Who would not like to eat and do whatever the heart desires without experiencing negative consequences!? But alas, we have to resign to the fact that the skin is a mirror of our overall health. Hence, it is imperative to meet the body's internal and external needs.
How does one achieve clear, soft, and supple skin? Let’s be honest, sunscreen is a must in frosty winters and blazing summers to avoid premature wrinkles and dark spots. So is adequately hydrating your body with H2O. Let’s not forget about the popular skin regimens, such as niacinamide, vitamin C + vitamin E serums, and retinol. What else?
Fuelling the Body With Nourishing Goodness
We are surrounded by a vast amount of processed food in the forms of candies, frozen ready-made meals, and sugary drinks. They cater to our busy schedule or speaks to the lazy sloth in us. Consequently, we are neglecting our bodies from receiving a steady supply of essential nutrients. This hinders the process of older skin cells being replaced by younger ones.
The first step is to research the origin of the food. Where does it come from? Are the animals fed a natural diet? Nourish your body with seasonal organic food from vendors that responsibly farm.
Moreover, to some individuals vegetables and fruits are abhorrent, but they are also powerful antioxidants. They protect the skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals — pollution and smoking, etc. It is recommended to eat at least five portions a day. So, stock your pantry with vital nutrients, such as vitamin C (citrus fruits and berries), vitamin E (almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, sunflower, and corn oils), omega 3 (walnuts and salmon), dark chocolate, tomatoes, and sweet potato, etc. A good place to start meeting the minimum requirement is to munch on raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts as a snack.
You do not have to completely eliminate carbs and unhealthy food from your diet. The journey to radiant skin is about making wiser decisions. For instance, purchasing organic corn kernels for popcorn instead of chips. For dessert, opt for dark chocolate chia pudding and choose low caffeinated beverages, such as green tea or making a nourishing smoothie.
Wait a Minute…
The question is how can home cooked healthy meals rival the convenience of processed food? Meal planning is the answer. Meal planning is preparing meals for an entire week in one day.
There are more apps and guides available on the web on how to efficiently start meal planning. One of the major benefits of meal planning is the reduction in eating out. However, if you still want to indulge, opt for a restaurant that caters to health-conscious individuals. Yes, they are out there.
Post-Workout Glow and Precautions
Exercising improves blood circulation, which delivers nutrients to the skin. This promotes new skin cells and collagen production, resulting in healthy glowing skin. Hence, five days a week try to allocate 30 minutes to working out. This will also positively affect your mental health (reduces stress), which will aid in improving the overall skin clarity.
Physical activity can also have negative effects on the skin — pores clogging, acne, and breakouts. For prevention, comply with the following steps:
Before exercising, remove makeup and skin products.
Apply sunscreen SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas. It should be water-resistant and oil-free to avoid removal of the sunscreen. Reapply at least every two hours.
A post-gym shower is necessary even if you are not that sweaty. Because sweat can clog pores and attract bacteria.
Sleep Tight
Are you an early sleeper or a night owl? The latter tribe members, are you getting sufficient sleep? It is important to get regenerative sleep to let your skin properly repair from damage and inflammation. For night owls, how about creating a night routine that eases you into sleep? It can include the following: creating a cozy and dark space, reducing nightly caffeine intake, taking a shower, stopping or shortening daytime naps, using a lavender essential oil on your pillowcase, reading, and chucking electronics to the other side of the room. And when sleep comes knocking at your door please do not ignore it.
The Reminders
Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to remove old cells and get a smooth surface. If you scrub too harshly, it will make the skin extremely dry, and prone to blemishes and acne.
Popping pimples can leave a dark scar in the area, which serves as a reminder of your betrayal. If you feel the itch to pick at your skin, apply a face mask. If you cannot wait for the pesky spots to clear up, head to the aesthetician/dermatologist for treatment.
Moisturizing regularly can reduce the chances of having extremely dry or oily skin. Apply moisturizer after a shower, washing your face, exfoliating, shaving, swimming, in the morning, and before going to bed. Moisturize while your skin is damp for two reasons: it helps lock in the hydration from the moisturizer and it absorbs the product more readily.
Gently pat your skin dry and use a patting motion to apply skin products. Rubbing can cause irritation and overtime the tugging can make the skin lose elasticity.
The skin around the eyes is delicate and thin. Protect that region by purchasing a pair of sunglasses with UV protection. The shades should cover from the brows to the under eye area.
Having healthy skin requires a well-balanced lifestyle. Be careful with fad products that sound too good to be true and crash diets that fall short of nourishing your body with essential nutrients. If you have a skin problem or condition, please consult a dermatologist before making dietary and skincare changes.
