About 58% of people are worried they’ve done too much damage to their skin. Two in three Americans say their imperfect skin holds them back from feeling confident as a result. Meanwhile, 91% feel their skin is healthier after they’ve made an effort.
Here are a few easy tips you can use to maintain healthy skin. With these tips, you can improve your appearance and self-confidence.
Show off your radiant glow with these easy skin health tips.
Know Your Skin Type
Before using the rest of these skin health tips, take a moment to determine your skin type. Recognizing your skin type will ensure you choose products and ingredients that suit your needs. Otherwise, using the wrong products can do more harm than good.
Most people have skin that’s either oily, sensitive, normal, dry, or a combination.
Oily skin usually appears shiny. If your skin is flakey, you have dry skin.
Normal skin doesn’t experience much irritation, dryness, or clogged pores. You have combination skin if your face is only oily in certain areas (like your t-zone). If products tend to irritate your skin, it’s likely sensitive.
If you’re still unable to determine your skin type, visit your local dermatologist or an aesthetic provider for help.
Products Per Skin Type
Once you determine your skin type, focus on finding products that align with your skin’s needs.
For example, if you have normal skin, you won’t want to overdo it with an extensive skincare routine. Instead, wash and moisturize your skin daily.
If you have oily skin, try to determine what’s causing excessive sebum (oil) production. For example, hormonal changes, genetics, and climate can result in oily skin.
Moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated. Otherwise, your skin will overproduce sebum. Wash your face twice a day to remove bacteria and dirt before it can clog your pores.
If you have dry, itchy, or flaky skin, moisturize right after you take a bath. Drink plenty of water and use a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated.
If you have combination skin, use a gentle cleanser. Exfoliate gently and only every once in a while. Use oil-free and fragrance-free products.
For sensitive skin, avoid overdoing your skincare routine. Choose a mild, sulfate-free cleanser. Avoid hot showers and complete a patch test when using new products.
Otherwise, consult your dermatologist to determine which skincare products suit your skin type.
Avoid the Sun
The sun’s harmful UV rays can keep you from having healthy, smooth skin. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer, too. Prevention is key.
Otherwise, the sun will cause damage to your skin at a nuclear level.
Choose an SPF sunscreen that’s labeled 50 or higher. SPF 50+ will protect your skin from 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Try to avoid heading outside during midday. If you have to go outside, choose sun-safe clothing. Wear glasses and a wide-brimmed hat to keep from squinting.
Squinting and repetitive facial movements can lead to wrinkle formation.
Adjust Your Diet
For a radiant glow, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eat vitamin-rich foods, including apples and oranges, which contain vitamin C. Vitamin C helps fight damaging free radicals.
When choosing fruits and veggies, eat the rainbow! Eating the rainbow will provide your body with a range of antioxidants and vitamins.
Eat lean protein, like chicken. Protein keeps your skin looking firm and supple.
As you get older, your body’s ability to produce collagen and elastic (natural proteins) will decline. Adding protein to your diet can help you maintain supple, smooth skin.
Eat foods that contain lipids (healthy fats), including nuts, salmon, and avocado. Healthy fat sources can help combat dryness before wrinkles form.
Try to avoid your intake of sugar, alcohol, and processed foods. These foods can contribute to facial aging. Your skin could lose volume as well.
Dairy consumption could also lead to acne. Consider cutting out dairy if you struggle to maintain clear skin.
Stay Hydrated
Keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Drink eight cups of water every 24 hours to remain hydrated. Drink more water if you plan on going outside.
To determine if you’re well hydrated, look at your urine. It should be a light yellow (about the color of a sticky note). If it’s dark, you need to drink more water daily.
Get Sleep
Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to regulate hormones and stress. An imbalance of either could affect your skin health. For example, low skin quality can cause wrinkles, even in menopausal women.
Establish a Routine
Once you determine which skincare products to use, establish a routine.
After waking up or before bed, wash your face using a non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm water.
When washing your face, avoid scrubbing. Remain gentle. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Moisturize based on your skin type. Apply SPF every two hours if you plan on spending time in the sun. Don’t forget your sun-safe clothing, too.
Don’t overdo your routine with exfoliants, serums, toners, oil, or pore-clearing strips if you don’t need them. Too many products could do more harm than good.
Schedule Treatments
If you’re still unable to achieve healthy, clean skin, consider visiting a medspa for professional treatment. For example, you might consider:
- Injectables
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Facials
- Dermaplaning
- DiamondGlow
You can learn more about DiamondGlow here.
Consult a professional to determine which treatments align with your skincare needs.
Maintain Beautiful, Healthy Skin
Learning how to maintain beautiful, healthy skin can boost your confidence and quality of life. Use these easy tips to improve your skin health this year. Don’t forget to schedule treatments as needed!
Enjoy your newly glowing skin today.
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