We are presently living in the generation of social media where selfies have become a normal habit if you possess a phone with a working camera. Truth be told, most of us take care of our skin to appear radiant in photos and in person. This sounds very cliché, but beauty is more than skin deep. It’s more than just the application of toners, anti-aging serums, and moisturizers. Along with these skincare regimens, you can also achieve flawless skin using natural ways.
Having a healthy, glowing skin doesn’t only boost your confidence, but it is also a symbol of responsible living and a reflection of how you take care of your body as a whole. The skin is an organ too, it is the largest organ, actually. And it is often times neglected. Our skin is our body’s first line of defense from harmful elements and microbes. The skin allows us to feel hot and cold sensations, therefore making us recognize temperature. This is why we need to take care of it. When you do proper skin health care regimens, it outwardly shows.
The most alarming disease one could have if skin health is ignored is obviously, skin cancer. If the skin is not being kept healthy, it could bring rise to the development of abnormal cells. These aberrant cells may invade and spread and can potentially harm other parts of the human body. Skin cancer alters the appearance of the skin that does not heal. The primary cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Other causes include exposure to large amounts of the element Arsenic (which can be found in untreated water), a weak immune system, smoking, and it can even be in your genes.
The signs of a lack of vitamins and minerals that keep the skin healthy are instantly evident. Usually, when the skin is unhealthy, you will notice these manifestations:
1. Acne, whiteheads, blackheads, wrinkles, and bumps
2. Flaky and scaly skin
3. Hair loss
4. Bruising
5. Dandruff
6. Paleness of the skin
7. Delayed healing of wounds
8. Dark circles around the eyes
9. Chapped lips
10. Itching or burning sensation
And the list goes on and on. If you show any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you need to take action in restoring your skin’s natural bloom.
As mentioned earlier, our skin is our first line of defense. Every day we are bare to the sun, the air, and whatever airborne elements the environment exposes us to. When our armor is weak, we are prone to acquiring unwanted diseases. This is why having healthy skin is important. But the most common benefit of having healthy skin, in reality, is looking “polished” which gives birth to the appearance of having flawless skin.
The secret to maintaining great skin and optimal skin health is within reach. Here is a quick guide to an affordable health care for the skin. Just bear these rules in mind.
Your skin is what you eat. The path to a healthier skin is internal. I’m not just talking about reducing stress by meditating, but also knowing the right food to eat. The following are some of the best foods to eat for a healthier skin:
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains an antioxidant called, polyphenols. This antioxidant tames free radicals that could damage the skin acquired during sun exposure. Olive oil is also an anti-aging superfood as it has 75% of monounsaturated fatty acids, that gives you a youthful boost.
Dark Chocolate
If you are thinking of binging on sweet stuff, exchange your usual milk chocolate to a dark one. Dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants and flavonol that aids in the hydration of the skin and improve blood circulation.
Green Tea
The antioxidants found in green tea help protect the skin from sun damage and early signs of aging. If you take green tea daily, the skin’s moisture and elasticity will improve. Research also shows that green tea helps reduce redness from sun exposure.
Avocados
Avocado is a gift to humanity. They are high in healthy fats and antioxidants. These compounds found in Avocados, keep the skin flexible and moisturized and helps treat wrinkles and dry skin. Avocados are also rich in Vitamin E, which protects the skin from oxidative damage that causes wrinkles and dry skin.
Greens
Most greens like Broccoli boosts the skin’s immunity against oxidative damage. Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals necessary to keep the skin healthy. They also help restore the skin’s health by reducing the number of skin cells damaged by UV light.
Vitamins and supplements are also popular go-to’s when you want to boost skin health since they are easy to prepare. Just take the proper dosage a day and you’re skin’s health is being taken care of. The list of vitamins below is great for your skin as they allow cellular regeneration, aids in protection from sun damage, improve collagen production, and provide essential compounds that promote a healthier skin.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It promotes skin elasticity, helps keep your organs healthy, friendly to your joints, and helps hold your bones and muscles together. Our body produces collagen naturally, but there are factors that deplete our collagen supply such as poor lifestyle, sun exposure, smoking, and aging. Maintain your skin’s elasticity and condition by including the right amount of collagen in your diet.
Vitamin E and Vitamin C
As stated earlier, Vitamin E helps protect the skin from oxidative damage. Vitamin C boosts Vitamin E’s effectiveness. When you add Vitamin C combined with Vitamin C, your body generates more collagen, boosts your immune system, and also has the same function as Vitamin E in protecting the skin from oxidative damage.
Vitamin D
This vitamin provides optimal skin protection. Vitamin D plays an important role in skin protection and cell regeneration and rejuvenation. Ironically, you can get your daily dose through sun exposure. But do this in the earlier part of the day and in a reasonable amount of time. This vitamin can be taken orally as well.
