How to take care of your skin

As the body’s largest organ, our skin protects us from a range of external bacteria, helps to regulate body temperature, and is a marker for our health. Pollution, stress and an unhealthy diet can therefore leave skin dull, damaged or prone to premature wrinkles.

While there are whole industries and professions dedicated to rejuvenating skin, clear and healthy looking skin starts with a wholesome diet and a simple but effective skincare routine.



1. Drink lots of water

Water plays an important role in flushing out toxins from the body and keeping it healthy. Not only does it help your body filter waste products and carry nutrients to cells, it also helps skin stay hydrated and keep its elasticity.

Try keeping an environmentally-friendly water bottle with you wherever you go. Swap out your soft drink or sweet beverage choice for plain water, and always remember to drink a glass of water for every glass of coffee or tea you consume. If you find the taste of water too bland, fruit infused water jugs and bottles add natural and healthy flavours to the water.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Eating healthily doesn’t mean cutting out all artificial sugars or processed foods (though that wouldn't hurt!), it means getting the right balance of fruits, vegetables, protein and fibre needed to keep the body functioning healthily.

A diet full of carbs, low nutrients, alcohol and coffee will take a toll on your health with your skin being the first marker of health issues to come. A good step to a healthy diet is to start with eating 2 to 3 healthy meals a week, then gradually progress to incorporating more wholesome food choices into your diet. Taking a multivitamin along with a healthy diet can also help your body absorb all the nutrients it needs.



3. Exercise

Whether you prefer going for a surf, taking a walk or hitting the gym, exercise keeps the heart pumping and the oxygen flowing through your blood cells. Combined with water, healthy eating and adequate sleep, a short daily workout will help keep skin looking glowy and supple.

4. Sun safety

The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin over time even on cloudy days, so it’s important to incorporate sun safety into your daily routine rather than just those days where you go to the beach. For those who like to wear makeup, getting a SPF foundation means you put less products on your face, giving your pores a chance to breathe.

5. Don’t forget about taking care of your lips!

Most people know the importance of protecting our face, but not many know about protecting our lips from sun damage. As the thinnest external organ, our lips don’t have the usual external protective layer of sweat or body oils so are more prone to damage, dryness and chapping. Use a natural SPF chapstick to give your lips moisture and protection, or make your own lip balm.



6. After sun care

For the days you’ve spent outdoors in the sun, remember to slather on some coconut oil after your shower. This will help soothe any redness and replenish moisture loss due to sun exposure, keeping skin feeling and looking glowing and soft.



Related articles
{How to choose skin care products}
{10 uses for Coconut oil}
{Your essential summer skin care routine}
Homemade vanilla honey lip balm
{Homemade cocoa lip balm}

Categories
#skin_care
#natural_beauty
#how_to


%healthyhints