Five Ways to Naturally Improve Your Skin
Try These Natural and Easy Ways to Lasting Skin Health
May 24, 2009
If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by the amount of skin care products to choose from, you’re not alone. Walk into any drug store and you’re bombarded by ‘miracle cures’ claiming to ‘even out’ this and ‘soften’ that. What cosmetic companies don’t want you to know is that you can improve the condition of your skin, without depending on expensive products and treatments, with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Always Stay Hydrated
Your skin naturally flushes out dead cells and debris when your body is working at its peak. Drinking plenty of water helps your system flush toxins from your body so that they don’t stagnate, eventually showing up on your skin.
A well-hydrated body also makes it easier for nutrients to travel through your bloodstream, making for plump, healthy cells. This makes your skin more elastic, and can even decrease blemishes.
Aim to drink at least 64 ounces (two litres) of water a day. Soft drinks, black tea, and coffee are dehydrating, so try to avoid them. If you simply cannot imagine your morning without a strong cup of joe, drink an extra four glasses of water to make up for the water lost because of the caffeine.
Stock up on Healthy Omega-3 Oils
It seems counter-intuitive – but oil intake is actually great for your skin! Omega-3 oils, those found in salmon, deep-water fish, walnuts, and flax seed, improve the health of cell membranes.
Cell membranes are what push waste out and what allows nutrition in. Your skin’s cell membrane is also responsible for holding moisture in, making for youthful looking skin.
You can buy Omega-3 supplement tablets at any health store. Ask about brands and the kind of fish used to make the oil; some recommend staying away from salmon oils as they’re more likely to contain mercury.
Keep Moving
Regular exercise improves circulation and helps the body as a whole run more efficiently. Pumping iron or holding a yoga pose will also improve the body’s ability to produce collagen, keeping wrinkles and lines at bay.
A steady exercise schedule also reduces overall stress levels. Reduced stress means clearer skin by keeping acne-producing hormones at balanced levels.
Be Gentle on Your Skin
The skin’s acid mantle is the outermost part that acts as a guard against toxins. It is slightly acidic, so controlling pH levels is essential to consistently healthy skin. Many people make the mistake of using harsh astringents to clear oily skin. Doing so only strips the skin of its natural defences. Your skin will then produce even more oil to compensate for the oil stripped after cleaning.
To protect the acid mantle, refrain from scrubbing the skin too vigorously, and don’t use exfoliants too often. Try to find a gentle facial cleanser that won’t leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Some cream cleansers are good, as are oil cleansers – they leave your skin feeling soft and elastic.
Slap on the Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun will not only prevent painful sunburns – it can also decrease the chance of noticeable wrinkles as you age. Too much sun also changes the skin’s pigmentation, resulting in uneven skin tone and blotchy spots.
Most foundations contain sunscreen in them, but if you don’t wear foundation often, apply an SPF 15 every day. You’ll thank yourself later!
By following these easy steps to better skin, it’s only a matter of time until you notice a more beautiful complexion. Simple, natural – and you don’t even have to break the bank.
