Healthy skin is the key to natural beauty. With age and exposure to the elements comes a deterioration of the skin, but with a little knowledge and a few easy tips, you can improve the look of your skin as you grow older.
Protecting yourself from the sun is very important. Exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin causing wrinkles, dry skin, and liver spots. The predominant cause of skin aging is a lifetime of being exposed to the sun. There are simple ways to avoid sun damage. The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 is very important. If swimming, or sweating, reapply every couple of hours. During peak hours of intensity, between 11am and 3pm, it is more effective to cover up completely, or reduce time outside.
Hot water can remove oils from your skin, so use warm, rather than hot water when cleansing. Soap can strip your skin of vital oils, so use mild substitutes. Avoid perfumes or dyes that can irritate your skin. After washing, pat your skin dry to maintain some moisture before sealing it in by moisturising your skin.
If your skin feels tight after you have a shower, then you need to apply moisturiser. When applying moisturiser in the morning make sure it has a SPF 15 to protect you from the suns rays during the day. Sun beds should be avoided as they can damage your skin in the same way that exposure to the sun does.
Food can have a profound effect on your whole body, including your skin. Eggs, avocados, nuts and soybeans are great for providing your skin with biotin. Omegas -3s are also important, as well as salmon, which contains astaxanthin, aiding with skin elasticity.
Tomato paste and olive oil have been claimed to reduce people’s proclivity towards sunburn. Any foods containing antioxidants are beneficial to the appearance of the skin. Vitamin C helps to form collagen, but only from natural food sources rather than supplements. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out your system, and keeps the skin hydrated.
Smoking should be avoided as it speeds up the aging process. It restricts blood flow to the skin and can deplete the skin of vital nutrients. If your overall health is good, it will have a positive effect on your skin. A healthy diet and exercise is good for your skin, and helps maintain a radiant glow.