemicals is not necessary. Using a mild face wash with lukewarm water should remove most of the dirt on your face. Using regular bar soap can leave residue and dry your skin out even more, so make sure you are using a face wash that suits your skin type.
Bath Time
Limit the amount of hot baths and hot showers you take. It’s a common myth that hot water will open your pores rendering them easier to clean, but the only thing hot water will do is dry out your skin. When you dry off, make sure you pat dry rather than rub dry. Your skin will thank you.
Moisturize
The right moisturizer can do wonders for healthy skin. Finding the right moisturizer can be tricky, but most moisturizers are made for dry, normal, or oily skin, which is indicated on the moisturizer container. Also, the cheaper moisturizers founding at neighborhood stores such as Wal-Mart or Target work just as well as the more expensive moisturizers.
Facial Massage
Giving yourself a quick facial massage while applying your moisturizer will stimulate your skin giving it an automatic glow. If you prefer not to do it yourself, most spas and many salons offer facial massages. The face has muscles just like the rest of your body, and giving it a gentle massage is not only relaxing but is good for your skin’s health. Massage can also help with slowing the formation of wrinkles and jowls.
Sunscreen
While the sun may seem our greatest enemy, if you are sitting under florescent lights or at a computer screen for most of the day, you are exposed to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to premature wrinkling, sun spots, and skin discoloration. If you are moisturizing, chances are you have come across several moisturizers that have sunscreen in them. This is probably the easiest way to make sure you are wearing some protection throughout the day. Many cosmetic companies are also starting to include sun protection in foundations and powders.
Sunless Tanner
If you can’t live without tan skin, try sunless tanner. It’s a cheaper and healthier alternative to tanning in salons or laying out in the sun for hours at a time. Many moisturizers are starting to incorporate sunless tanners in their products as well. Please remember, while you may look great now, excessive tanning WILL age you and put you at a much higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Water
Water is probably the best kept secret for beautiful skin. When you get enough water, your skin is fully hydrated and healthy, inside and out. Try keeping a bottle of water with you at all times, and if you simply don’t like water, try adding lemon or lime. You can also find various flavor mixers for water at your local grocery store. After a about a week of drinking enough water, you will see a difference in your skin’s overall health.
Diet
Our skin reflects what we eat. When we don’t get the right nutrients or when we put preservatives and toxins in our body, your skin is being deprived like the rest of your body. Make sure you eat enough fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats. You and your skin will feel and look better.
Stress
Stress can lead to premature aging, namely wrinkles. Try to take at least 15-60 minutes out of your day that are just for you. Cut a little off your to-do list, try yoga or Pilates, go for a short walk, just make sure you take time to wind down.
Smoking and Drinking
Unfortunately, the best way to stop the damage smoking and excessive drinking do to your body and skin is to stop. While drinking in moderation won’t affect your skin’s health much, excessive drinking is basically equivalent to poisoning your body (and skin) over and over. Smoking leads to premature aging in the skin mainly in the form of wrinkles and basic skin damage. The effects can be profound.
Acne and Severe Breakouts
If you are experiencing severe acne breakouts, chances are you have tried a lot of the techniques above with little to no success. You may be experiencing hormonal imbalances, which should be discussed with your dermatologist or general practitioner. Your doctor can help you with treatment. Many women seek the help of their gynecologist, as various hormonal treatments have been successful with clearing up acne. If you decide to try over-the-counter products for acne, please make sure you consult your doctor or pharmacist first. You may be using a product that is not right for your skin or may do more harm than good.
Décolletage and Other Body Parts
While skincare for your face is important, it’s as equally as important for other body parts. Using a good moisturizer all over is great for your skin, especially if you take hot showers or love to soak in the bathtub. One area that is especially neglected is the décolletage, the area under your next extending all the way down to the breasts. The skin in this area is very thin and vulnerable, and this area is usually the first to show signs of aging, especially in women. You should moisturize and use sunscreen for this area of your body as well. Your hands are also vulnerable. Think about the amount of time you spend driving with the sun blaring down on top of your hands. This can lead to premature aging in the hands and put you at risk for developing skin cancer. A dab of sunscreen is all it takes to make a difference.
When to See a Health Professional
If you notice any abnormalities or unusual growths on your skin, please see your dermatologist or primary care physician as soon as possible. Skin cancer can be treated, especially when found in the early stages.
