Healthy skin is not just for aesthetics; as they say, if you?re healthy on the inside, it will show on the outside. Skin is our biggest organ and the first characteristic we usually see in another person, so it is can be very important to keep healthy in order to keep a good impression. Below, we look at 5 basic steps we can all take in order to maintain healthy skin.
1) Drink lots of water
It is recommended that the average person should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day – around 2 litres. This, however, should be the minimum, as it is likely that we will be losing a lot of water from our bodies, especially during warmer weather. Water is essential to keep our body hydrated, and since 60% of our body is made up of it, it is essential that we are continuously replenishing it. Our skin?s elasticity is reliant on water and well-hydrated skin reduces the chances of scarring and wrinkles.
2) Moisturise twice daily
Why? Because dry skin can crack, which is painful. It also will take longer to heal and can start a painful cycle of more damaged skin that can also lead to breakouts. After having a hot shower, your skin will have been stripped of oil and moisture, and moisturising cream will replenish this and protect your skin again. There is no point in drinking lots of water to improve your skin?s elasticity only to have your skin dry out because its protective layers have been washed off.
3) Use a sunblock
We underestimate the effect of UV rays from the sun just because we can?t see it and the effects aren?t immediate. Sunblock isn?t just reserved for the times you are laying outside in your garden catching a tan or for when you head over to southern Europe for a holiday; in fact, we should always wear sunblock when we expose ourselves to the sun. Kill two birds with one stone and invest in a moisturiser that also has SPF protection – Lancaster sun cream is a good option to ensure that you are properly protected daily.
4) Sleep well
8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is adequate for most people, but unfortunately, this is not always possible. Waking up in the middle of the night to look after babies, working late and early starts, and just generally less than ideal sleeping environments mean many of us find it hard to get this type of sleep. What you can do to help is not look at any screens within an hour of going to bed – try reading a book instead or meditating to put your mind at ease. Ensure you drink a glass of water before you sleep and moisturise yourself in order to give you a better chance at a peaceful nights sleep.
5) Eat nutritious foods
The old saying ?you are what you eat? is certainly true in this context. Oily skin that causes acne and other skin conditions can be caused by an unhealthy diet, high in fats and oils. Ditch the junk food and snacks for fruit, vegetables and water. It may not sound as appetising for some but you?ll certainly be healthier and have clearer skin!