The presence of drinking water is often times taken for granted. It’s only natural since sugary drinks make our taste buds happier. But the absence of water and proper hydration can take a toll on our bodies, on our skin to be specific. Taking in the right amount of fluids a day help keep the skin maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying up.
There are plenty of benefits that regular exercise can offer the skin. For one, you keep them looking healthy and vibrant. Exercise detoxifies the body. As you sweat, you release toxins and increase blood flow, therefore, nourishing the skin. Moving it in the gym or outdoors improves circulation of blood while carrying out waste products and free radicals and flushes out harmful cells in the body. Think of exercise as cleaning your skin from the inside.
Exercise also releases stress. Stress can allow for skin conditions like acne to surface. As a bonus, you gain a fitter and more toned body. Pairing an awesome built with beautiful skin, makes you look and feel good.
But frequent exercise has its dangers to the skin too. Specifically speaking, outdoor exercise. Too much sun exposure as we all know produces sunburn. Sunburn leads to skin cancer. We do not want that. Which brings us to the next tip…
Wearing sunscreen has long been taken for granted. It may seem inessential at the moment, but as we age, you’ll notice the benefits of applying sunscreen at an earlier stage. Applying sunscreen is the easiest way to protect our skin from the dangerous rays of the sun.
“Do I just squeeze a pea size on my palm and rub it on my skin and I’m good?”, the answer is yes, but not so fast. There is an effective way to apply your sunscreen. Keep these reminders in mind:
a. Most sunscreens require you to apply it 20-30 minutes before going outdoors.b. Bring your sunscreen with you as you need to reapply it every 3 hours while you are still outdoors especially when you’re out heavily perspiring. The labels “waterproof” and “all day long” isn’t going to cut it. Better be safe than sorry. Carry your bottle of sunscreen with you.
c. Apply a generous amount and make sure to cover all necessary exposed areas such as the face, ears, arms, and legs. And if you can wear a lip protection balm with SPF, the better.
d. For the ladies, wear your sunscreen under your makeup. There are gel-based sunscreens available so they don’t clump with your foundation.
What is SPF?
SFP is short for Sun Protection Factor. That’s very forward. SPF protects you from the burning rays of the sun. A number is usually specified with the SPF label. This number specifies how well your sunscreen protects you from UV. It is advised that you wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
What if I am allergic to sunscreen?
There are sunscreens that contain irritants. Make sure to check the label before you buy one. If you are aware that your skin reacts to specific ingredients, opt for a different brand. It is rather safer even if it costs a little higher if you go for a sunscreen made with organic ingredients. They have lesser harmful ingredients. Or you may a recommendation from your dermatologist for you to buy the sunscreen that matches your skin type.
Everybody has to have a facial skin care regimen at least in the morning and in the evening. Because the sequence matters, here is a guide applicable for all skin types in cleansing and caring for your skin.
Cleanse
A cleanser may be in a form of a toner or a wash where you can lather it on your face. Make sure to buy a sulfate-free cleanser. This is gentler to your skin and will avoid irritating it.
Tone
Toners basically serve as a follow up to cleansers, getting rid of the traces of dirt left on the face. But what most don’t know about toners is that some act as a delivery system for antioxidants to the skin. Toners are buffers created to help return the skin’s natural pH after using soap or harsh cleansers. There are tons of toners having specific functions for the skin. Again, always make sure to read the labels and consult your dermatologist to know the best product for you.
Antioxidant Serums (Optional but functional.)
Serums have become a popular resident in cosmetic cabinets. They are super concentrated with nutrients that treat and address certain skin issues. Benefits you may snag from serums range from neutralization of skin damage from UV rays to simply restoring damage caused by environmental pollutants.
Moisturize
Even if you have oily skin, your skin still needs to be moisturized. You moisturize to maintain hydration from sun exposure. There is a special kind of moisturizer for every skin type. Skin experts would recommend you to apply your moisturizer while the skin is still damp to allow the skin to lock the moisturizer in quickly.
If you are using an acne spot treatment, skip that area when you are applying your moisturizer.
1. Sunscreen (Daytime)
2. See Rule #5 above.
In Summary…
Make friends with your skin. Treat it like your baby. Take care of it as much as you take care of your other organs as it is the first organ that comes into contact with the environment. If the skin is sick, we lose defense and are prone to infections. Having a healthy skin helps fight signs of aging, helps our wounds heal faster, and helps defend our body from diseases. Practicing proper skin care not only makes you look good, but it also boosts your confidence. Nothing is better than looking great both in the inside and in the outside. By taking the right steps to keep the skin healthy, we promote maximum fitness and a healthier way of living.
About the author:
Winky Palmares is a copywriter at BuyMedical.com
The author is also an Ilongga mountain biker who loves shawarma and veggie wraps and loves to write on the side.
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