3 Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy
There are over 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed every single year in the United States. That number is especially staggering when you realize that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
As we officially kick off the summer months, a time when many of us will be soaking up even more of the sun’s rays, it’s important to take a closer look at your skincare routine. By protecting yourself from the sun, pampering your skin, and eating a healthy diet, you can keep your skin bright, glowing, and radiant.
Ramp up sun protection.
The very best way to keep your skin healthy is to protect every inch from extreme sun exposure. Sure, doses of vitamin D from the sun are vital to our physical and mental health, especially in times of self-isolation. However, those UV rays are notorious for leaving their mark in the form of sunspots and sunburn , not to mention skin cancer.
With some preventative measures, you can still enjoy all the benefits of the sun while also avoiding irreparable damage. These protective tips include the following:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and reapply often.
- Avoid long sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Take extra precautions around reflective surfaces like water and sand.
- Wear protective clothing—including hats, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, and pants—when possible.
- Be extra cautious when taking prescription medications like antibiotics that heighten skin sensitivity.
Pamper your skin.
If you want something, anything, to last longer, you treat it gently, right? This idea is especially true when caring for your skin. Think about what your skin goes through during a typical day—multiple hand washings, shaving, hot showers or baths, strong soaps, and more. If you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing, it’s time to indulge in some pampering.
One idea is to let your skin fully rejuvenate every night while you sleep. By gently cleansing your skin, exfoliating, applying a nourishing mask, and moisturizing with serums, eye creams, and a rich all-over moisturizer, you will wake to healthy, revitalizing skin every morning.
Eat a healthy diet.
It has often been said that one way to get healthy skin is from the inside out . In other words, the quality of your nutrition and diet really can be reflected in the condition of your skin. Adding a few key, vitamin-rich foods to your diet can greatly improve the quality and appearance of your skin.
There are at last a dozen healthy foods proven to boost skin appearance. For instance, the nutrients found in fatty fish like salmon can help reduce inflammation and prompt the production of new skin cells. Avocados, another food rich in healthy fats, are a great source of vitamin E, which protects skin against oxidative damage. And soy, which contains isoflavones, has been proven to reduce fine wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
The time to protect your skin from irreparable damage is now. By protecting yourself from the sun, pampering your skin regularly, and eating a vitamin-rich diet, your skin will continue to be healthy and vibrant throughout your life.
