Most of us think of our skin as cosmetic and don’t stop to consider its important role in our health. Healthy skin prevents dehydration and infections and helps to regulate body temperature. Keeping your skin healthy means more than looking good, although that is an obvious benefit. To keep your skin healthy all year long, try these tips.
Food and Drinks: Many people overlook the connection between healthy skin and their diet. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and cutting down on fats improves skin health, but don’t forget to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Lack of water causes dehydration and leaves skin looking sallow. Lack of water also contributes to dark circles and bags under the eyes.
Bathing: Believe it or not, how you bath effects the health of your skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting bathing time as hot showers and baths strip the skin of natural oils. Avoid hot baths and keep the water cool. Mild or moisturizing soaps help to protect the skin and prevent dryness. Dry you skin by patting – not rubbing – and apply moisturizer to replenish moisture to the skin.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is just as important during the winter as it is on the sunny days of summer. Apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 before going outside. Sunscreen blocks the harmful rays from the sun and prevents premature aging of the skin.
Foot Care: Caring for your feet is also an important consideration during winter, particularly if you wear socks of slippers inside during the winter. Your feet lose moisture quickly during dry weather and can crack or flake due to dryness. Get in the habit of drying your feet thoroughly and applying moisturizer before donning your socks and shoes. When dry skin rears its ugly head, buff gently with a pumice stone to keep dry skin under control.
Facial Care: Protecting your face from harsh winter weather requires a good skin care routine that begins with cleansing your skin to remove dirt and oils. Skinfo, a specialty skincare boutique, recommends using a facial brush to cleanse the face as it removes 60 percent more oils and dirt than using either your hands or a washcloth. Follow with a moisturizer designed for your type of skin. Skinfo provides recommendations for products for specific skin types and says alpha hydroxy acids are suitable for all skin types to hydrate and thicken the skin.
Taking care of your skin keeps you looking and feeling younger and helps you stay healthy too. So, get into the habit of treating your skin with the respect it deserves and it will reward you with a healthy glow for a lifetime.
