The skin is the body’s biggest organ. It is what people first see and maybe even judge. Skin that is smooth, even-toned, and glowing is what impresses. It now seems to be the peg, and that is what tons and tons of skincare products promise. The choices available seem endless—from natural skincare products to natural and artificial combinations to those laden with synthetic chemicals and even toxins.
Healthy habits = Better Skin Health
While the right skincare product may deliver its guaranteed effect, adopting healthy habits can further improve skin health and appearance. The skin, like the other organs of the body, is affected by one’s diet and lifestyle. A few tweaks in one’s daily routine and meal line-up may help yield even better results.
Track your water intake
“Always keep your bodies hydrated,” is a piece of oft-given advice and it is for a good reason. The human body is said to be up to 60% water, and body water is lost as one goes about daily activities. Lost body water must be compensated by one’s water intake to help the body function properly and for the skin not to be drab.
Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily is the recommended volume. Consuming a glass per hour is not an impossible feat, but keeping track may be challenging. It would help to set your alarm to sound every hour for 8 to 10 hours to remind you to drink your glass of water for the hour.
Don your exercise gear and get your heart pumping
Exercise increases heart rate and improves blood circulation. These translate to the more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body, including the skin. Exercise is also said to promote the production of collagen and new skin cells that help fight signs of aging and give the skin that much-desired glow.
You don’t have to push yourself to go for a gym workout. Brisk walking can get your heart pumping and stimulate the release of the “happy hormone,” dopamine. You end up feeling good and your skin looking healthy. Target walking 30 to 45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week for good results.
Load up your plate with antioxidant-rich foods
What you eat affects your body systems, including your skin. Instead of reaching over for a bag of chips, snacking on polyphenol-rich fruits and nuts like, berries, grapes, pecans, walnuts will benefit your skin’s health. They contain ellagic and resveratrol, antioxidants that combat free radicals to protect the skin from harmful UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
A dish of broccoli, spinach, carrots and potatoes will give you a sufficient dose of antioxidants. Equally loaded with antioxidants are artichokes, asparagus, beets, cabbage, collard greens, lettuce, pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes. It is easy to whip up a good meal, especially for vegetarians and vegans who go for natural food and products, including natural skincare products.
Cap the day with a good night’s sleep
The recommended amount of sleep varies with age. Adults need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep which give the body enough time to recharge. Sleeping much less than the recommended hours affects the body in many ways, including decreasing the moisture level of the skin and lowering its ph level, making it look less youthful and drab. Start setting your mind on seriously developing these healthy habits. Not only will you start feeling better, but you’ll see your skin look healthier too.
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