In addition to being the largest organ—yes, you read that right—our skin is also the largest barrier our bodies have against infection and outside bacteria. Proper skin care keeps the outermost layer of the dermis intact, in turn maintaining hydration. Keeping it strong and healthy should be a top priority in our daily grooming regimens. So ditch the harsh cleansers, stock up on SPF lotion and read on for our list of therapies, products and treatments to help you ahieve perfect skin.
Minimise Stress
It might sound cliché, but stress can—and does—cause physical strain the body. Stress can make your hair look dull, cause nails to grow brittle and even increase your risk of hypertension and heart problems. In terms of your skin, stress can exacerbate existing conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema and also make it harder for these problems to heal. Acne breakouts, oily skin and excessive production of cortisol and other hormones are also direct physical manifestations of stress. Even though there is no way of completely banishing stress, taking up simple activities like exercise, yoga, meditation and stress management can all limit the effect it has on our skin.
See also: Stress Less
Protection is key
Our skin is constantly exposed to light, which can accelerate its ageing process. You might think sunscreen only has a place in our beauty regimen if we’re sitting by the sea, but this is a common misconception—the best way to keep skin looking youthful is to protect it from the sun at all times. Apply about ½ teaspoon of lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to shield the delicate top layer of your skin from harmful UVB rays.
Food to glow
Foods that contain essential fatty acids—such as almonds—help put the brakes on inflammation of the dermis, which in turn slows down the development of fine wrinkles, sagging of the skin and signs of blotchiness. Salmon, tuna and halibut are also great food sources of these essential skin-saving minerals and nutrients. Sodium, on the other hand, is an element to stay away from. Found most commonly in diet fizzy drinks, this compound can make your eyes and jawline appear puffy. If your craving for soft drinks persists, opt for sodium-free versions instead—your skin will thank you.
Develop a bedside routine
…and stick to it. To avoid missing your nightly skincare routine, make sure you have all your favourite products—like moisturisers, makeup removers, lip balm, anti-aging serums and essential oils—on or near your bedside table. Having these commodities at arm’s reach will ensure that your nightly skincare habit isn’t disrupted—a hack that will prove to be especially useful when you’re too tired to apply products in front of the bathroom mirror.
See more: The Ten Ways You’re Messing Up Your Sleep—Accidentally!
Tea, anyone?
According to research, drinking green and black tea can be greatly beneficial for the wellbeing of your skin. Both types of tea contain protective compounds: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG for short) and theaflavin, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer properties that can help the breakdown of collagen—the very cause of much-dreaded wrinkles and fine lines.
Break the habit
Damaging habits like frequent smoking can make our skin look older. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of our dermis, decreasing blood flow and ridding the skin of oxygen and essential nutrients that are vital to its wellbeing. This addiction also damages collagen and elastin, the fibres that give healthy skin strength and elasticity.
Indulge in treatments
Non-surgical—and surgical—treatments can also dramatically enhance your skin’s glow, if you’re willing to fork out some money to pay for them, that is. Skin peels, facials, and deep massages have all been known to augment the skin’s elasticity and even undo sun damage and alleviate the look of wrinkles. More invasive treatments, such as fillers, relaxing injections and face contouring procedures, can also ameliorate the look of your skin—but these should not be considered lightly!
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