Eat Healthily
The old adage claims that “you are what you eat.” The skin is the largest organ in our body. Over 30% of what we consume goes directly towards nourishing our skin. A diet rich in beta-carotene helps to support collagen production. Collagen is, of course, one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A diet of multi-colored fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is key. Dark leafy greens, berries, and even healthy fats like avocado are beneficial to your skin.
In addition to eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, try to avoid excessive caffeine intake. Unfortunately, this will disappoint many of our coffee drinkers who enjoy multiple cups of coffee each day. Caffeine in coffee, sodas and energy drinks can dry out the skin. Instead, supplement your meals with green tea or water.
Hydrate
We may think of needing water only when we are thirsty or during exercise. The reality is that we need to stay hydrated all day long. Water can invigorate the cell tissue in the skin. It keeps the skin from becoming dehydrated and from drying. It also works towards maintaining the skin’s elasticity (preventing wrinkles) as we grow older. Start every morning off with a fresh glass of water followed with regular intervals throughout the day.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating on a daily basis helps to remove dead skin cells and toxins from your body. It is a means of deep cleaning your pores so as to promote collagen production, new cell growth, and new product absorption. It is recommended to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. In lieu of harsh exfoliating scrubs, people with sensitive skin may opt instead for using an exfoliating mask.
Daily Cleansing
There are many reasons to incorporate a daily cleansing routine on your skin. Cleansing thoroughly cleans and detoxifies the skin while keeping it perfectly hydrated and balanced. It will work wonders to remove dirt, toxins, and buildup from your pores. Think of this routine as a decongestant for your body. You want cleansing to support the natural hydration balance found within your skin. To this extent, try to avoid any cleanser that has soap or alcohol as its base. There are many soap-free products on the marketplace that will exfoliate, provide a deep clean and also maintain hydration. At the very least you should cleanse in the evening to remove any and all makeup before you go to bed.
Sunscreen
Wrinkles, fine lines and sunspots are all caused by the harmful UV rays from our sun. These rays can inflict damage on both the uppermost and deeper layers of our skin. Applying a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is key. Despite what many think, our skin can get damaged by the sun at any point of the year and even when the sky looks cloudy. Sunscreen is best applied after all of your other skin-care products have been put on. Allow a few minutes for it to penetrate your skin before you apply any makeup.
Moisturize
Our deepest layer of skin, known as the dermis, produces a natural moisturizer known as hyaluronic acid. This substance reinforces the collagen in our skin and helps it maintain its elastic, youthful appearance. As we grow older, the production of this acid decreases in our bodies. Wrinkles and lines begin to appear as the dermis becomes brittle and dry. It’s important to supplement this loss with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.
Manage Stress
When left unchecked, stress can make our skin a playground for acne and other blemishes. To counteract this, take measured steps to manage the stress in your life. Work towards achieving healthier skin and a sound state of mind. Instill a routine that allows you to get enough sleep each night. Establish limits on your workload and be sure to make time to do things that you find enjoyable.
If you’d like more skincare tips or would like to discuss a professional cosmetic procedure, contact Timeless Beauty. Our Chicago Facial Comstic doctor is here to help you achieve the natural-looking results you’ve always wanted.
