5 Tips For Healthy Skin

It is never too late to start taking care of your skin whether you are young or old, your complexion will always reap the benefits! You may not always have the time to stick to a rigid intensive skin care regime but with these tips you can not only have healthier skin but maintain younger looking skin for longer!

- Avoid too much sun exposure
Nothing will age you faster than the sun’s harmful rays. Not only can it cause skin cancers but it can cause premature ageing, wrinkles before your time, freckles, dry skin and age spots. You should always cover up your face as much as you can when out in full sun for any length of time and try to avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm; the sun’s rays are at their most intense between these times. Wear a hat and sensible clothing that covers you as well as keeps you cool. And don’t skimp on the sunscreen! Use generous amounts of sunscreen half an hour before sun exposure and re-apply every two hours, more often if you’ve been swimming or have sweated profusely.

- Stop smoking!
It is fairly obvious that smoking will age you and damage your skin. Smoking decreases the blood flow by narrowing the tiny blood vessels in your skin; the skin is then deprived of oxygen and vitamin A which is essential to your skin’s health. Collagen and elastin the fibres that keep your skin strong and elastic can be damaged by smoking. Not to mention the wrinkles you get after such a long time of pursing your lips while inhaling. The only way to minimise further damage to your skin is to quit smoking. It may not be easy, enlist help from a doctor if you can’t do it on your own, as in the long run your entire body will thank you for it.

- Be kind to your skin
Having daily very hot showers or baths can strip essential oils from your skin, maybe spend less time in the bath and lower the bath temperature. Stop using such strong scented soaps, instead use mild unperfumed cleansers. When you shave, always apply shaving cream or gel and never use a blunt razor – this will lead to cuts and skin damage. Always shave in the direction the hair is growing and try not to shave when not absolutely necessary. After washing or having a bath, pat or blot skin dry instead of rubbing so that you retain some moisture on your skin.

- Eat well
While diet and acne is not thought to be linked, good food will definitely give you good skin. Especially if you eat plenty of fruit, veg, whole grain and lean proteins. A diet rich in vitamin C could promote younger looking skin.

- Stop stressing
Stress can take its toll on our bodies, not least of all our skin and it certainly shows on our faces! It can trigger acne breakouts and other problems which is why it’s important to keep a happy and positive frame of mind to have healthy glowing skin.