Help protect and care for your skin with this help.
Our skin can act as a visible reflection of how well we’re taking care of our overall health. When we’re healthy and flourishing on the inside, our skin is more likely to reflect that and glow on the outside. That’s why when you want to improve your skin health, your lifestyle habits are just as important as any topical products you might use!
Fortunately, learning how to improve your skin health doesn’t have to be a daunting task; there are plenty of simple habits you can start to add to your life today — starting with these eight!
- Establish a skincare routine
- Use sun protection
- Drink plenty of water
- Moisturize regularly
- Clean your makeup brushes
- Schedule regular dermatologist appointments
- Get enough sleep
- Eat a healthy diet
Learn more about these ways to improve your skin health below.
Establish a skincare routine
Establishing a regular skincare routine is essential to help keep your skin in good condition. This can include washing your face two times a day (typically morning and night), using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup, moisturizing, applying an appropriate SPF sunscreen, and exfoliating your skin once or twice a week (we’ll cover a few of these steps in more detail in a bit!).
Everyone’s skin type is different, so it’s important to take the time to search for the right products that work for you. You can also recruit the help of a professional, like a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. Once you find what works for you, consistency is key.
Use sun protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is perhaps the most vital skincare step. The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can cause premature skin aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. Make sure to apply sunscreen before going outside, even on cloudy days (and in winter) when the sun’s rays aren’t as apparent. Choose a sunscreen that is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Additionally, it is best to limit your time in the sun, especially when it is at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Learn more sun protection tips in our article here!
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health (especially in the summer), as well as for the health of your skin. Research shows that higher water intake corresponds to better skin health, generally improving its strength and elasticity. Staying hydrated also helps to keep skin looking plump and youthful, and it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
The standard advice is to drink eight glasses a day — but how big is a glass, anyway? If you want to get more specific about it, medical science recommends 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 cups for men. Additionally, foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, can also be beneficial for your skin. Check out these seven ideas for increasing your water intake.
Moisturize regularly
Moisturizers are an essential part of any skincare routine and should be used year-round, but they become even more important in colder, drier weather. A good moisturizer helps to protect and nourish the skin and can prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and other age-related skin issues. For best results, apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face. This can help to lock in the moisture and can help to prevent dry and flaky skin.
Clean your makeup brushes
If you wear makeup, it is important to regularly clean your makeup brushes (or sponges). This can help to prevent the buildup of bacteria on the brushes, which can then be transferred to your skin. Regularly washing your makeup brushes with mild soap or shampoo can help keep them clean and safe to use on your skin, and improve your skin health.
Schedule regular dermatologist appointments
Regular visits to the dermatologist can help you detect any skin-related problems early on, treat them, and maintain your overall skin health. Even if you’re not experiencing skin issues right now, seeing a professional can give you a baseline and help track how your skin may change over time. At a typical skin exam visit, a dermatologist will do a thorough physical evaluation to check your skin for any moles or changes in texture or color. If there are any red flags, it’s best to know about them sooner rather than later!
Get enough sleep
Sleep is one of those things that offer benefits across so many different aspects of our health. When you are sleeping, blood flow increases, and your body is able to repair and rejuvenate your skin, which can give you a healthier and more glowing appearance. Tips for better sleep include sticking to a regular schedule, limiting screen time, and more.
Eat a healthy diet
Last but certainly not least, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides you with essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to help your skin thrive. Other foods to eat for healthy skin include nuts, seeds, legumes, garlic, fish, whole grains, and even dark chocolate. You can even sip on some green tea while you snack!
As you strive to improve your skin health, it can help to adapt your routine according to the seasons (more moisturizer in winter, less makeup in summer, etc.). Check out some summer-specific skincare tips in this article next!
