Skin Care Tips for a Lifetime

An active lifestyle and healthy daily habits are the keys to a lifetime of healthy skin. Taking good care of your skin helps you counteract the effects of aging, sun exposure and other environmental factors and maintain a more youthful appearance.

As with any pursuit, keeping your skin looking young starts with the basics. Avoid sun exposure, be gentle with your skin, eat a healthy diet and keep your stress under control to keep your skin looking younger for the long run.

Avoid sun exposure

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important ways to preserve your skin’s health and beauty. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause skin problems, such as wrinkles and age spots, and increase your risk of getting skin cancer.

Limit sun exposure by using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher all year long. Stay indoors or in the shade, especially when UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day. Wear protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Be gentle with your skin

Daily cleansing and shaving can lead to skin irritation, dryness, redness and other issues. Treat your skin gently by limiting your time in the bath or shower, using gentle cleansers and washing your face twice a day at the most. Protect and lubricate your skin before shaving and use a sharp razor. Pat your skin dry after washing to leave some moisture on your skin.

Eat healthy

Having a healthy diet protects your body inside and out. Nourish your skin by eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Drink several glasses of water each day to keep your skin hydrated. Don’t smoke and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which causes dry skin.

Control stress

The body’s response to stress releases hormones that can lead to a variety of skin problems. Stress is part of everyday life, but learning to manage it better encourages healthier skin.

Ways to reduce stress include exercising daily, getting enough sleep and practicing techniques such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation. Make time for leisure activities you enjoy. Slow down, take a break and set reasonable limits for what you can accomplish.