How to get healthy skin

Everyone wants skin that looks and feels healthy. There are plenty of lotions and potions on store shelves to prove it, but there are several lifestyle choices you can make to help you get the beautiful glowing skin that you crave. Creating a healthy skin routine is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Here's what you need to know.

Wear sunscreen

The single best thing you can do to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen every single day.

Unprotected sun exposure can lead to wrinkles and age spots, but it can also cause skin cancer, which can be deadly. Be sure to apply at least SPF 15 on any exposed skin. You'll also need to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you're outside.

Be gentle with your skin

A lot of skincare products have harsh chemicals that can suck the moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. That's why you should always choose gentle creams which can be used both during the day and also at night.

It's also a good idea to choose gentle facial cleansers and serums. You should avoid really hot showers and vigorous rubbing of the skin when applying products.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

There are plenty of lifestyle choices you can make for healthy skin. The biggest step is to quit smoking. Cigarettes can lead to wrinkles and dry skin, but it also compromises your general health.

At the same time, limit alcohol which can be very dehydrating to your skin and also avoid drugs, many of which cause skin rashes and other issues.

Stick to a healthy diet

A healthy diet is one that limits sugar and focuses on whole, fresh foods. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to give the body all the antioxidants it needs to counteract free radical damage.

Other healthy skin foods are those that contain protein, such as lean meats, beans, eggs, nuts and seeds. You also want to eat fish a couple of times each week and drink plenty of water every day.

Control stress levels

Part of any healthy skin routine is limiting stress. High stress levels can trigger acne and other skin issues. By controlling your stress, you can prevent this problem and keep your skin healthy and fresh.

Take time each day to do something that calms and relaxes you, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or calling a friend to catch up.

Exercise

Exercise optimises blood flow through your body, which keeps skin healthy. Experts recommend doing at least 30 minutes of cardio every day. This could be walking, biking, swimming, team sports, or an aerobics class.

Just be sure to shower afterward because allowing sweat to dry on your skin can lead to breakouts and other skin problems. It's also a good idea to add some form of strength training for overall good health, including your skin. This could be yoga, lifting weights, or doing bodyweight exercises.

Healthy skin relies on more than just your creams so combine them with other good choices to get the skin you've always wanted.

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