Radiant skin is usually an indicator of good health. Therefore, it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle and be aware of how you treat your body. Here are five tips for healthy, glowing skin.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
The foods you put into your body will reflect in your skin. If you eat a nutritious diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based protein, your skin will glow from within. On the other hand, if you eat foods high in sugar or saturated fat, you’re at a higher risk of experiencing breakouts or early signs of aging. Some of the best foods for glowing skin include:
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Walnuts
- Sweet potatoes
- Lemon
- Stay Hydrated
Your skin is your largest organ, so it’s essential that you keep it hydrated by drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Dehydration prevents your skin from shedding its outer layer, causing dead cells to accumulate on the surface. This can make your skin prone to damage and lead to dullness, clogged pores and fine lines.
On the other hand, drinking plenty of fluids flushes out various toxins from the body, which can promote soft, supple skin. If you’re having trouble drinking 64 ounces of water a day, try supplementing with other hydrating drinks, such as chamomile tea, smoothies or coconut water.
- Get Enough Sleep
While you sleep, your skin sheds its cells to reveal newer, fresher skin underneath. Your skin also produces new collagen, which is a protein that has been shown to prevent sagging and make the skin appear plumper. Because both of these processes only occur while you’re asleep, it’s important that you get at least seven hours of sleep a night. As you may know from experience, lack of sleep can result in dark circles, puffy eyes and dull skin.
- Follow a Skincare Routine
Creating and consistently following a skincare routine can do wonders for your skin. Your morning skincare routine should consist of the following steps:
- Cleanser: For those with acne-prone or oily skin, opt for cleansers containing hyaluronic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these control oil production. If you have dry skin, look for products that contain lactic acid, an ingredient that increases the skin’s natural moisture.
- Toner: The purpose of a toner is to remove any impurities that have accumulated in your pores overnight, such as grime or oil. It can also minimize the appearance of pores and tighten the skin.
- Antioxidant Serum: Serums are concentrated, nutrient-dense products that address particular skin concerns. Antioxidant serums are perfect for all skin types, as they can protect against environmental pollutants and neutralize damage caused by UV rays.
- Eye Cream: This step can reduce the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet as well as maintain the thickness of the eyelid skin.
- Moisturizer: Applying moisturizer can protect your skin against harsh environmental conditions, such as sunlight, wind and pollution.
- Sunscreen: Dermatologists recommend using a physical sunscreen as opposed to a chemical sunscreen, as chemical sunscreens won’t absorb well into the skin after you’ve applied moisturizer. Make sure your sunscreen contains zinc and titanium dioxide, which are the active ingredients that protect against UV rays.
- Quit Drinking and Smoking
Alcohol is one of the worst compounds for your skin, as it destroys the supply of vitamin A to your bloodstream. Because vitamin A is essential for collagen stimulation, a lack of it can cause the skin to age faster. In addition, alcohol causes the pores to dilate, which can lead to blackheads and whiteheads. Studies have shown that even moderate alcohol consumption can negatively affect the skin. On the other hand, tobacco has been shown to accelerate the natural aging process and is associated with psoriasis, uneven skin tone and discolored nails.
Your skin is a reflection of your lifestyle, which means that you can get the radiant skin you desire if you make smart choices. Following these five tips can give you healthy, glowing skin.
