Healthy Skin Basics

Healthy skin is not just the benefit of the young. You can achieve and maintain healthy skin by following a few simple rules. There will be different needs for different seasons and certain conditions (eczema, acne) may be genetically inherited or caused by stress. There are also many regimens (toning, cleansing, and scrubbing) that will help improve your skin, but we cover the basic guidelines that are true for everyone and should be the foundation of your skin routine.

MOISTURIZE YEAR-ROUND

Whether it’s winter blues and itchy skin or dry summer air, busy schedule or frequent gym time, you will reap huge benefits from quenching your skin’s thirst. So moisturize, moisturize, moisturize every single day. It’s especially important for your face to get a moisturizer on in the morning and at night. Select a kind that is light and airy in the a.m., so you don’t feel like wearing a mask all day, but I would suggest a heavier kind for the p.m. before bed.

Galina from the Red Door Spa swears by the following technique to keep your feet soft – put on a heavy moisturizer and then soft cotton socks over, to seal the moisture – do it overnight and you will wake up with baby feet. The same could be done for your hands (just wear soft gloves after moisturizing). And don’t forget your knees and elbows – these usually stay dryer due to thicker skin. Your best solution is a heavier cream to treat these rough areas.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream 50ml/1.7oz
Price: $25.5
A daily hydrating cream With a lightweight rapid-dissolving texture Formulated with vitamin E to condition nourish & shield skin Reveals a suppler sleeker & healthier looking complexion To use: Apply to face & neck after cleansing & toning

USE SUNSCREEN YEAR-ROUND

As the environment is getting worse and temperatures are higher and the UV rays stronger, you really need to protect your skin. Even a short exposure can cause wrinkles and dark spots. Everyone is aware of the dangers of skin cancer and it is mostly preventable by simply using sunscreen. Choose one depending on your activity. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, pick the one with a higher SPF (30 or 45). If you exercise (and sweat a lot) or hang by the pool a lot, pick a water-resistant kind. Spray application is more convenient, but some may prefer a lotion-kind dispenser. Many companies sell moisturizers with a good SPF level (15 or higher), so this is the best solution for two in one, as long as you are happy with the SPF level.

Coppertone UltraGuard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+, 8 fl oz (237 ml)
Price: $11.49
Broad spectrum. UVA/UVB protection. Waterproof. Non-greasy. Moisturizing.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

The old saying of 8 glasses a day is no longer true. Really you need to take in what you lose during the day through various bodily functions, but it also depends on your age, activity level, and geographic location. To replace the amount of water lost, we need on average one liter, or roughly 4 glasses of water, which could also be partially obtained through food. My advice is to listen to your body and drink if you are thirsty – try to get a liter in but do not overthink the amount. Drinking water ensures that you flush impurities from your body and cleanse internal organs. By the same token, avoid too much salt and caffeine which cause dehydration. If your body is hydrated, your skin will be too.

Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 1 QT Water Bottle
Price: $11.5
This lightweight Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 1 QT Water Bottle is the perfect companion to ensure proper hydration as you venture out into the world. It has a wide mouth for easy filling and its 100% BPA free, so dont worry about leaving it out in the sun while you explore.

EAT ANTIOXIDANT-RICH DIET

Your skin is partially a reflection of what you put inside (or you are what you eat). Fatty foods and chocolate often cause breakouts and oily skin. If you follow a diet full of fruits and vegetables, especially lots of leafy greens and antioxidants, like blueberries, peaches, bananas, cucumber, your skin will improve. Do not forget about the wonders of fish, especially the omega-3 rich salmon. It can also improve your mood and your metabolism.

INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER

This one is not just for relieving baby colds and creating comfortable atmosphere at home. Humidifier can help you moisturize the air and open your pores.

Sunpentown Ultrasonic Dual Mist Warm / Cool Humidifier
Price: $72.99
Sunpentown SU-4010 Humidifier: Ultrasonic generator Super quiet operation ION exchange filter Dual function: warm and cool mist Humidity output: 400cc/hour Designed for rooms up to 500 sq. ft. Split nozzles: 360-degree adjustable direction 4.0-liter water capacity Includes overheat protection Energy efficient Cleaning brush included Model# SU-4010

VISIT A DERMATOLOGIST

Even if you don’t have any skin problems or issues, it’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist to ensure your skin is in good condition and test anything that looks unusual. He can also prescribe a treatment when necessary and offer professional advice on improving your skin.