How To Acquire Healthy Skin

A normal skincare regime typically involves cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturising. It is important that we discipline ourselves to adhere to this routine in order to maintain healthy and youthful skin. Apart from your regular skincare routine, there are several factors which can affect how our skin appears.

Firstly, exercise. The benefits of exercise are not only to our faces, but for our general well-being. Regular exercise improves our blood circulation, makes us feel energetic and leaves our skin looking radiant and healthy. It makes us look younger because it helps to tone up our skin and reduces the likelihood of sagging skin.

Secondly, check your diet. We all have heard the phrase "you are what you eat". If your diet is laden with grease, chances of you having acne and breakouts could be higher. Conversely, a diet rich in minerals and vitamins could make our skin clear and smooth. Vitamins A and C are very useful in regenerating skin cells, producing collagen which firms the skin and counters against free radicals. Vitamin A can be found in foods like cod and broccoli while citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. A balanced diet will ensure that our bodies get all the nutrients that it needs.

Hydration is also an important part of our daily diet and it is essential for life. Skin that is dry tends to look old and dull. On the other hand, skin that is sufficiently hydrated will look supple and is less likely to have fine lines and wrinkles.

Thirdly, lifestyle and habits. Our skin is already constantly exposed to environmental stresses like pollution and sun damage. Stressful and hectic lifestyles will further take its toll on our skin. For instance, when we are busy, we may skip our skincare regime, get more emotional or have less rest. When we feel stressful, our brain releases stress hormones which will in turn lead to an increase in oil secretion in the skin. If clogged pores are not properly cleansed, acne will occur.

When we are asleep, our skin cells repair themselves. If we deprive them of this time, skin cells are not properly repaired and our skin will look dull and lack of lustre. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt some stress relief techniques to reduce our mental and physical stress and to give ourselves time to rest and relax.

Studies have also shown that habits like drugs and smoking are bad for skin. Smoking prevents oxygen and nutrients from getting to the skin and breaks down the supply of collagen which helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. Smokers are more likely to have dull skin that is more prone to sagging and wrinkles. For the sake of your skin and overall health, kick these habits.

Lastly, sun damage. The sun triggers hormones which causes dark spots. Prolonged exposure to the sun leads to dry skin which tends to look older and is more prone to wrinkles. If you must be in the sun, choose cosmetic products which includes sun protection. Apply adequate moisturising sunscreen on areas that are most easily exposed - face, neck and hands. Never give your skin the chance to be dehydrated by the sun.

In summary, healthy skin is more than skin deep, but it is not impossible to achieve. We just need to put in a little more conscious effort to take good care of it and we will be rewarded with a more youthful and radiant glow.