People say your age shows on your face. From tired eyes and bags to crow’s feet and weathered skin, your life choices are literally written all over your face. But this doesn’t have to be the case. While it’s impossible to turn back the hands of time, you can take certain steps to improve the look and feel of your skin. Ready for a makeover? Keep reading to discover the secret to healthier looking skin!
1. Wash Your Face
Washing your face is skin care tip number one! While it seems so basic, it’s the foundation for healthy, youthful looking skin. Dirt collects on your face over the course of the day, clogging pores and creating unsightly blemishes. If you wash your face before bed, you’re on the right track. But once a day isn’t enough. It’s recommended you wash your face in the morning, at night, after sweating, and especially after applying any type of heavy makeup (more on this later). Choose a soap or skin cleanser that matches your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for one with added moisturizers. Oily skin responds best to cleansers with little to no additives. Try a hemp skin care product for extra oily skin. But whatever skin type you have, avoid scrubbing your face too hard. The skin on your face is sensitive and should be treated as much. This is especially true if you are currently dealing with skin irritation or an acne flare-up. While scrubbing might seem like the right thing to do, it can actually further irritate and worsen your condition.
2. Exfoliate
While scrubbing your face isn’t recommended, exfoliating is something different altogether. Exfoliating your skin is the process of removing dead cells from the outer layer. This allows new, healthier skin cells to form. These new skin cells are rejuvenated and appear smoother and younger. While your facial skin will shed naturally every 2-4 weeks, you can take matters into your own hands daily. You can remove dead skin cells at home using an exfoliating cleanser that includes micro scrubbers, or visit a spa or salon that performs exfoliating facials. It’s recommended that you exfoliate your skin weekly — once a week for dry skin and two to three times a week for more oily skin. Be sure not to over exfoliate, which can cause redness and irritation.
3. Kick Bad Habits
You already know smoking is bad for you. In fact, 1 out of 15 smokers will develop lung cancer. But smoking isn’t just detrimental to your respiratory health. It can also wreak havoc on your skin. If you’re looking for younger, more youthful looking skin void of wrinkles and fine lines, you need to ditch the cigarettes. The truth is smoking itself doesn’t cause wrinkles, but instead damages the collagen and elastics in the face. These two components are what gives your skin elasticity and strength. When they’re damaged, your face becomes looser and at greater risk of developing wrinkles. Another way that smoking affects your skin health? Prolonged nicotine use can cause skin-related diseases, including psoriasis.
4. Protect Yourself
Millions of Americans are after that sun-kissed golden tan when summertime rolls around. The problem? The skin’s harmful UV rays can cause a myriad of skin conditions including cancer, sun spots, and signs of advanced aging. Avoid baking out in the sun for hours in the name of getting a good tan. Instead, opt for self-tanner products or a spray tan. If you have to venture outside, be sure to protect yourself. Always apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours. You can also invest in a large sun hat, sunglasses, and loose-fitted light-colored clothing that helps keep you cool and protect your skin from sun damage. Did you know that sunscreen may slow down visible signs of aging and prevent skin cancer? Be sure to use one with SPF 30 or higher.
5. Try a Holistic Approach
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to skincare, look no further. There are countless holistic products and routines that can bring a healthy glow to your skin without any of the added chemicals or medical procedures. Some of the best, natural skin cleansers contain ingredients like honey, coconut oil, sea salt, avocado, and shea butter. While these ingredients sound like some sort of dessert recipe, they’re not. These natural elements can help strengthen, brighten, and cleanse your skin without the harsh side effects you may experience from other, over the counter cleansers. Just be sure you have no existing allergies before applying any of these products to your face.
6. Reduce Stress
Stress is the leading cause of countless health issues in the United States, including heart disease and obesity. But when it comes to the health and appearance of your skin, stress can take its toll here as well. The term “frown lines” says it all. The wrinkles around your mouth and near your eyebrows are caused by constant frowning or grimacing. If you’re in a constant state of stress, you’re more likely to furrow your brow, creating increased wrinkles in these areas. Another reason to reduce stress? If you currently have a skin condition like psoriasis, rosacea , acne, or eczema, stress can actually cause flare ups, worsening symptoms. In fact, most of these skin conditions develop initially following a stressful event. Reduce stress by making lifestyle changes and adopting ways to calm your body and mind. Things like meditation, mindfulness, and even yoga are all proven to reduce stress levels and promote overall health.
You may not put much thought into your skin care routine. But if you want smooth, healthy looking skin that makes you appear years younger, you need to invest time in your daily routine. Things like protecting yourself from the sun, washing your face daily, and reducing stress can all have a positive effect on the overall appearance of your skin. Put your best face forward and adopt a healthy skin care regime now!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
