Want Healthy Skin? Here’s How
Did you know that there are over 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed every single year in the United States alone? That number is especially alarming when you realize that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Now is a crucial time to take a closer look at your skincare routine, as many of us will be soaking up even more of the sun’s rays with the start of summer. By protecting yourself from the sun, eating a healthy diet, and pampering your skin, you can keep your skin bright, glowing, and radiant.
Ramp up sun protection.
The very best thing you can do to keep your skin healthy is to protect yourself from extreme sun exposure. Of course, doses of vitamin D from the sun are vital to both our physical and mental health, especially in times of self-isolation. However, UV rays are notorious for leaving their mark in the form of sunspots and sunburn , not to mention skin cancer.
With a few preventative measures, you can still enjoy all the benefits of the sun while also avoiding irreparable damage. These protective tips include the following:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply often.
- Wear protective clothing—including hats, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, and pants—when possible.
- Avoid long sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Take extra precautions around reflective surfaces like water and sand.
- Be extra cautious when taking prescription medications like antibiotics that heighten skin sensitivity.
Eat a healthy diet.
It has often been said that one way to get healthy skin is by working from the inside out . In other words, the quality of your nutrition and diet can be reflected in the condition of your skin. Adding a few key, vitamin-rich foods to your diet can greatly improve both the quality and appearance of your skin.
There are at least a dozen healthy foods that have been proven to boost skin appearance. For instance, the nutrients found in fatty fish such as salmon can help to reduce inflammation and prompt the production of new skin cells. Avocados, another food rich in healthy fats, are a great source of vitamin E, which protects skin against oxidative damage. In addition, soy, which contains isoflavones, has been proven to reduce fine wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Pamper your skin.
If you have something you want to last longer, you treat it gently, right? This idea also applies to caring for your skin. Your skin goes through a lot on a typical day—multiple hand washings, shaving, hot showers or baths, strong soaps, and more. If you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing, it’s time to indulge in some pampering.
One idea is to let your skin fully rejuvenate every night while you sleep. By gently cleansing your skin, exfoliating, applying a nourishing mask, and moisturizing with serums, eye creams, and a rich all-over moisturizer, you will wake to healthy, revitalized skin every morning.
The time to protect your skin from irreparable damage is now. By protecting yourself from the sun, eating a vitamin-rich diet, and pampering your skin regularly, your skin will continue to be healthy and vibrant throughout your life.
