Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good—it’s also about your health! Acne and other types of rashes can be the result of clogged pores or an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in your skincare products, and by taking proper care of your skin now, you can avoid future skin problems and maintain glowing, healthy-looking skin. Here are ten simple tips to take care of your skin
1) Hydrate
Hydrating your skin from within is super-important. Drinking lots of water will help keep your body hydrated and thus, your skin too. However, drinking water alone won’t do much for your skin if you don’t drink enough or have a poor diet. Be sure to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet (include orange juice, bananas, cantaloupe and tomatoes) as they’re full of antioxidants that are crucial for cell health.
2) Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of your best defenses against skin cancer. If you’re spending time outside, apply a layer of sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. Keep reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—and make sure it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone (yes, these chemicals can cause skin cancer too).
3) Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep each night is vital for both physical and mental health. When you’re awake, your body is busy digesting food, repairing tissues, and building muscle. But when you sleep, that’s when it does some of its best work. The National Sleep Foundation found that losing out on a mere hour or two per night can slow down your metabolism by as much as 8 percent!
4) Cleanse Your Face Daily
Washing your face is something that many people overlook when it comes to skin care. Cleaning off your make-up, dirt and grime each night will help keep your skin from becoming irritated and red. Be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer or anti-aging cream as well.
5) Avoid Expensive Products
It’s tempting to buy lotions and scrubs that are packed with high-end ingredients. However, those products don’t necessarily improve your skin—and they can be expensive. Instead, find a basic facial cleanser and moisturizer at your local drugstore that works for you. Using them consistently will be more beneficial than purchasing pricey products. It’s easy on your budget and great for your skin!
6) Eat Well
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help your skin stay healthy. Eating foods high in fat and sugar can cause your skin to lose its elasticity, leaving you with wrinkles, spots, or even acne. A diet rich in fatty acids and vitamin E may even help clear up acne. As an added bonus, vitamins A and C can help keep your skin from wrinkling as it ages.
7) Exercise Regularly
It’s a fact: Exercise is good for your skin. Aerobic activity can help reduce stress and boost circulation, both of which may diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Exercise also raises levels of endorphins—aka happy hormones—which means you’ll look healthier even when you feel less than happy.
8) Don’t Overdo It With the Acne Pills
Over-the-counter acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help with mild breakouts, but using them too often can irritate your skin. Always read warning labels and limit use to a few times a week. If you notice redness, pain or other uncomfortable side effects after taking these products, stop using them right away.
9) Get Rid of Blemishes Naturally
Blemishes happen, no matter how well you take care of your skin. If you’re wondering how to get rid of them naturally, start by avoiding all over-the-counter treatments.
10) Take Selfies From an Angle That Doesn’t Flatter You
We’ve all done it—checked our reflection, tweaked our pose and maybe even taken a quick snapshot and shared it with our friends. But as simple as it is, there are right and wrong ways to take selfies, even if you only share them with yourself.
