Skin is more than just your protection from the elements; it’s a kind of road map of each individual’s life. If you’ve taken good care of your skin with proper diet and hydration, it will stay young and smooth-looking for years. On the other hand, if you’ve spent too much time in the sun or given little thought to your skin’s health, it’ll certainly reflect that lack of attention. It’s important, then, to make a commitment to your skin, not only for your appearance but to lead a healthier life in general. You can start today by following these six handy tips for younger, more beautiful skin:
1. Moisturize frequently
Your body needs certain nutrients to function properly. That same concept holds true for your skin; giving it the right nutrients not only helps it to look more appealing but also to function more effectively. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should always purchase moisturizers that are rich in both vitamin C and vitamin E. Another component of moisturization is proper hydration, so you should ways to drink several glasses of water per day.
2. Don’t smoke
Not only is smoking bad for your heart and lungs, it can prove quite detrimental to your skin as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking can restrict blood flow to the skin, thus limiting the number of available nutrients. Plus, the repetitive gestures associated with smoking – like lip pursing – can prove just as damaging to otherwise healthy skin. Smoking not only dries out the skin – causing wrinkles – but can leave you looking especially gaunt and tired.
3. Monitor your sun exposure
If you’re like many people, you enjoy spending a sunny afternoon sunning on your deck. While you don’t have to give up this activity, it’s important that you take steps to limit your sun exposure to better protect your skin. For one, avoid the sun during its hours of peak intensity, usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you do go outside, be sure to buy sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45. Whenever you’re outside, be sure to wear the proper head and eyewear, as both parts are especially vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
4. Change your diet
Following the right diet can go a long way to improving the overall look and function of your skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best diet for your skin is one that’s heavy in fruits and vegetables – like carrots, apricots, oranges, tomatoes, spinach and lentils – and low in fat and various dairy products. Olive oil is another skin-healthy item to include in your diet. One study from 2012 found that women who consumed at least 1 teaspoon a day had 31 percent fewer signs of aging.
5. Sleep more effectively
Francesca Fusco is a professor of dermatology at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center. Speaking with Allure magazine, she said that if people want to take better care of their skin, they need to re-evaluate how they sleep. For one, everyone should sleep on their back, which prevents the fabrics on your bed from creating wrinkles on the face. If you can’t avoid sleeping face down, you should purchase smoother pillowcases, like satin, silk or anything with a higher thread count.
6. Treat yourself
Massages and facials aren’t just relaxing. They’re a great way to improve the appearance of your skin. The staff at the Maryland Plastic Surgery PURE MedSpa, led by Dr. Adam Summers, provide several different options for both forms of skin therapy. For example, Swedish massages, which use flowing strokes, can improve circulation and thus develop healthier looking skin. Or, indulge in a vitamin C facial, which eliminates wrinkles as it helps rehydrate the skin.
To learn more about any of MedSpa’s services, schedule a consultation today.
