Skin is a crucial reflection of our overall health and well-being. As the largest organ of our body, it acts as a shield against the external environment. It protects us from harmful radiation, infections, chemicals, temperature variation, and more. A natural glow is a significant sign of healthy skin. But factors such as poor diet, age, stress, and lack of a good skin care regime can rob your skin of its radiance. The good news is that you can achieve radiant and healthy skin with the proper skincare routine and lifestyle changes.
This article reveals expert tips on how to keep your skin luminous and glowing.
Why Is it Necessary to Maintain Healthy Skin Habits?
Our skin experiences continuous wear and tear from harmful sun rays, allergies, pollution, and cosmetics. To maintain radiant and healthy skin, you must take care of your skin by embracing the best skincare routine. These six tips will help you achieve the glowing skin you’ve always wanted.
Load up on Antioxidants
It’s without a doubt that antioxidants are skin care superstars. Antioxidants are among the naturally occurring minerals and vitamins that fight free radicals and protect your skin from damage. In case you are wondering, free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules that come from various sources. These include chemicals, air pollutants, cigarette smoke, and UV rays.
Free radicals miss an electron, and for them to stabilise, they look for other molecules to bind to. Their reactions trigger oxidative stress, which is highly linked to premature skin ageing. To fight them, antioxidants donate an electron, which reduces the reactivity and protects the skin. Our bodies produce antioxidants naturally, but the levels reduce as we age.
You can boost the levels by taking Vitamin A, E, and Vitamin C supplements or naturally obtain them from berries and leafy greens. You may also obtain some of these vitamins by incorporating AHAs and retinol into your skincare regime. They effectively treat sun-damaged skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin complexion.
Limit Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is among the greatest threats to healthy skin. UV rays are the primary cause of Melanoma, the most common and dangerous type of skin cancer. Studies show that around 15,400 people in the UK are diagnosed with Melanoma every year. Too much exposure to the sun could also lead to premature skin ageing.
The National Library of Medicine (US) reports that UV rays destroy collagen, making the skin lose its elasticity and tone. This results in fine lines and wrinkles. The course of action to lower the risk of getting sun damage is to minimise your exposure to UV rays. Whether there is sun or not, practice applying an SPF before going outside. When purchasing your SPF product, look for one that is:
- Suitable for your skin type
- Broad-spectrum
- SPF 30 and above
You should use mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This combo forms a barrier on the skin that deflects UV rays, and the ingredients are gentle and less likely to irritate your skin. You should apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas, including the neck and hands. When the sun is too hot, wear lightweight clothing and a hat and stay in the shade when possible.
Hydrate Efficiently for a Healthy Skin Complexion
The benefits of staying hydrated are invaluable. When it comes to the skin, drinking enough fluids can protect you from sun damage, especially in summer when the sun is at its strongest. Summer temperatures often lead to trans-epidermal water loss. You can remedy this by taking at least eight glasses of water daily and adding water-rich food cucumbers and watermelons to your diet. Limiting sugar and alcohol intake is also good because these dehydrators could lead to extra dry and flaky skin.
Besides drinking water, you can achieve instant hydration by using moisturisers and serums that lock in moisture to your skin. These products have humectants that aid in pulling water from the environment to the skin, removing dry patches, and softening the fine lines. If you have oily skin, prone to breakouts, you should invest in non-comedogenic moisturisers to avoid clogging your pores. You can also topically apply a hydrating serum or hyaluronic acid to maintain and replace your skin’s moisture.
Embrace Healthy Fats
Fatty acids like omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) also play a significant role in achieving healthy skin. These healthy fats are integral to the skin’s moisture barrier and serve as the building blocks for healthy cell membranes. Unlike antioxidants synthesised by the body, fatty acids can only be obtained from topical skin care or diet. Below are some of the sources for these essential fats.
