Healthy skin is not just the benefit of the young. You can achieve and maintain healthy skin by following a few simple rules. There will be different needs for different seasons and certain conditions (eczema, acne) may be genetically inherited or caused by stress. There are also many regimens (toning, cleansing, and scrubbing) that will help improve your skin, but we cover the basic guidelines that are true for everyone and should be the foundation of your skin routine.
MOISTURIZE YEAR-ROUND
Whether it's winter blues and itchy skin or dry summer air, busy schedule or frequent gym time, you will reap huge benefits from quenching your skin's thirst. So moisturize, moisturize, moisturize every single day. It's especially important for your face to get a moisturizer on in the morning and at night. Select a kind that is light and airy in the a.m., so you don't feel like wearing a mask all day, but I would suggest a heavier kind for the p.m. before bed.
Galina from the Red Door Spa swears by the following technique to keep your feet soft - put on a heavy moisturizer and then soft cotton socks over, to seal the moisture - do it overnight and you will wake up with baby feet. The same could be done for your hands (just wear soft gloves after moisturizing). And don't forget your knees and elbows - these usually stay dryer due to thicker skin. Your best solution is a heavier cream to treat these rough areas.
USE SUNSCREEN YEAR-ROUND
As the environment is getting worse and temperatures are higher and the UV rays stronger, you really need to protect your skin. Even a short exposure can cause wrinkles and dark spots. Everyone is aware of the dangers of skin cancer and it is mostly preventable by simply using sunscreen. Choose one depending on your activity. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, pick the one with a higher SPF (30 or 45). If you exercise (and sweat a lot) or hang by the pool a lot, pick a water-resistant kind. Spray application is more convenient, but some may prefer a lotion-kind dispenser. Many companies sell moisturizers with a good SPF level (15 or higher), so this is the best solution for two in one, as long as you are happy with the SPF level.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER
The old saying of 8 glasses a day is no longer true. Really you need to take in what you lose during the day through various bodily functions, but it also depends on your age, activity level, and geographic location. To replace the amount of water lost, we need on average one liter, or roughly 4 glasses of water, which could also be partially obtained through food. My advice is to listen to your body and drink if you are thirsty - try to get a liter in but do not overthink the amount. Drinking water ensures that you flush impurities from your body and cleanse internal organs. By the same token, avoid too much salt and caffeine which cause dehydration. If your body is hydrated, your skin will be too.
EAT ANTIOXIDANT-RICH DIET
Your skin is partially a reflection of what you put inside (or you are what you eat). Fatty foods and chocolate often cause breakouts and oily skin. If you follow a diet full of fruits and vegetables, especially lots of leafy greens and antioxidants, like blueberries, peaches, bananas, cucumber, your skin will improve. Do not forget about the wonders of fish, especially the omega-3 rich salmon. It can also improve your mood and your metabolism.
INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER
This one is not just for relieving baby colds and creating comfortable atmosphere at home. Humidifier can help you moisturize the air and open your pores.
VISIT A DERMATOLOGIST
Even if you don't have any skin problems or issues, it's a good idea to visit a dermatologist to ensure your skin is in good condition and test anything that looks unusual.
He can also prescribe a treatment when necessary and offer professional advice on improving your skin.
My mom lived to be over 95-years-old. Did she exercise everyday? Not really. Although we did live in a fifth-floor walk-up apartment, so some days she did get a workout on the stairs. Did she live a healthy lifestyle? No. We put chicken fat on our bread, had meat at least five times a week and ate mostly canned, not fresh, vegetables. In addition, my Mom smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. Did she have a great sense of humor? Yes. And I’m convinced it kept her going all those years. For example, Every time she went to the doctor, she hired a van service to take her there and back. One late afternoon, when she was in the doctor’s office, her ride didn't show up to take her home. Since the doctor had to close the office, the receptionist suggested that my Mom wait for the van in the pizza parlor downstairs. After waiting a long time, the van still didn't show up. So my Mom went up to the guy behind the counter and asked, "Do you deliver?" The man replied, "Of course, lady, we’re a pizza place!" "Great," my Mom said, "I’d like a pepperoni pizza and I’d like to go with it."
PS- Mom is gone but her humor lives on. She inspired me teach others about the therapeutic value of humor in both my books and my keynote speeches.
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What inspires you as a parent? Can you think of something your child, your mom friend, your mom, or any other parent did that made you want to be a better person?
