5 Ways to Improve Skin Health | Lillee Jean Beauty

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As our body’s largest organ, our skin is simultaneously what protects us and what’s most exposed to environmental factors and other external influences, making it vulnerable to a host of different problems. Whether it’s breakouts during your period or the sun burning right through and through or your age wearing it down, your skin can just as easily be damaged as other parts of your body—especially if you don’t take proper care of it.

Now, you don’t need an overwhelming amount of products, facials, lasers, and other skin treatments to repair and prevent further skin damage. The trick lies in the simplest of things such as changing a few things in your lifestyle and being consistent with these adjustments.

With just a simple skincare routine and the techniques listed below, you’re one step closer to healthier skin.

Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

There’s no escaping the sun during the day and that is exactly the reason why sunscreen is non-negotiable when it comes to taking care of your skin. When you let your skin be exposed to the sun for a very long time, you will see its effects through age spots, wrinkles, as well as other skin issues. The worst part? This will also increase your risk of skin cancer.

One of the best ways to combat excessive sun exposure is by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it generously on your skin and reapply every two hours or more especially if you are swimming or if you often sweat a lot. It’s easy to neglect sunscreen during winter or if you don’t live in a particularly sunny place. However, sunscreen is still needed in these situations as you can still get skin damage in overcast weather.

You can also seek shade and avoid going out between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM as these are when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Alternatively, you can wear protective clothing by using tightly woven long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Add a wide-brimmed hat for added head protection.

Keep Stress At Bay

You might have noticed that pimples and the dark spots caused by those pimples tend to pop up or appear more noticeable whenever an important event or change in your life is about to occur. Some skin problems such as itchy skin, flaky or oily patches on the scalp, hand rashes, scaly skin, and severe acne can be caused by stress.

For better skin and a healthier state of mind, manage your stress the way that is effective for you. This can mean getting the right amount of sleep, scaling back your enormous to-do list, or putting aside time to do the things that you enjoy.

Gentle Care Is The Way To Go

There’s also such a thing as caring too much. Daily cleansing, shaving, and even washing way too frequently can actually take a toll on your skin, leading to even further damage. Keep a gentle routine whenever you’re caring for your skin.

Approach your skin the way you would a baby’s. Limit your bath time as hot water and long showers or baths tend to remove oils that your skin needs. 5- to 10-minute showers or baths are more than enough. Between warm and hot water, use the former.

As much as possible, look through the ingredient list of the soaps you are using. Make sure you’re avoiding harsh soaps and detergents as these can also strip away oils from your skin. Choose mild and fragrance-free cleansers instead.

If you shave often, remember to protect and lubricate your skin first by applying shaving cream or lotion. A clean and sharp razor is a must to get the closest shave. Another shaving tip is to shave in the direction your hair grows and not against it.

Once you’re done bathing or washing, gently pat your skin dry to retain some of that moisture.

Lastly, moisturize according to your skin type. If you often go out for work or any other activity, consider investing in a moisturizer that has SPF.

Say No To The Smoke

Aside from all the harmful effects, it will have on your body, smoking also ages you. What smoking does to your skin is that it narrows down the tiny blood vessels found in the outermost layers of your skin, resulting in a decreased blood flow that will make you look paler than ever before.

Furthermore, smoking reduces the natural elasticity of your skin which leads to a breakdown of your collagen and elastin fibers. Do your skin and yourself a favor and quit smoking before wrinkles start to form.

Clean Up Your Diet

Good food makes you feel great on the inside and look your best on the outside. Your skin will thank you tremendously the moment you decided to lessen your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, fried and processed foods.

Remember that what you eat will eventually reflect on your skin. Your diet is extremely important if you want to combat skin problems such as acne, aging skin, and even skin cancer. Add skin-healthy foods such as mangoes, tomatoes, green tea, and omega-3 into your menu.

Another thing you should never forget whenever you’re taking care of your skin or your health overall is to stay hydrated. Hydration is crucial to keep your skin clear and healthy.

You don’t necessarily have to break the bank buying all these expensive products and getting all these luxurious procedures in order to care for your skin. Following the simple and thoughtful steps listed above is enough to turn dull and lifeless skin into one that’s glowing.

Just make sure to be consistent by keeping yourself accountable. Clear and healthy skin can be achieved as long as you are willing to set aside time and effort for it.

By: Kat Sarmiento