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First and foremost, it is necessary to adequately protect your skin from the sun. Unless you’re allergic to sunlight, chances are you’ll be exposed to the sun’s rays. The essential part is knowing what kind of sunscreen to use: “Always broad-spectrum with an SPF of at least 30 says Dr. Miriam Hanson, “and reapply every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.” The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so avoiding the sun for prolonged times during these hours would be advised to keep your skin healthy. If you can’t, make your clothes work as sun protection! There are now sun protecting additives you can add to your laundry, like Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment UV Protectant. Hats are also on your side when it comes to skin protection.
You have heard it a million times before, so once more won’t hurt: Don’t smoke! You can thank us later. Smoking depletes the natural collagen in your skin, making it less strong, less elastic, and less flexible. You are literally aging your skin with each cigarette. Smoking decreases blood flow to the outermost layer of skin by minimizing the tiny blood capsules, possibly damaging connective tissues that help maintain healthy skin. The evidence is out, and following closely behind sun exposure as the #1 risk of skin cancer is the high correlation between smoking and premature aging of the skin.
Develop good hygeine practices and know how to treat your skin well. Many people are guilty of overdoing it when it comes to this. Make sure you aren’t depleting your skin’s natural oils that moisturize and keep your skin healthy. Use mild and natural soaps with as little added chemicals as possible. Hot water also removes natural oils from skin, leaving it dry. Limit bath and shower times, and use warm water instead of hot water. After cleansing, always pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel or cloth as this allows excess moisture to remain on the skin. Moisturizer is another great way to help your skin look great. Look for a moisturizer that fits your skin’s type, and one that includes an SPF to prevent premature aging. You can also look into treatments such as Diamond Glow skin resurfacing.
Eat healthy and look young! Fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of anti-aging properties. The saying, “You are what you eat,” is true. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so what you eat is where it draws its nutrients. Vitamins A and C are predominantly present in fruits and vegetables. This is great news for your skin. Vitamin A aids in cell reproduction and repair. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects tissues from free radicals that cause premature aging and wrinkles. It also promotes the production of collagen, which gives your skin strength, elasticity, and flexibility! Among the best fruits to eat for a clear complexion are blueberries, avocados, mangos, and citrus fruits. So, if you seek a glowing complexion, eat natural and healthy foods.
Drink water. Always choose water over other beverages. Not only is it less expensive, but water keeps your skin looking its best and your body healthy. Think of it this way: when you apply moisturizer to your skin, you’re hydrating from the outside, but drinking water hydrates your skin from the inside. Dehydration causes skin to show its wrinkles and lines. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. If you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water. For the purest hydration, consider a reliable water company such as the water company in Chattanooga to ensure your water is clean and refreshing. Stay hydrated! The benefits are abundant, and the results will leave you glowing.