Skin that shows signs of a nicotine habit, poor diet or too much sun can add years to your appearance. Skin having a healthy look radiates a youthful look no matter what your age.
Tender Loving Care (TLC)
A nutritious diet and exercise is a must if you want healthy skin.
Diet
Diet is important and regular supply of nutrients, including, fats protein, minerals, plenty of water and vitamins (E, C and A). These vitamins are important since they help counter the effects of free radicals, the unstable oxygen molecules that accelerate aging by causing cell and tissue damage.
Exercise
Exercise is important because it pumps oxygen-rich blood through your body, which speeds the elimination of toxins and expedites the growth of new cells. Your skin needs 7% of the oxygen you take in. If you exercise less as you get older, you will take in less oxygen and your skin will show it.
Avoiding things that will ruin your skins appearance
Too much sun
Our sun is to blame for 90% of the wrinkles and the dreaded appearance it gives. The ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) breaks down the structure of skin and damage cell membranes and DNA. Also, they boost the production of enzymes that break down collagen. Wearing sunscreen won't reverse existing damage, but it can help prevent further wrinkling and protect against skin cancer.
Smoking
Smoking constricts blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and depriving skin of the oxygen it needs. It also introduces toxins and steps up free radical damage to a supercharged pace. No wonder smoking is a curse to your skin.
Too much alcohol
Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body, overindulgence can leave your skin looking drier and older. Limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages to no more than one a day for a better overall health. To offset dehydration drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Skin too dry?
Take shorter showers, and adjust the tap to luke warm. Prolonged exposure to "hot" water strips skin of oil and replaces it with water, which leaves skin drier as it evaporates.
Not enough sleep
The body regerates collegen and keratin (a protein in the skin's top layer) during sleep. Lack of sleep dulls the complexion and makes dark circles under your eyes worse.
Is your stress level too high?
When your under stress, skin breakouts are common and even without them your skin can look pale or ruddy and drawn. A world of good to help stress is to relax as in a vacation, treat yourself to a face or body massage. Not only will this help you relax but it also improves blood and by lymph circulation, accelerate the elimination of toxin, and speed the delivery of oxygen nutrients to your skin.
Caring for the skin
Buying expensive products to care for your skin doesn't have to involve a lot or much effort made. Using harsh soaps and abrasive masks and washing too often can do more harm than good.
Cleansing
Washing your face several times a day (using your hands, not a washcloth which can be rough on the skin and harbor bacteria) with a mild non-foaming soap or cleansing lotion. Steer clear of buffing pads and face scrubs which strip skin of its protective layer and boost oil production, encouraging breakouts. If your skin is oily, wash twice a day with a mild PH-balanced liquid cleanser that's astringent enough to lift grease.
Toning
Using an astringent or clarifying lotion after cleansing, choose one that's vinegar-based to soften the skin and relieve itchiness. Do not buy products that contain alcohol, which dries out the skin.
Moisturizer
After showering, apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp and pours open. Moisturizers don't actually add moisture to the skin, they help lock in the moisture that is already there. For skin that is dry, buy a oil-based product and for oily skin, buy a water based lotion. Expensive priced products is not a accurate gauge of effectiveness. For sensitive skin, prone to redness or chapping an anti-itching moisturizing lotion, Goat Milk and Honey Lotion is recommended.
Rosacea
This skin condition is marked by mild flushing and facial redness along with pimples and tiny red streaks from dilated blood vessels. The cause is unknown. Rosacea is harmless but unsightly. A dermatologist can prescribe an antibiotic, either in ointment or pill form that will control rosacea, but the condition may return after you stop taking the medication. To prevent rosacea from returning, some suggestions are to avoid direct sunlight and beauty products, that contain fragrances. Goat Milk and Honey Lotion that is unscented is a recommended product to use on rosacea. However, products containing alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, oil of peppermint and eucalyptus, may aggravate the condition. Intake of foods and beverages that cause blood vessels to dilate should be limited, including alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and hot drinks. Reduced stress also helps to reduce rosacea from returning. People with rosacea are found to be deficient of B vitamins. Be sure that you take a multivitamin that contains enough A and B vitamins which support healthy skin. If you're already taking a multivitamin, taking a separated suppliment may help minimize flare-ups.
I hope this article on basic skin care information to help with skin problems has been beneficial.
