Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and plays an important role in your overall health. Achieving and maintaining skin health requires more than just a good skincare routine. Taking care of your body from the inside is just as important. A balanced diet, proper hydration and a healthy lifestyle all contribute to good skin health.
We’ve put together our top 10 tips for achieving and maintaining good skin health.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
The first step to improving your skin is understanding which skin type you actually have. There are a number of different skin types but these are the most common ones that you’ll likely fall into.
Normal - Fairly balanced, neither too oily or too dry
Dry - Flaky, rough and can sometimes feel tight or itchy
Oily - Greasy in appearance, typically with more visible pores and prone to acne
Combination - Some areas are dry and some are oily, especially in the t-zone
Sensitive - Prone to irritation and redness, and may react to certain ingredients
It’s essential to figure out what your skin type is so you can use the right products and techniques to best support your skin.
2. Create A Consistent Skincare Routine
Everyone should have a skincare routine, but that doesn’t mean the same skincare routine will work for everyone. Your perfect routine will be based on your specific skin type, as well as your lifestyle but consistency is key.
A good basic skincare routine includes these steps;
Cleanse - Use a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove makeup, dirt and oil without stripping the skin of its natural oils (you can skip the morning cleanse if you feel it’s drying out your skin).
Moisturise - Hydrate your skin once it’s clean using a moisturiser that’s suitable for you.
Apply SPF - Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning of at least SPF30 to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Depending on your skin type and your skin goals, you may want to add additional steps or products.
Regular exfoliation is also important in removing dead skin cells to reveal new, healthy skin. Using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week will keep your skin smooth and glowing. Don’t over exfoliate though as this can cause irritation and damage to the skin barrier.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is key for maintaining good skin health. Proper hydration helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and contributes to a glowing complexion.
It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day for adequate hydration.
4. Eat A Balanced Diet
What you put into your body shows on the outside so food and nutrition plays a big part in your skin health. A nutrient dense diet that is rich in antioxidants and the right vitamins and minerals contributes to healthy skin.
Fruit and veg that’s high in vitamins A, C and E are essential for skin repair and protection. Omega 3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and certain seeds and nuts like flaxseed and walnuts help maintain the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation. Protein, found in lean meat, eggs and legumes also help to repair and regenerate the skin.
5. Ensure You Get Enough Sleep
When you’re asleep is when the body repairs itself. At least 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night will have a significantly positive impact on your overall health and the appearance and quality of your skin.
6. Manage And Reduce Stress Levels
Stress can have a significant impact on your health and therefore, your skin. Skin issues such as acne, eczema and psoriasis can all be triggered by stress. Practising techniques like yoga and meditation, as well as lifestyle changes, can help to manage and reduce stress.
7. Avoid Smoking And Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and alcohol can contribute to premature ageing as well as various other skin issues. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Alcohol dehydrates the skin which can lead to dryness and wrinkles. Both these things want to be limited if you’re aiming to lead a healthier lifestyle and achieve your skin goals.
8. Stay Active
Moving your body and staying active is a key element of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise increases blood flow and oxygen, contributing to healthy circulation which nourishes your skin cells. It also helps reduce stress, which as mentioned earlier, can trigger certain skin issues.
9. Limit Sun Exposure And Avoid Sunbeds
Sun damage is a leading cause of premature ageing and can also increase your risk of skin cancer. Harmful UV rays can reach the skin, even on cloudy days so protecting it everyday is essential. Using a high SPF on the face and neck will help protect your skin and maintain a youthful appearance. We’d recommend avoiding sunbeds completely too.
Read our previous blog on the importance of SPF.
10. Visit A Skin Specialist
If you’re really serious about looking after your skin, we’d recommend visiting a skin specialist. Not only can this help identify and treat skin concerns, you’ll receive personalised advice and recommendations from an expert.
Regular skin treatments can completely transform your skin, as well as your confidence. Browse the skin treatments we offer at our skin clinic in Northampton.
Achieving and maintaining good skin health involves a combination of skincare, hydration and nutrition, and lifestyle.
By understanding and learning about your own skin, following a consistent routine and adopting healthy habits - everyone can achieve their skin goals!
Remember, healthy skin is a reflection of your overall wellness so look after your body from the inside out. For more personalised advice and recommendations, get in touch with us or book a consultation.