7 Habits for Healthy Skin
It doesn’t matter if you want to get in shape, be more productive at work or achieve your best skin: healthy habits matter. When it comes to happy and healthy skin, developing positive health and skin care habits can help you achieve the results that you desire. If you are looking to improve your skin, it is critical that you stay consistent.
At Buckhead Dermatology, patients regularly ask what they can do to improve their skin between visits. In this article, we will share 7 of our favorite habits to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays can lead to sunburns, discoloration and skin cancer. People with great skin take steps to protect themselves from sun damage daily.
Start by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, no matter the weather outside. If you will be outside for more than two hours, reapply the sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin. Try to avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you must be outside, in addition to wearing sunscreen, wear protective clothing, such as hats, long sleeved shirts and pants.
Hydrate on the inside (and the outside.)
Hydrated skin is happy and healthy skin. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid beverages like coffee and alcohol that can be dehydrating. Water improves cell function not just for your skin, but for all of the other organs in your body.
In addition to staying hydrated from the inside out, take care of your skin by keeping it moisturized. Choose a body cream or oil that locks in moisture and protects your skin barrier. Applying your moisturizer on slightly damp skin can help retain even more moisture and result in a soft and supple texture.
Eat well.
Eating well is the foundation for health. The fuel that you put into your body has a significant impact on your overall health and organ function. Your skin is directly impacted by the foods you eat. Diets full of saturated fats, sugars and processed foods are not providing your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to thrive.
Eat a varied diet full of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, veggies and whole grains. Providing your body with a variety of nutrients can ensure that you are not deficient in any area and will help you achieve optimal health.
Move your body regularly.
In addition to eating well and staying hydrated, your body needs to move. Even 30 minutes of activity five days a week can help you reap the benefits. Improved circulation, less inflammation and more energy are just some of the benefits you can achieve with regular exercise.
Good circulation helps improve the appearance of your skin by ensuring there is adequate blood flow to provide it with the nutrients it needs. More energy and less stress can give you a brighter and more awake appearance, and make you feel good.
If you do not already follow an exercise routine, start slowly by walking for 30 minutes every day. You can gradually add in other cardiovascular activities such as running, aerobics or dance. If your doctor advises, weight training can be a great way to boost energy, burn calories and improve your overall health.
Perform regular skin checks.
Skin cancer is serious and should not be taken lightly. Melanoma, if left untreated, can be lethal. It is critical that you take your health into your own hands by performing regular skin exams to check for signs of cancerous moles on the body. Visiting your dermatologist annually can also help you track any changes in moles that could indicate an abnormality or cancer.
Follow a daily skin care routine.
Healthy habits are important when it comes to skin care. Applying a serum once or wearing sunscreen every other day is not enough to reap the benefits. Instead, it is important that you follow a routine. Over time, you will see great results.
A basic morning skin care routine can include a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. At night time, a retinol and moisturizer after cleansing can be all you need to wake up to glowing skin.
Of course, everyone’s skin is different. Check with your dermatologist before beginning any skin care routine to ensure that the products are right for your skin’s needs. At Buckhead Dermatology, Dr. Straughn can help you decide which products are right for you to achieve the results that you want.
Consult with your dermatologist.
People with great skin lead healthy lifestyles and follow strict skin care routines. However, most of them also work with a board certified dermatologist to address concerns right away. If you live in the Atlanta area, call the office of Buckhead Dermatology. Dr. Straughn can consult with you to address any chronic skin conditions or other concerns you may have and get you on an effective treatment plan. Regular visits to your dermatologist can allow you to be proactive in addressing issues that arise and identifying changes in your skin that could indicate skin cancer.