We know how important our skin is to our self-confidence. So much so that we learned how to take care of it most probably during middle school where we had to deal with zits! But skincare never stopped there, and in fact, it shouldn't. The state of our skin has a huge impact in our overall appearance and impression on others. We often end up neglecting ourselves but it is not in our best interest if we want to truly feel our best, which is quite intimately tied with our appearance.
Therefore, here are some holistic ways to keep your skin up to shape that you can incorporate into your regular routine without much time or effort.
1. Exfoliate on a Regular Basis
Did you know that after you reach the age of 30 your body has a more difficult time shedding dead skin cells? While we are young, our bodies are constantly regerating, hence why injuries heal much faster.
But when we are older, the buildup of dead skin cells is overwhelming and can make your complexion look dull and flat.
However, fear not! You can renew your skin’s brightness through some exfoliation!
A variety of options are available for exfoliating your skin. Take your pick or experiment with a few types. There are the traditional face washes that you probably used in middle school but that's not the only thing out there, believe it or not. There are literally countless remedies for exfoliation using products from cultures all around the world! Thus, we would suggest you try out a few masks to experiment with some varying compositions and see what you like the best. Shopping sprees - how fun! You can find some great face masks online.
Alternatively, you could even make your own exfoliating facemask with simple ingredients like yogurt and oatmeal. Exfoliation does not always need product either. It can even be as simple as using a washcloth or bath poof next time you take a shower. Steaming skin helps a lot to clear it of dead cells, dirt and oil by opening pores.
2. Cut Back on Sweets
Excess sugar is extremely harmful for the health. Many of the snacks we consume contain high amounts of sugar or carbohydrates, which raise blood sugar levels. Not only do sweet foods lead to diabetes, in excess, but many other adverse effects can also be attributed with regular sugar consumption. One of the major things that sweets can impact is skin.
Too much sugar consumed can cause skin inflammation contributing to acne and eczema, which is difficult to deal with and treat. Be sure to check out the Glycemic index for foods, which scores foods based on number of carbohydrates and effects on blood glucose levels when consumed. The higher the score of the food, the more it should be avoided or cut down.
Cutting back on your sweet intake will certainly help your skin clear up and be less inflamed.
3. Exercise More Consistently
Although they do not seem to be linked, the healthiness of your skin is actually related to the overall healthiness of your body and how much you work out. Exercise speeds up your blood circulation, which in turn brings more nutrients to all parts of your skin.
Exercise is a necessary for a holistic approach to skincare!
4. Vitamins Work Wonders
Your skin is dependent on the types of nutrients that you take into your body on a regular basis and foods that are rich in vitamins will help your skin.
Omega-3s, a type of fatty acid that reduces inflammation and is found in nuts and fish, can help clear up skin problems like psoriasis, eczema and acne.
Vitamin C, which is found in oranges, kiwis, and bell peppers, assists with collagen production and sun protection. Vitamin D, which is derived from sunlight, promotes the creation of healthy skin cells. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, protects the skin against sun damage and can help prevent dark spots and wrinkles. It can be derived from nuts and seeds and vitamin supplements.
Vitamins C, D and E are considered to be the best vitamins for skin health, although there are many others that will certainly help to improve your skin and overall body function.
5. Develop a Regular Skin Routine
Once you find skincare products that work for you, it is important to develop a regular routine for taking care of your skin. Washing your face in the morning and evening can help ensure that it remains clear and fresh of dirt and oil, which will clog pores and cause acne and breakouts.
Typically, you will want to use three different products to keep your skin fresh and healthy: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.
A skin cleanser can be a mask, a face wash or any other type of exfoliant that will take care to remove dead skin cells from your face on a regular basis.
A moisuriser will help ensure that your skin is not left dry from regular washing and baths and instead is enriched with vitamins and oils that will keep it bright and healthy.
Sunscreen is very important for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays which will cause it to age and damage faster. Even on cloudy days, be sure to put some on or find a daily moisturiser with UV protection.
Taking care of your skin will help you feel fresh and beautiful every day.
Developing a holistic approach to skincare will not only help you to feel great outside, but inside as well, through things such as regular exercise and nutritious eating habits.
Consider which of these ways to improve your skin you might already have incorporated and which would be great habits for you to begin—today!