The good news about taking care of your skin’s health is that you’ll be rewarded by looking better and younger. Things that affect the health of your skin, such as the sun, can also make your skin look older.
If you watch TV commercials or peruse advertisements, you may think that you need dozens of expensive products. But that’s not true. Simple things can make a big difference. If you follow these five basic steps, your skin will look healthier and age slower. It’s that easy.
The sun’s rays may feel good, but they can cause a lot of damage to your skin and health. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. It’s also one of the most preventable cancers. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the major culprit of skin cancer.
Repeated sun exposure also breaks down the elastin in the skin and can lead to brown spots, also called age spots, and wrinkles. About 90% of skin aging is a result of too much sun exposure.
Simply wearing sunscreen with an sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher every single time you’re exposed to the sun, and reapplying regularly, can protect you against skin cancer and aging skin. Wearing other protective products like sunglasses and hats help as well.
You may get tired at night or think that your skin is not that dirty and skip washing your face. But it’s important always to wash away your makeup and the day’s dirt and grime to prevent breakouts, dull-looking skin, and eyelash breakage. After cleansing, apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin so it looks moist and soft the next morning.
Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can affect your health in many ways, including your skin’s health and appearance. Smoking restricts blood vessels, which decreases blood flow and makes your skin look unhealthy and pale. It also damages collagen and elastin, the substances that make your skin look firm, smooth, and youthful.
Drinking too much alcohol can leave you, and your skin, dehydrated the next morning. Excessive alcohol consumption can also leave your skin looking red and ruddy.
What you put in your body affects the health of your insides and your appearance on the outside. We already mentioned the dangers of drinking too much alcohol. But something that’s good to drink in large quantities is water, which helps you keep your skin hydrated.
Getting the right vitamins in the right quantities is vital for your overall health, and that includes your skin. Eating foods rich in vitamins C and E, plus the mineral selenium, and avoiding unhealthy fats and processed carbohydrates may help protect your skin against sun damage. Eating a healthy diet may go even further by helping to reverse signs of aging.
When you feel tired, you looked tired. You can avoid tired-looking eyes, dark circles, and lackluster skin by getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Bonus sleep tips: Sleep on your back to avoid creating creases in your skin. Try a silk pillowcase if you are a side sleeper.
For more tips on how to keep your skin looking its best, call us at Los Gatos Dermatology or make an appointment online.
