It is estimated that, at any given time, 1 in every 3 Americans experiences a skin disorder ranging from acne to extreme sun damage and psoriasis. According to a study by the Lewin Group the total annual cost of skin conditions in the USA amounts to approximately $39.3 billion and continues to increase annually as more and more people fail to make the effort to look after their skin and bodies.
While some of these skin conditions are more common than others, most can be prevented or at the very least reduced by making simple lifestyle changes and practicing good skin care rituals. The health and beauty market is flooded with skin-care products that cleanse, tone, firm and lift and while many of these live up to their favorable reputation it is possible and encouraged to follow the following guidelines to ensure healthy, radiant looking skin all-year round.
Wear Minimal Makeup
It is vitally important that we, as women, learn to embrace our natural beauty. It is not necessary to constantly wear makeup and hide our skins under a mass of concealer and foundation. While it may add a fine coating to your skin to give it a glowing appearance, it will be at the detriment of it if used daily over an extended period of time. You are not expected to stop wearing makeup altogether but allow yourself some rest days in between special occasions where you rather indulge in a deep-cleansing facial and moisturizer and allow your skin to breathe. Even if you are tired after a long party, take the time to clear your skin of all the chemicals in the makeup. Nothing can be worse for your skin than going to bed with your makeup on.
Slather on Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute must for your skin as exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to dry skin, premature aging and even skin cancer. Using a good-quality natural sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) you can significantly prevent damage to your skin. Make it a habit to use sunscreen daily, even when it is overcast outside, as the UV rays are at their most dangerous when there is some cloud out.
Eat the Right Food
What you eat contributes directly to the state of your skin. Fruit and vegetables rich in Vitamin C aid collagen production that contributes to the firmness and suppleness of your skin. If you follow a Vitamin C-rich diet you can count on a firmer, younger-looking skin. If you are looking for a smooth complexion you need to include healthy doses of Vitamin A in your diet. Red, orange and leafy green vegetables are all sources of beta-carotene (a form of Vitamin A) and are necessary for new cell formation. These carotenoids also help protect the skin against the sun. Omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish and nuts contribute significantly towards the skin’s elasticity. Something simple such as eating a hand full of almonds a day can leave you with a firmer, more radiant-looking skin.
Drink Enough Water
Drink enough water during the day to keep your skin hydrated. Water also helps clear out the toxins that can blemishes and inflammation and assists in transporting oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, preventing dehydration which can lead to premature aging. Drinking enough water can even make the skin appear fuller because the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in the skin will retain water for a wrinkle-plumping effect. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to maintain a healthy, glowing skin.
Looking after our skin should come as naturally to us as brushing our teeth does or having a shower after a long day does. It is never too early to start taking care of your skin and parents are urged to instill good skin-care habits in their children from a young age. We are only granted with one skin and it is our responsibility to treat it with the care it deserves to leave us looking radiant well into your old age.
Written by Sally Writes