Posted on April 1, 2021
Simple ways to look after your skin
Our skin is our biggest organ, but it’s easy to neglect it. Luckily there are plenty of simple changes you can make to your daily routine to show your skin some love.
Protect your skin from the sun
Over a lifetime, repeated sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other more serious skin problems. The outer layer of the skin has cells that contain the pigment melanin, which protects skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Too much exposure to the UV rays can burn the skin, reducing its elasticity, making the skin look aged.1 Always use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, applied generously and reapplied every two hours. Stay in the shade when the sun is at its hottest and cover up with protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
Also consider investing in a facial moisturiser that contains SPF for added protection from the sun all year round.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best gifts you can give your skin. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin, decreasing blood flow and making skin paler. This also depletes oxygen and other vital nutrients for healthy skin. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, which give your skin its strength and elasticity.2
Avoid strong soaps and long showers
Healthy skin needs a balance of oil and water to minimise dryness and signs of aging. Strong soaps with many chemicals like parabens, artificial fragrance/Parfum, sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate (foaming agents), phthalates, polyethylene glycol (PEG) (used as thickeners), formaldehyde (preservatives), oxybenzone (in some sunscreens), diethanolamine (foaming agent) and triclosan should be avoided.
Really hot water and long baths or showers can also strip oil from your skin. Use a gentle cleanser instead and limit the time you spend washing in hot water.
Shave with care
Always use a lotion, cream or gel when shaving to prevent nicks and cuts, along with a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
Moisturise dry skin
Find a moisturiser that suits your skin type to soothe dryness and improve the appearance of skin. Alternatively, if you want to whip up your own homemade, all-natural moisturiser, you may find many skin-friendly ingredients in your cupboard already. Like raw, organic honey, aloe vera gel or coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids that can improve moisture levels.
Enjoy a healthy, nutritious diet
What you put on your plate can have an effect on the look and feel of your skin. As always, eat plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables like blackcurrants, blueberries, kiwi fruits, oranges, strawberries and broccoli, which contain vitamin C.
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels and normal function of skin. It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Brightly coloured vegetables like carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, spinach and red bell peppers are good sources of vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
Try including more whole grains (a good source of B vitamins) and lean proteins like chicken, tofu and lentils in the diet, and don’t forget to drink water regularly to keep your skin hydrated. The recommended amount is 6-8 glasses of water a day or 1.2 to 1.5 litres a day. Low fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon be rewarded with brighter, healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
References
- Vorvick, L. . (2019). Sun’s effect on skin. Available: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000125.htm#:~:text=The%20sun%27s%20ultraviolet%20light%20can,elasticity%2C%20leading%20to%20premature%20aging. Last accessed 31st March 2021.
- ASH. (2018). How smoking affects the way you look. Available: https://ash.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/How-smoking-affects-the-way-you-look.pdf. Last accessed 31st March 2021.