Wash Your Face at Night
Because human beings tend to touch their face thousands of times a day, the face can be one of the dirtiest parts of the body, especially by the end of the day. Washing your face at night is essential to keeping pores unclogged and your skin clean. While your face may be dirty, using harsh cleansers with tons of chemicals is not necessary. Using a mild face wash with lukewarm water should remove most of the dirt on your face. Using regular bar soap can leave residue and dry your skin out even more, so make sure you are using a face wash that suits your skin type.
Bath Time
Limit the amount of hot baths and hot showers you take. It’s a common myth that hot water will open your pores rendering them easier to clean, but the only thing hot water will do is dry out your skin. When you dry off, make sure you pat dry rather than rub dry. Your skin will thank you.
Moisturize
The right moisturizer can do wonders for healthy skin. Finding the right moisturizer can be tricky, but most moisturizers are made for dry, normal, or oily skin, which is indicated on the moisturizer container. Also, the cheaper moisturizers founding at neighborhood stores such as Wal-Mart or Target work just as well as the more expensive moisturizers.
Facial Massage
Giving yourself a quick facial massage while applying your moisturizer will stimulate your skin giving it an automatic glow. If you prefer not to do it yourself, most spas and many salons offer facial massages. The face has muscles just like the rest of your body, and giving it a gentle massage is not only relaxing but is good for your skin’s health. Massage can also help with slowing the formation of wrinkles and jowls.
Sunscreen
While the sun may seem our greatest enemy, if you are sitting under florescent lights or at a computer screen for most of the day, you are exposed to UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to premature wrinkling, sun spots, and skin discoloration. If you are moisturizing, chances are you have come across several moisturizers that have sunscreen in them. This is probably the easiest way to make sure you are wearing some protection throughout the day. Many cosmetic companies are also starting to include sun protection in foundations and powders.
Sunless Tanner
If you can’t live without tan skin, try sunless tanner. It’s a cheaper and healthier alternative to tanning in salons or laying out in the sun for hours at a time. Many moisturizers are starting to incorporate sunless tanners in their products as well. Please remember, while you may look great now, excessive tanning WILL age you and put you at a much higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Water
Water is probably the best kept secret for beautiful skin. When you get enough water, your skin is fully hydrated and healthy, inside and out. Try keeping a bottle of water with you at all times, and if you simply don’t like water, try adding lemon or lime. You can also find various flavor mixers for water at your local grocery store. After a about a week of drinking enough water, you will see a difference in your skin’s overall health.
Diet
Our skin reflects what we eat. When we don’t get the right nutrients or when we put preservatives and toxins in our body, your skin is being deprived like the rest of your body. Make sure you eat enough fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats. You and your skin will feel and look better.
Stress
Stress can lead to premature aging, namely wrinkles. Try to take at least 15-60 minutes out of your day that are just for you. Cut a little off your to-do list, try yoga or Pilates, go for a short walk, just make sure you take time to wind down.
Smoking and Drinking
Unfortunately, the best way to stop the damage smoking and excessive drinking do to your body and skin is to stop. While drinking in moderation won’t affect your skin’s health much, excessive drinking is basically equivalent to poisoning your body (and skin) over and over. Smoking leads to premature aging in the skin mainly in the form of wrinkles and basic skin damage. The effects can be profound.
Acne and Severe Breakouts
If you are experiencing severe acne breakouts, chances are you have tried a lot of the techniques above with little to no success. You may be experiencing hormonal imbalances, which should be discussed with your dermatologist or general practitioner. Your doctor can help you with treatment. Many women seek the help of their gynecologist, as various hormonal treatments have been successful with clearing up acne. If you decide to try over-the-counter products for acne, please make sure you consult your doctor or pharmacist first. You may be using a product that is not right for your skin or may do more harm than good.
Décolletage and Other Body Parts
While skincare for your face is important, it’s as equally as important for other body parts. Using a good moisturizer all over is great for your skin, especially if you take hot showers or love to soak in the bathtub. One area that is especially neglected is the décolletage, the area under your next extending all the way down to the breasts. The skin in this area is very thin and vulnerable, and this area is usually the first to show signs of aging, especially in women. You should moisturize and use sunscreen for this area of your body as well. Your hands are also vulnerable. Think about the amount of time you spend driving with the sun blaring down on top of your hands. This can lead to premature aging in the hands and put you at risk for developing skin cancer. A dab of sunscreen is all it takes to make a difference.
When to See a Health Professional
If you notice any abnormalities or unusual growths on your skin, please see your dermatologist or primary care physician as soon as possible. Skin cancer can be treated, especially when found in the early stages.
