One of the most important aspects of good health is having healthy skin. Not only does it look good, but it can also help protect us from infection and disease. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin problems account for more than 17 million doctor consultations annually in the United States. That’s a lot of visits!
The primary step toward proper skincare is your daily hygiene habit. Taking a bath, sleeping on time, and eating healthy foods are the essential things you can do to take care of your skin. But, if you want to go the extra mile for your skin’s health, you should consider a few more factors. Here are some areas that might affect your efforts to maintain healthy-looking skin.
Skincare Routine
While hygiene habits might be enough to help you maintain a youthful appearance, stress might still take its toll on your skin. To achieve a radiant complexion, you should establish a skincare routine that works for you. If you don’t know where to start, consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.
They will help you create a regimen based on your skin type, age, and current condition. The best time to do this is in your twenties since it’s the time when the first signs of aging appear. The cleanser, moisturizer, and exfoliator are often the holy trinity of skincare. If necessary, you can start with these products and add other treatments later.
Sometimes, pimple outbreaks might also happen due to an imbalance in hormones. Going through puberty or menopause, your skin might be more prone to breakouts. In this case, you can invest in pimple patches to help you eliminate them. You can purchase colorful pimple patches with creative designs to enjoy your skincare routine.
Sun Exposure
People spend much time under the sun, often without considering the consequences. Prolonged sun exposure can cause premature skin aging, brown spots, and wrinkles. It can also lead to skin cancer.
That’s why it’s essential to use sunscreen every day, even when you don’t plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. If you have to be in the sun for an extended period, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours. You should also wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats.
Aside from that, you can avoid being in the sun during peak hours, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. If you can’t help but get exposed to the sun, make sure to find some shade and take a break from time to time.
Indoor Environment
People spend most of their days indoors at home or the office. Unfortunately, the indoor environment can be just as damaging to your skin as the outdoor environment.
The forced air from the heating and cooling system can dry your skin and irritate it. To combat this, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the atmosphere. It would help if you also cleaned or replaced the filter regularly to prevent the build-up of dust and other particles.
In addition to that, try to avoid using harsh cleaning products since they can also contribute to dryness and irritation. If possible, opt for natural and hypoallergenic options.
While letting fresh air inside your home might seem like a good idea, it can also damage your skin. Pollutants from the outside can enter your home and cause skin problems. To avoid this, you should consider closing windows and other entry points when the streets outside your home are busy.
Diet
What you eat can also affect your skin’s health. A healthy diet is essential not only for your overall health but also for your skin.
Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet since they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These nutrients can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. You should also consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds. These fatty acids can help.
There should also be a balance between the different types of food you consume. Too much of one thing can lead to skin problems. For example, drinking too much sugar can cause inflammation and make your skin more susceptible to breakouts.
On the other hand, not getting enough of certain nutrients can also adversely affect your skin. For instance, vitamin C is essential for collagen production, so a lack of it can lead to wrinkles. Consult a doctor or nutritionist to know which nutrients you need to maintain healthy skin.
Final Thoughts
There are many factors to consider for proper skincare. The most important ones are sun exposure, diet, and the indoor environment. It would help if you also used a suitable cleanser, moisturizer, and exfoliator for your skin type. If necessary, you can also add other treatments to your skincare routine.
