You have a lot to think about. Your day is pretty hectic, stressful even with life’s basics: long work days, trying to fit in some gym and family time, eating healthy and a good night’s sleep. You can easily overlook the importance of preventative hygiene to keep yourself healthy.
Often the last thing on people’s minds is skincare. Of course, there are a select few who do prioritize this, but the majority start and end their skincare regimens with their daily showers. However, with the skin being the largest organ in the human body and having a surface area of approximately 2 square meters, it’s a pretty important part of your body to take into consideration!
So, how does one keep their skin clean and healthy throughout the day? Here are a few tricks provided by those who do prioritize their skincare!
Start With Your Daily Shower.
This is a great way to start your day allowing your skin to feel fresh and clean. Keep your daily showers short and warm, as too much heat can dry out your skin, and increase your chances of infection. In addition to your daily shower, it is also recommended to rewash your face at the end of the day, or after sweating.
- Make sure your facial soap is clean, simple, and void of harsh chemicals and antibacterial elements as they can irritate your skin. Keep in mind, over washing is not good either. It can strip your skin of the natural oils and good bacteria it needs to flourish on its own.
- A good exfoliation is needed daily to remove dead skin and get blood flowing to the surface levels. You can use a loofah, facial sponge, or washcloth to do this.
- You’ll want to add a light moisturizer when your done washing that hydrates your skin but doesn’t clog pores. Many people also choose one with a UV protector, which is not a bad idea if you will be in and out of the sun. It is also a good idea to switch moisturizers from season to season, as the winter months can be harsh on your skin by drying it out.
Keep your Hands off of Your Face!
You are touching a large number of surfaces throughout the day so your hands pick up dirt, germs and oils. This includes your phone! Do not transfer these items to your skin, eyes, nose or mouth. They will not only clog your pores but can be the transfer point in which a virus or bacteria enters your body.
- If you must rub your eyes, grab a tissue, or use the back portion of your hand.
- When you use your phone, keep it off of your face.
- If you wear glasses or protective eyewear, make sure to clean them frequently so you can avoid clogging your pores with dirt and oil around your eyes and nose
- Keep your hair clean and away from your face. This, too, can cause pimples from clogged skin.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
As they say beauty starts within! One of the primary keys to healthy skin is indeed keeping yourself hydrated. In fact, one of the first signs of dehydration is dry skin! Remember we told you what a large and important organ your skin was? It thoroughly reflects the status of our bodies. When we are ill, our skin heats or cools, when we are overheated, it reddens, when we lack sufficient hydration, our skin dries up. Listen to your skin; it could be telling you something!
- The recommended daily water intake is approximately 64 ounces a day.
- The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is currently recommending that men drink 104 ounces of water per day, which equates to 13 cups and that women should drink roughly 72 ounces, which breaks down to 9 cups.
Consider a Natural Supplement
Many dietary supplements contribute to healthy skin. Most of them are antioxidants that work to slow cell aging and reduce cell death. One such product is turmeric, a potent spice containing curcuminoids. In fact, improving skin health and enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity is one of the primary benefits of turmeric.
However, some products support collagen synthesis, a critical process in the growth and regeneration of skin. These supplements include collagen itself, vitamin C, zinc, and various amino acids found in bone broth.
Use a Spritzer During the Day
This is a great way to keep your skin feeling and looking great. It removes excess oils, hydrates, and coats your skin to keep pollutants out. It is often the boost your skin needs midday, or even twice a day to rejuvenate. It will also help keep away frown lines and wrinkles.
You can create your own herbal spritzer by combining a few essential oils such as rose, sandalwood and bergamot with water. For maximum potency, let this mixture sit for a few days before using it.
Watch your Alcohol!
Believe it or not, more than one glass of alcohol can cause more harm than you can imagine. Consuming alcohol enlarges the blood vessels near the surface of your skin, and can leave them open for long periods of time. Clinical studies have shown that alcohol intake can aggravate preexisting skin conditions such as psoriasis, with additional redness and inflammation.
And to top that off, all alcohol dehydrates the skin leaving it less plump and fresh looking. Steer clear!
