As your largest organ, the skin deserves a lot of love. But don’t be so quick to buy that “perfect” foundation. Your daily habits matter so much more, and with the right approach, amazing skin can last a lifetime.
Every little thing adds up. While the process of skin aging takes a while, it’s also sneaky. What you do today will make a difference tomorrow. Regardless of your age, don’t put skin health on the backburner. Follow these 7 tips to have great skin for life.
1. Always Use SPF
Sun damage is a fool-proof way to speed up skin aging. Yet, it’s also the most preventable! That’s why every skincare routine should include sun protection factor (SPF), even on cloudy days. The skin can absorb up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s the perfect setup for photoaging, a sun-induced process that makes skin look older. Plus, compared to sun-protected aged skin, the photoaged skin has more wrinkles and age spots.1 2 Do your future self a favor and use at least SPF 15 (or higher) every day.3
2. Ditch Refined Carbs
There are a lot of benefits to choosing whole grains over refined carbs. You’ll lower the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. Your skin will also look amazing. When you eat high-glycemic foods, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increases. This hormone brings on sebum production and inflammation. In turn, acne will thrive and leave its mark.4 5
3. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Water is one of the simplest tools for an amazing complexion. When you’re dehydrated, so is your skin! This causes dryness, making fine lines and wrinkles more obvious. Aim for 3 quarts of water each day. Drink more when you’re sweating, exercising, or sick. Pace yourself and sip on small amounts of water over time. Not a fan of plain water? Infuse fruit and herbs for delicious, all-natural flavors.6
4. Listen To Your Gut
Did you know that gut health affects your complexion? Through the gut-skin axis, gut bacteria provokes specific immune responses that show up in the skin. With a healthy gut, wound healing, cell regeneration, and barrier function will flourish. It’s a solid reason to eat more probiotics. Foods like kefir, yogurt, pickles, and miso will all keep gut bacteria in check.7 8
5. Get Plenty Of Sleep
The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, affects the function of every cell. This even includes the skin! However, when you don’t get enough rest, that circadian rhythm gets thrown for a loop. It disrupts oxygen circulation, hormone secretion, and metabolism – all of which affect skin health.9
Make sleep a priority. Not only will productivity and well-being improve but also your complexion. Adults should aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.10
6. Avoid Smoking
Smoking literally zaps the life out of your skin. Dryness, fine lines, and dullness will add years to your face. In fact, a smoker in their early 30s can develop wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. This will only get worse with age. Quitting smoking has a myriad of benefits, and it doesn’t stop at the heart and lungs.11
7. Go Easy On Makeup
Makeup may hide imperfections, but it will only make things worse. Oil, dirt, and bacteria – the major fixings for acne breakouts – will get trapped in your pores. Greasy makeup is especially harmful. Instead, focus on skin care. It’ll limit the need for cosmetics to begin with. When you do use makeup, choose products made with natural ingredients. Before bed, always wash it off, no matter how tired you are.12
So there you go. Simple lifestyle changes will give you glowing and healthy looking skin for the rest of your life.
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