Finding tried and true ways to improve the health and appearance of your skin doesn’t have to be like searching for the Holy Grail. And honestly, it doesn’t need to involve Botox, facial fillers or surgery. But it does require some effort. Adopting the following tips, at any chronological age, will have a positive impact—just try it and see.
1. Be smart about sun exposure
Being mindful about your time in the sun will help you plan for safe exposure. One way is to wear sun-protective clothing that absorbs or blocks harmful UV radiation. Sun-protective beach and sportswear can look stylish, and also is surprisingly cool to wear. Another way to avoid too much sun is to spend time in the shade (think beach umbrella). Or schedule your tennis match when the sun isn’t as strong— before 10 AM and after 3 PM.
And sunscreen is key! Look for one which is mineral based with primary ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This type of sunscreen isn’t absorbed into your skin, but sits on top to block and reflect UV rays. Chemical based sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, or avobenzone may not be as safe, especially for children. And don’t forget about your lips! Apply a mineral lip balm—Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a list of
The Best Lip Balms with SPF.
2. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet including foods with omega-3 fatty acids
Doing both will keep your skin nourished and moisturized from the inside out. Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day—if you wait until you feel thirsty then you’re already dehydrated. Omega-3’s will help nourish and moisturize your skin, as well as tamp down inflammation, thereby reducing redness, puffiness, and break outs. If you don’t get enough fatty acids in your diet, a fish oil supplement will help bridge the nutritional gap. Avoid a fishy burp with raw, wild caught and fresh cod liver oil by Rosita. Taking a spoonful or a few capsules is just about the same as eating a piece of nutrient-rich, fresh fish.
RELATED: Dr. Ron’s Under My Skin is a dietary supplement that helps detoxify and provide a nutritional boost for beautiful, healthy skin. With DMAE MSM, Hyaluronic Acid and 7 other nutrients, Under My Skin helps create the glowing look of good health.
3. Wash your face once a day, at nighttime, using a detergent-free cleanser
Washing more than once daily, for most people, does more harm than good. And since many soaps have sulfates, which are harsh detergents, your skin’s protective barrier gets stripped away. Look instead for a gentle, hydrating cleanser without sulfates or parabens and use it just once a day, at the end of the day. Also remember that’s it’s a big no-no to crash for the night with your make-up on.
4. Moisturize with a chemical free, plant based facial cream
It’s important to replenish the moisture lost from your skin during the day, and to combat the effects of daily stressors like toxins and pollution. Natural, organic plant oils have impressive nourishing, healing and rejuvenating properties. Ultra Aesthetics MSM Moisture Crème is wildly popular and works for all skin types. It contains a 10% concentration of MSM — nature’s powerhouse — a natural organic sulfur compound. When used in concert with proper cleansing, gentle exfoliation and regular moisturizing, topical MSM products can have a dramatic, positive effect on the smoothness of the skin. Smoother, tighter skin with less puffiness and fewer wrinkles make skin appear younger without the need for potentially dangerous, invasive treatments.
5. Clock in some regular cardio exercise
Take it up a notch with some cardio exercise—it doesn’t have to be intense or of long duration—a brisk 20 minute daily walk will get your heart pumping. Increased blood circulation means more oxygen, nutrients and hormones flowing throughout your body. You’ll notice your skin looking rosy and glowy immediately. Exercise also helps relieve stress and tension from your mind and body, not only making you look and feel better, but also helping pave the way for a good night’s sleep.
6. Get enough sleep
This one is easier said than done—but your skin will thank you by looking rested and more youthful. The effect of blue light coming from the screens we use all day long, right up until our bedtime, is being widely blamed for sleep deprivation due to the suppression of melatonin production in our bodies. Add to that our busy, sometimes frenetic daily schedule and the stress of juggling work and family life, and it’s no wonder we have trouble making enough time for a healthy seven or eight hours of sleep a night. But it’s vitally important —getting your beauty sleep is a real thing.
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