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The Basics of Skincare

Simple Ways to Avoid Breakouts and Keep Your Complexion Healthy

Sep 14, 2009 Joslyn Hamilton

The road to healthy skin doesn't have to involve pricey products or elaborate routines. Support the health of your largest organ with a few practical lifestyle choices.

So many of us rely on expensive and complicated skincare regimens to prevent acne and protect our vulnerable outer layer. But the simple truth is, the basics of healthy skin often cost nothing at all, other than a shift in our habits and a conscientious eye on our lifestyle.

Aside from genetics (which are out of our hands), the most important factors to taking care of skin are all within easy reach in our daily lives. Here are a few ways you can keep an eye on how you're treating your mind and body.

Minimize Stress and Anxiety

At the top of the list is stress. We've all had the experience of being subjected to intense stress or anticipation when-voila!-a breakout magically rears its ugly head. This is not a coincidence, of course. Anxiety and stress cause hormonal shifts within the body that directly impact our skin and cause impurities, acne, even wrinkles... just when we don't need one more thing to manage.

The fact that we tend to lose track of our good eating, sleeping and exercise habits when under stress only exacerbates the effects.

Controlling stress is the first line of defense in promoting healthy skin. This is why yoga, meditation and other mind-body disciplines can be so beneficial to your complexion. By minimizing stress, they enhance your physical health, of which your skin is an outward manifestation. Let's call your skin the "canary in the coalmine" of your whole physical body in this regard.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is paramount to skin (and whole body) health. The typical recommendation is to drink eight 8-oz glasses of water a day. However, the actual amount your body requires depends on a host of factors including your size and weight, the weather (humidity and temperature both play a factor in how much water you lose to sweat every day), your level of activity, and your own personal physiology.

(A good tip: get your hands on a large canning jar with ounce markings up the side. This will help you keep track of how much water you drink during the day. Constant small sips are better than occasional chugging. Keeping water conveniently nearby helps to stay on hydrating track.)

Dehydrating beverages like alcohol, coffee and soda derail your water intake. Trade them out for life-affirming water, juice and herbal teas.

Eat Right

Mindful eating is another crucial factor to skin health. Excess junk food, sugar, allergenic ingredients and polyunsaturated fats are all enemies of the skin. Every body has different needs, so make your food choices according to what feels truly healthy (and not just indulgent or convenient).

Fruits and veggies have the added bonus of being full of water and nutrients that support the skins cells.

Sleep Enough

One lousy night of sleep can have immediate effects on the skin's appearance. Puffy eyes, dark circles, a wan appearance... these are all indicators that the skin hasn't had its proper rejuvenating time.

Don't Smoke

Smoking is one of the fastest ways to destroy skin cells and impair your complexion. Don't do it.

Get Fresh Air

Moving your body and getting the circulation flowing is so healthy for your skin. Choose to walk whenever you can, and take advantage of fresh air. Besides the circulatory effects of being outside, soaking up vitamin D from the sun's light is an underrated virtue.

(Of course, sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from aging effects and other long-term issues like melanoma. If you are going to invest in one quality skincare product, make it a reputable sunscreen.)

Keep it Clean

Skin breakouts have a lot to do with dirt and bacteria, so it goes without saying that keeping skin clean is an important step in preventing blemishes. We tend to touch our face when we're nervous or bored. Breaking this habit helps prevent the spread of bacteria to the face. And of course, washing your face at the end of the day to get rid of the invisible grime and debris that has built up is also vital to keeping skin clean. A simple, basic cleanser will do; the important thing is to moisturize your skin after stripping it of its protective oils.

Making Incremental Changes

It's often unrealistic to make a panoply of lifestyle changes at once. Consider making one change to your routine a week. Your skin will love you for it, and you'll be rewarded with a happier, healthier complexion.

The copyright of the article The Basics of Skincare in General Medicine is owned by Joslyn Hamilton. Permission to republish The Basics of Skincare in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Drink enough water every day!

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Comments

Sep 15, 2009 9:39 PM

Guest :

It's good to remember "back to the basics". We can easily forget how much good water can do our skin, when the latest and greatest "miracle products" are being promoted. Thanks!
Lynn
http://www.skincare-411.com

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