Our skin is the largest organ our body has and it’s also our greatest defense against infection. Skin can show signs of dehydration, aging, sun exposure, hormone imbalances, and other irritations. It can serve as a window to what’s happening inside.
So how can we best care for this vital part of our bodies? Here are some ways to keep your skin healthy and happy:
- More Water – Water is vital to our overall well-being, water is life and for skin, it’s extra important. Water serves as a way to keep skin filled with moisture. Almost like watering a garden, we have to get water to our skin from the inside out.
- Less Water – Water can also be the reason why our skin is so dry! Taking too many showers or long, hot baths and swimming pools can deplete moisture out of the skin. And if you are using bubbles or chemicals within these bodies of water, our skin can become not only dry but irritated. Limit showers and baths to luke warm water and don’t spend too much time bathing. After swimming, rinse off the pool water with a shower, especially if the pool contained a lot of chlorine.
- Moisturize – While you’re bringing moisture in from drinking water, it’s also important to apply moisture directly to the skin. By applying a cream, you’re creating an extra barrier that protects skin from drying out and becoming itchy. Use a moisturizer that is free of dyes and perfumes and contains mostly natural ingredients. Coconut oil with shea butter is a natural combination that keeps skin moist. Coconut oil also makes a great eye make-up remover. It’s gentle on your eyes and won’t dry the sensitive skin in the eye area.
- Sun Protection – It’s so important to protect your skin during the hot summer months, but even during the winter months. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves is a great way to protect from burning. If you’re fair, adding an spf to your moisturizer is crucial. If you know you’re going to be in the sun all day, you must protect with both. The sun in small quantities is a great source for vitamin d, but too much sun wreaks havoc on our skin. Sun spots, premature aging, hyper pigmentation, burns and skin cancer are all preventable with proper protection.
- Clean – Before bed, clean your face with a gentle cleanser. Using an oil cleanser or cream cleanser is a great idea for keeping moisture in and removing dirt and grime from your face. Don’t be afraid if you don’t see bubbles. We’re conditioned to think that bubbles means clean! But really all those bubbles mean are that there are drying components in your wash. Cream cleansers and oil cleansers melt impurities away while still keeping the skin moist.
- Diet – Your diet is truly the most important way to keep your skin alive and happy. Alcohol, fried foods, and sugar are hard on your body and show in your skin. Skin can look gray and tired if you’ve had too much to drink. Proper nutrients and vitamins give your skin a glow that can only be had from eating properly. Freshy squeezed juices that contain vitamin c and vegetables that contain chlorophyll and fiber are true treats for your body.
Basic skin care and a healthy diet will keep your skin happy and fresh.
Take care of your skin.
