How to Take Care of Your Skin: Skincare Tips and Tricks

Healthy, glowing skin never fails to turn heads, but fortunately, flawless skin is not confined to runway models and Hollywood stars. By following these simple skincare tips, you will be able to cheat your way to a clearer complexion:

Protect Your Skin From The Sun’s Harsh UV Rays

The sun’s rays may make you feel good, but they will contribute to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. To take care of your skin, you will need to protect it from the sun’s damaging UV rays. For the most complete sun protection, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 before you leave the house. If you intend to spend the majority of your day outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours – or more regularly if you are partaking in sports activities. Where possible, seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, and always cover your skin with protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and long trousers.

Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoking causes the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layer of your skin to shrink in size, decreasing blood flow to your sensitive skin cells, and weakens the proteins that provide your skin with its strength and elasticity, contributing to skin sagging. Furthermore, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking, such as squinting your eyes to avoid the smoke and pursing your lips to inhale the nicotine, can deepen fine lines and wrinkles. If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to ask your physician to enroll you on a smoking cessation program.

Follow a Gentle Daily Cleansing Routine

Daily cleansing can take its toll on your skin. Strong soaps and abrasive scrubs may remove dirt and grim, but they also strip your skin of essential oils. To limit breakouts and prevent unsightly skin irritation, be kind to your skin. Wash your face using a gentle cleanser and pat or blot your skin dry with a soft towel. If your skin is dry, use a high quality moisturizer designed for your skin type. Alternatively, create an all-natural, homemade facial mask by mashing up a ripe banana or mixing one-quarter of a cup of powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

A healthy diet can help to nourish your skin from the inside out. One key component of a skin-friendly diet is vitamin A, which is found in dairy products. Low-fat yogurt, in particular, is not only rich in vitamin A, but also high in acidophilus, a type of live bacteria that may have an impact on the health of your skin. To get flawless skin, you will also need to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Anti-oxidant rich blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and plums are particularly beneficial, as they will protect your skin cells from damage and disintegration.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Good hydration plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Water will assist your cells in absorbing valuable nutrients and removing harmful waste products, which will automatically leave your skin looking cleaner and clearer.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress triggers a chemical response that causes your skin to become more reactive. By exercising regularly and practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and visual imagery, you will be able to reduce the effects of stress on your skin.

Your skin works hard to protect your body from the environment, so do not forget to give it some tender loving care. By following the aforementioned skincare tips, you will reap the rewards of your efforts for many years to come.