5 Healthy Lifestyle Habits Your Skin Will Be Grateful For
Your skin is something that can be taken for granted, and there are plenty of people who focus on their overall health while still leaving their skin by the wayside. It’s important to take care of your skin, though, and there are plenty of reasons why from cancer prevention to overall appearance. Let’s take a look at some of the lifestyle habits you can adopt which will improve your skin health.
Getting Adequate Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is essential for overall health and it also has a direct impact on our skin. When we don’t get enough restorative sleep, our bodies can’t repair themselves as efficiently, leading to more visible signs of aging. Lack of sleep also leads to dark circles under the eyes, increased inflammation, a duller complexion, and an overall tired-looking appearance. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night in order to give your body the time it needs to recover and repair itself. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try implementing a nightly routine that includes winding down an hour before bed and avoiding technology or other distractions in the bedroom.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking healthy. A healthy diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to limit processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats as much as possible. Nourishing your body with wholesome foods will help to improve the texture and tone of your skin while also providing numerous other health benefits. Additionally, certain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E can help protect against free radicals and inflammatory skin conditions.
Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another important healthy lifestyle habit that can benefit your skin in numerous ways. Water helps to flush toxins from the body, keep circulation strong, and provide necessary moisture to the skin. Try to aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day to ensure that your body has enough fluid. Additionally, eating foods with a high water content such as cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, cantaloupe or watermelon can help you stay hydrated.
Practicing Daily Sun Protection
It’s essential to practice daily sun protection in order to protect your skin from sun damage. UV radiation damages our DNA and causes premature aging of the skin, so it’s important to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. In addition, try to limit your time in the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses when possible.
Exercising Regularly
Exercise is essential for overall health, and it also has numerous benefits for skin health. Regular physical activity increases circulation, which helps to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin while reducing inflammation. Additionally, exercise can help flush out toxins through sweat which can improve the appearance of our skin over time. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise such as walking or swimming four times per week in order to reap these benefits.