Sometimes, it’s the little things that count the most. Small changes can lead to big results, especially when it comes to the health of your skin.
Since your skin is a living organ that reflects your lifestyle and health, years of neglect or bad habits will eventually begin to show. Fortunately, your skin also renews itself every 28 to 30 days, so any changes you make (when practiced consistently) will become apparent in a relatively short amount of time.
If you’re looking to improve the health and vitality of your skin, here are five habits you can easily incorporate into your daily life:
Stay Hydrated: I know. It can be frustrating to hear the same skincare tips repeated over and over, but the reason that staying hydrated is mentioned so frequently in skincare is because hydration works.
The majority of our body is made of water. Adequate water intake is crucial for eliminating waste and supplying our cells with necessary nutrients. It keeps our body at a healthy temperature, lubricates joints, and shields vital organs and delicate tissues. Drinking enough water promotes the body's general well-being and functionality. And when the inside of your body is happy and balanced, it shows in your skin.
Luckily, your daily water intake doesn’t strictly have to involve sucking down a torturous eight glasses of water a day. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables containing enough water content to help you supplement your intake and reach your hydration goals. Here are just a few:
Lettuce
Strawberries
Cucumbers
Watermelon
Zucchini
Peaches
Spinach
Raspberries
Tomatoes
Pineapple
(Download this free printable for a complete list!)
Take a Multivitamin: Beauty shelves have overflowed in recent years with every kind of supplement imaginable. From healthy hair to strong nails to flawless skin, there’s no shortage of products promising to transform us into supermodels just by swallowing a pill.
The urge to buy these products can be difficult to resist, especially when they promise so much for doing so little.
But you don’t have to buy dozens of fancy supplements to get healthy, nourished skin. A simple multivitamin will do the trick. Not only will you be helping to fill any nutritional gaps in your diet, but you’ll also be getting the skin-boosting benefits you want — all without having to pay through the nose for showy marketing and glitzy packaging.
Note: Look for a multivitamin containing copper (supports healthy collagen production), biotin (helps produce fatty acids that nourish the skin and help maintain its moisture barrier), and zinc (has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help heal and protect the skin).
Mind How You Cleanse: If you’re using your hands to wash your face, always be sure to wash your hands first. This removes any dirt, debris, or bacteria that may be on your hands from being transferred to your face. Additionally, always tip your head back when rinsing shampoo and conditioner from your hair. Many hair care products contain ingredients that may be irritating to the skin or clog pores. Make sure residue from these products doesn’t touch your face.
What’s more, you may want to consider double cleansing, especially if you wear makeup. Double cleansing is a two-step process where you wash your face twice, first with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. This provides your skin with a deeper clean than using just one cleanser. Double cleansing can also gently unclog pores and help your skin better absorb the active ingredients in other skincare products.
Learn to Manage Stress: It’s no secret that stress can have both psychological and physical effects. This is especially true when it comes to our skin. After all, who hasn’t battled a massive stress-related breakout? Stress can cause increased inflammation, slow down wound healing, increase sebum production, and negatively impact skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
While it may seem like a nearly impossible task, there are ways to reduce your stress that are simple, effective, and won’t take up too much of your time. Whether it’s one minute of deep breathing or five minutes of meditation, incorporating these small habits into your daily schedule can work wonders when it comes to controlling your stress.
Note: If you want to try meditation that’s health-and-beauty-focused, check out this app. While some of the claims the app makes are pretty outlandish, it’s important to remember that the goal of meditation is to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. It may not “melt away wrinkles,” but it will help you to relax.
Make SPF Your BFF: Sun protection plays a vital role in skin health. The sun’s harmful rays can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and sunspots. To safeguard your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even when it’s cloudy. Remember to reapply every 2 hours, especially if you're outdoors. To learn more about sunscreen, click here.
Healthy skin starts with healthy habits. Attaining healthy, beautiful skin is about dedication and a well-rounded approach. By incorporating these daily practices into your routine, you’ll nourish and safeguard your skin, allowing it to shine from the inside out. Keep in mind that patience and consistency are key, as it may take some time for your skin to display noticeable changes. With the right commitment and habits, you can achieve the glowing, healthy complexion you've always wanted.