Eight tips for a healthy, glowing skin
It is a new year and many have resolutions to live healthy lifestyles and take better care of themselves. One rewarding way to start is by taking better care of one’s skin; after all, it is the largest organ of the body. The following are simple tips that can help attain a healthy-looking skin.
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Stay hydrated
It is recommended that we drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated is essential for the transport of oxygen, nutrients and vital substances to the skin.
It is also important for removing toxins, aiding anti-ageing and reducing blemishes. If one finds drinking water boring, one may spruce it up by infusing it with fruits, mint and cucumber, among others.
Thorough cleaning of skin, especially the face
Daily bathing with soap and water is important in removing dirt and germs from our skin. Washing with antiseptics offers some protection against infections.
Particular areas of our skin, such as the face, are delicate so extra care must be taken. Using gentle cleansers/soaps is, therefore, advisable.
Moisturising the skin
This is just as important as drinking water. Using appropriate moisturisers for your skin type maintains a well-hydrated skin and reduces wrinkling.
To get the best effect, pat your skin dry after bathing, leaving a bit of moisture on the skin before applying your moisturiser.
Sunscreening and avoiding excessive sun exposure
Sunscreens are not just for Caucasians or those with fair complexions; dark skins also tan. Apart from the colour changes that occur due to sun exposure, there is the undesirable photo-ageing to contend with and more importantly, the risk of skin cancers.
It is advisable to avoid the sun at its hottest (estimated to be between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.). If that cannot be circumvented, one can opt to use a sunscreen.
The minimum sun protection factor (SPF) we need as people of colour is 15. Alternatively, one can wear hats, sunglasses or use umbrellas.
Get enough sleep
Have you woken up after having two hours of sleep and felt you had aged overnight? Lack of sleep makes the body feel tired and the skin reflects how the body feels; exhausted, dull and unrefreshed.
Having seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended. Scientists have proven that skin cell renewal typically occurs at night so having a good night’s sleep ensures the requisite skin rejuvenation.
Exercise
This goes hand in hand with having enough sleep. Exercising can control insomnia and having adequate sleep can keep your energy levels up for a good work out.
Exercises keep one fit and healthy. They also help to release stress and enhance circulation in the skin, thus preventing lackluster skin.
Another benefit of exercising is that one tends to drink more water, which the skin needs.
Be mindful of what you put on your skin
Many people receive skin care products/cosmetics recommendations from friends, relatives and strangers simply because they were of benefit to them.
If the products do not have the desirable effect, they are quickly changed for another. We must be mindful that our different skin types and skin sensitivities hinder a ‘one size fits all’ approach to skin care.
A consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetician would be beneficial in this respect. There are too many cases of using a skin care product that left irreparable damage, especially on the face (the skin is thinner in this area).
If uncertain of the sequela of using a new product, one can apply a thin layer on the side of the neck (skin here is as fragile as the face), which can easily be covered up should there be a reaction.
Watch your habits
Smoking can speed up skin wrinkling, as research has established its linkage to the breakdown of collagen (a protein which gives strength to the skin).
It also makes the skin less elastic and impairs skin cells from receiving nutrients and oxygen, which are vital for a healthy skin.
Although a glass of red wine has been suggested to be good for the skin, excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration, resulting in a tired-looking skin.
Also, some people have a habit of always touching their faces, while others are wont to squeezing pimples. Indulging in these practices, especially with unclean hands, may introduce germs to the face, causing unsightly blemishes.
Hopefully, with these tips, you will be on your way to having a glowing, healthy skin that you would be proud of this year.
Start with small changes to your daily routine and they will soon become good habits that will yield amazing results. Here is to having flawless skin!