Healthy Skin Basics

THERE ARE PLENTY of beneficial products that can help you protect your skin’s soft, youthful glow.

But those products won’t help your skin much if you’re ignoring the basics. Before you put on the products, be sure to follow these simple daily habits for healthy skin.

Treat your skin gently

Cleanse your skin daily with a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizing body wash to keep  it hydrated and free of pore-clogging debris.

Pat dry. Vigorously rubbing your skin dry after bathing irritates it. Patting dry, on the other hand, is less irritating and leaves more moisture behind.

Use warm, not hot water. Hot water strips the oils from your skin faster, leaving it less protected from moisture loss.

Use mild soaps that won’t irritate your skin.

Always shave with a lubricating shave gel or cream to protect your skin from unneeded irritation.

Moisturize daily. A good moisturizer protects your skin against moisture loss while attracting more moisture into the skin. As a result, your skin will stay softer and feel more hydrated.

Don’t skimp on sun protection

Much of the aging your skin undergoes is caused by sun exposure. And that doesn’t just mean a summer day at the beach. The sun’s still shining even in colder weather, and its rays can still get under your skin and cause skin-aging free radical damage.

Make it a habit to cover up when you’re going out. Wear long sleeves, cover your legs, and find a wide-brimmed hat. If you are going to expose some skin, be sure to put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen first, with an SPF rating of at least 15, and reapply it every two hours.

Drink plenty of water

Your skin depends on water to function normally. When you stay hydrated, your skin is able to stay plump, soft, and healthier-looking. When you get dehydrated, you’ll notice your skin sagging more, losing its glow, and feeling dry. Water also helps sweep away toxins in your body that would harm your skin.

Eat a healthy diet

Here’s another reason to watch your sugar intake: sugar can break down collagen and elastin in your skin, resulting in less-supple skin that’s more prone to wrinkles. Do your skin a favor and cut out the sugar and empty carbs. A healthy diet of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, along with the right supplementation, provides the nutrients your skin relies on to function properly. For a real skin-health boost, get more extra virgin olive oil in your diet, which is brimming with skin-beneficial oleic acid.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is when your skin rejuvenates. While you sleep, your skin cells are resupplied with oxygen. Sleep also releases human growth hormone, which promotes cell turnover and collagen production, keeping it healthier and more supple. After a good night’s sleep, it’s no coincidence that your skin feels good in the morning.