- Omega 3:
Mackerel, Salmon, sardines, eggs, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts - Omega 6:
Walnuts, soybean oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews
Omega-9 (oleic acid) is a non-essential fatty acid, meaning your body produces it. It is particularly beneficial to dry skin because it can soften the skin and seal in moisture. External sources of omega-9 include rosehip oil, extra virgin oil, nuts, avocados, and sesame oil.
Cleanse and Exfoliate
Skin cleansing is a vital part of a skincare routine. It removes any dirt, makeup, or residue your skin may have collected during the day or at night. Investing in a good cleanser cleans your pores and removes dead skin cells. Finding products that are gentle on your skin and suit your skin type is vital. The blazing summer temperatures can make your skin glands produce more oil. During this season, an oil-based cleanser balances your skin by dissolving the oily substance produced by the sweat glands, known as sebum.
If you struggle to hold moisture on your skin, a milk-textured cleanser or cream can provide an instant and more intense moisturising effect. Milk-based cleansers are soothing to the skin and can relieve inflammation, hydrate, and soften your skin.
Besides cleansing, exfoliation is essential to a skin regime that reinvigorates your skin. When purchasing an exfoliant, it is critical to get a gentle one. Not just that, you shouldn’t overdo it as it can irritate your skin. Two to three times a week is enough to keep your skin healthy and radiant. If you prefer exfoliating with a sponge or brush, you should be careful not to damage your skin surface.
Take Care of Your Gut
Any underlying gut health issues can manifest in blemishes or flushing on your skin. This connection is known as the gut-skin axis. A good example is when your digestive system is unable to eliminate toxins. It turns to the skin to eliminate them, causing dermatitis, eczema, or acne. The gut microbiome requires nourishment with rich nutrients to feed the unique gut flora efficiently.
A healthy gut promotes radiant skin with a clear complexion. You can make a few diet and lifestyle changes to determine what works best for you. Be sure to avoid processed foods and refined sugars as they can wreak havoc on your gut. Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, and limiting your alcohol intake can also promote healthy skin while boosting overall health.
Try Supplementing Collagen
Collagen is a natural protein in our bodies that holds the skin tissues and cells together. It makes your skin appear plumper and increases the production of elastin on the skin. The collagen production in our bodies reduces as we age, causing wrinkles and fine lines. Luckily, taking collagen supplements helps slow the ageing process, reducing wrinkles and promoting a youthful look.
You can also get collagen by adding protein to your diet, including fish, chicken, and beef. Collagen is rich in amino acids that help to replace dead skin cells with a new layer. Amino acids promote a healthy gut by sealing leaky parts and strengthening the intestine walls. While trying to increase the collagen levels in your body, you should aim at limiting inflammatory foods like artificial trans fats and refined sugar. They may break down your collagen, resulting in dry, stiff skin.
What Is the Best Skin Treatment for Wrinkles?
Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of the ageing process. One way to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles is through a Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox. It involves the injection of a protein to relax the facial muscles causing wrinkles and lines temporarily. The effects of this treatment begin to show between 3 and 14 days after the treatment when your skin appears smoother. Getting Botox in London is a perfect alternative to retinol and AHA.
How Do I Know the Right Skincare Products for Healthy Skin?
With so many skincare products on the market today, knowing what will work for your skin can be challenging. One thing to remember is that the price does not indicate quality. In other words, the most expensive ones might not be right for you. The best thing is to identify your skin type and purchase products that suit you. Never purchase a product without adequate research on its active ingredients.
Avoid products with ingredients you have never heard of. If you are unsure where to start, go with the basic skincare routine steps: cleansing, toning, moisturising, and using sunscreen. You can also visit a face clinic for skin examination and guidance on the best skincare routine and products.
The Bottom Line About Healthy Skin
Maintaining healthy skin habits is essential for keeping your complexion looking radiant and youthful. You can do many things to take care of your skin, from incorporating antioxidants into your diet to limiting sun exposure.
At Face Clinic London, we offer a variety of treatments and products that can help you achieve the best possible skin health. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, so we offer personalised consultations to help you find the right solution for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services or would like to book a consultation, please visit our website or give us a call today!
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