Considering that it’s the largest organ of the human body, it’s amazing that we consistently overlook the health of our skin. Skin is a great indicator of the well-being of our body, and often our day to day life takes its toll on our skin, causing spots, dark circles, discolouration, and more. As such, a splash of water in the morning, while better than nothing, is doing it a bit of a disservice. Taking care of our skin is far more than keeping it clean, it’s about keeping our entire body in good condition too.
1. Exfoliate & moisturise
First things first, let’s talk about taking care of our skin from the outside. Exfoliation is when a rough substance or fabric is used to take off the oil and dead skin, and unclog the pores, leaving the new, fresh skin underneath, making it appear more youthful and radiant. It also encourages circulation, new skin growth, and collagen production. Collagen is what keeps our skin elasticated and plump, and reduces wrinkles, so anything that encourages production is great. Moisturising is also crucial for healthy skin, especially in the colder winter months. The cold, dry air and central heating can do a lot of damage to our sensitive skin, so keeping it moisturised will help it to repair, even when it seems the world is against it.
2. Hydrate
Without proper hydration, skin appears to be duller, more lifeless, and wrinkles and pores end up appearing more prominent. When we are adequately hydrated, not only does our brain work more efficiently and our metabolism become more effective, but our skin cells are able to regenerate properly, excess oil is reabsorbed, and we benefit from a much better complexion overall. Scientists recommend around eight glasses a day for optimum hydration.
3. Shield from the sun
While a bit of sun is obviously really important for our mental health and vitamin D levels, we’re all aware of the risks of too much sun. But it’s not just the risk of skin cancer from the sun. It can affect the collagen production that was mentioned previously. You’ve probably seen the effect of too much sun over extended periods of time – skin can end up looking wrinkled and leathery, making people look old before their time. There is also a risk of sun spots and discolouration. The best way to avoid the negative effects of sun exposure without having to hide away indoors is to always use sun cream. You can even go one step further and invest in a good moisturiser with SPF15 or higher to use all year round – your skin will thank you, especially as you get older.
4. Eat clean
Eating well is as important as keeping skin clean and hydrated. Foods high in oil and fat will cause skin to get greasy, which can result in blocked pores and acne breakouts. Our skin also needs a whole lot of vitamins and minerals to be properly healthy, just like the rest of our bodies. Eating enough green vegetables, foods with healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados, and oily fish is a great way to get all the fats, protein, and vitamins that your body needs for radiant and healthy skin.
5. Troubleshoot
Sometimes we can be eating all the right things, drinking enough water, and using an effective skin care regime, and still there are problems with spots, dark circles, or discolouration. In this cases, it’s important to troubleshoot problems. It’s always worth taking into account your choice of contraception, as this can have different effects on different people, but side effects can often be seen in the skin. Different types of contraception use different hormones in varying quantities, so while some might cause your skin to be fine, others might cause you to break out. If you’re struggling with your skin, speak to your doctor about changing your pill. You can order contraceptives like Rigevidon through your doctor or online, trial a few, and see what works best for you.
6. Sleep
Our sleep is one of those things that we always end up abusing, but it can have untold effects on our skin. Not only does a lack of sleep make us more likely to suffer dark circles, but it can make skin appear duller, and tiredness can even lead to skin breakouts. There are so many reasons to ensure a good night’s sleep, and the health and appearance of your skin are another to add to the list.
Our skin is a complex and precious organ, and we can’t just rely on a good skincare routine to keep it healthy – there’s so much more to it.