Nurturing and protecting your skin should be a priority in your daily routine. After all, we all want to look young for as long as possible.
When it comes to premature aging, most experts agree that the lack of proper care and the effects of the weather are the main reasons. Caring and maintaining healthy skin during the summer and winter months, which could be the harshest time of the year for your skin, is easier than you think.
Sun overexposure can create wrinkles; pollution and can clog pores. Making sure your skin is protected from damaging ultraviolet rays is vital.
- Wear sunscreen daily. Use a brand that uses zinc oxide as an active ingredient.
- Wear protective clothing. Hats come to mind, to give your face that added protection.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid dehydration by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily and avoid caffeine as much as possible.
The same routine applies during winter months. Dress appropriately to avoid the skin from drying out. Also, a good shower routine can help keep your skin hydrated during winter months:
- Avoid harsh detergents that can dry your skin. Use a hydrating soap for showering.
- Shower with warm water. Hot water can eliminate natural oils leaving skin itchy and flaky.
- Exfoliate your skin. Fill your tub with warm water and rub your body with bath salts or body scrub. This helps gets rid of dead cells and a healthier layer of skin resurfaces.
- After getting out of the shower/bath, pat your skin dry instead of using hard strokes.
- Apply moisturizer appropriate to you skin type.
- Keep a humidifier in the house.The extra moisture will do wonders for your skin.
Other factors that cause damage to the skin are:
- Alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates, so avoiding its consumption is wise.
- Smoking. Unfortunately, the effects of smoking are irreversible. It damages collagen and elastin by impairing blood flow to your skin and depleting it of oxygen.
- Poor diet. Avoid excess white sugar and processed foods.
- Rapid weight loss. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight because weight that shifts dramatically can speed the aging process and sag the skin.
Products that aid in keeping a balanced and youthful looking skin include:
- Vitamins. Vitamins C, A, and E are great antioxidants that may help counteract skin damage.
- Creams and lotions. Topical retinol (Retin-A) can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when applied daily.
- For the face, switching from soap to a mild cleanser can avoid over drying.
A good night sleep is also an easy way to maintaining a youthful appearance. Getting adequate rest will keep those annoying bags under your eyes away. And will keep stress levels in check.
Making improvements to your skin these days don’t necessarily have to include a trip to a plastic surgeon. With a little discipline, you can delay the effects of aging. However, always keep in mind that the skin ages no matter what. Be happy with who you are because true beauty, really does lie within yourself!
