Keep Your Skin Healthy and Vibrant with These Lifestyle Tips

Your skin’s appearance can be an indicator of your general health, so it only makes sense that you know how to keep it healthy. This may involve tweaking or changing some of your lifestyle habits and undergoing aesthetic treatments. Doing so can help you achieve clear or glowing skin, as well as slow skin aging.

We have listed the top lifestyle habits to keep your skin looking at its best:

Protect your skin from the sun

Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure damages the skin. This may lead to sunburn, premature aging, and increased risk of skin cancers. Too much sun can also make your existing dark spots darker and lines deeper or more pronounced. Here are a few ways to keep your skin sun-protected:

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily; we recommend Clear Defense SPF 45 and Sheer Defense Tinted SPF 46 with Broad Spectrum.
• Limit exposure in sun’s peak hours (between 10am and 4pm).
• Seek shade under a tree, umbrella, or other shelter.
• Wear sunglasses or a brimmed hat that covers/shield your face, neck, and ears.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as clothing made from tightly woven fabrics.

Eat a healthy diet

Avoid or limit foods high in sugar and trans fat, as they are known to trigger or exacerbate certain skin conditions. Instead, load up on fruits and vegetables, and other healthy foods like omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to avoid crash diets, as repeatedly losing and gaining weight can take a toll on skin and cause sagging.

Other diet tips for health skin include:

• Eat healthy fats (found in nuts, seeds, oily fish, and avocados).
• Load up on zinc (fish, poultry, lean red meat, nuts, and whole grains).
• Limit sweets or avoid mindless snacking
• Cut out dairy or choose low fat or fat-free dairy products.
• Stay well hydrated.

Reduce stress with exercise

Too much or unmanaged stress can trigger and worsen skin conditions like acne and eczema. Daily exercise can help with this, as it improves blood flow to the skin, which is beneficial in supplying essential nutrients to your body’s largest organ. Exercise furthermore, can tone your body and reduce cortisol or stress hormone levels. 

Make sure to wash your face after working out to keep sweat from irritating your skin. Use a mild or a gentle cleanser and follow with a moisturizer. Also, refrain from wearing makeup when exercising as this clog the pores and trigger breakouts. Check out our previous post for other tips on taking care of your skin when working out.  

Get adequate sleep

Your skin goes into regenerative mode while you sleep. It helps the body make more energy, gives your skin a break from environmental stressors, and increases your skin cells renewal rate. Getting about 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night enables your skin to recharge and recuperate. Here are a few healthy sleep tips:

• Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet.
• Wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day.
• When napping, do so in the early afternoon and limit it to 15 to 20 minutes.
• Avoid using electronic devices one to two hours before bedtime. 
• Avoid heavy meals at night or make dinnertime earlier. 

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking deprives your skin oxygen and nutrients needed to stay healthy. It also accelerates the aging process, decreasing collagen and elastin in the skin. Years of smoking can lead to sallow complexion, sagging skin, and lines and wrinkles around the lips. It is best to kick the habit to halt future damages to body and skin.

Excessive alcohol is also bad for your skin, as it can lead to skin dryness, swelling, and fine lines. It also disrupts sleep, as well as your body’s regenerative process. Binge or regular drinkers also tend to age faster. Limiting your alcohol consumption helps, as well as drinking with water to reduce its diuretic effect.

Consider rejuvenation treatments

Aesthetic procedures can improve your skin, especially if you suffer from certain skin concerns like wrinkles, redness, hyperpigmentation, and scars. Botox and fillers can take years off your face by relaxing and smoothing lines, while facials and chemical peels can improve the tone and texture of your skin. 

A consultation with an aesthetic doctor can help determine which treatments or product recommendations can improve your skin. S/he may also suggest a combination of procedures to reduce signs of aging and fight skin dullness. These may include Ultherapy, Pearl procedure, or skin boosters.

Don’t let your habits be the reason why you have dull, tired, and aging skin. Consider the tips mentioned about and contact Cutis Laser Clinics today for products and treatments that can help your skin look and feel its best.