Although we always recommend a proper skin care regime, there are still simple things you can do to maintain healthy skin. Making the right lifestyle choices can go a long way in delaying the natural aging process and preventing various skin problems. Here are some tips to keep your skin looking healthy for years to come:
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
One of the most effective ways to prevent your skin from looking old is by keeping it protected from the sun. Wrinkles, age spots, and other skin issues are made worse by sun exposure and, worse, it can increase your risk of developing cancer. This is why you should always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 whenever you know you will be outside. Remember to apply it generously and reapply it every two hours or more if you are swimming or sweating a lot.
Even if you do not think you will be in the sun much, you should still apply sunscreen before you head out just in case. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so avoid being outside during this time if you can. While it may seem counterintuitive, wearing long-sleeved tops and pants is better when you know you will be spending time in the sun. As long as it is loose-fitting, these clothes should still keep you cool, and they will also better protect you from the sun’s rays. There are even laundry additives that can give your clothing additional protection from ultraviolet rays. Do not forget to accessorize your outfits with a hat for even more sun protection.
Be Gentle
Frequently washing your face and shaving can take a toll on your skin, which is why you should be gentle with it. Consider limiting how long you spend in hot water as it can remove nourishing oils from your skin. You should use cooler water instead if you want to spend time in the bath or shower. Use cleansers that do not strip your skin of its natural oils and pat dry instead of rubbing your skin with a towel. Always use a moisturizer or serum after washing to keep your skin hydrated. If your skin requires refreshment from life’s stresses, book an appointment with Dermal Laser. Our skincare centres in Vancouver and North Vancouver specialize in getting to the root of your skin issues and creating a customized approach for fixing it.
Quit Smoking
We all know how terrible smoking is for our health, but you may not have realized the toll it can also take on your skin. Smoking narrows your skin’s blood vessels, which can make it look dull. It also depletes oxygen and nutrients from your skin that are important for maintaining its health. Smoking damages elastin and collage which leads your skin to sag or develop wrinkles quickly. Even pursing your lips or squinting your eyes repetitively as you smoke can cause your eyes and mouth to form more wrinkles.
Stay hydrated and consume foods rich in Antioxidants
Our skin is made up of 64% water which is why it is so important to stay hydrated. Water acts as a means of flushing out toxins as well as keeping our skin radiant. Lack of hydration can lead to dry, flakey, tight skin that is more prone to developing wrinkles. Likewise the foods we eat can either be our greatest medicine or our worst poison. Eat diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals to help build our natural collagen and ingest plenty of antioxidants which help stabilize damaged cells caused by free radicals. Some of the best sources include blueberries, oranges, pomegranates, and tomatoes.
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