Radiant, youthful skin is something we’d all love to keep. But not only does healthy skin look good, it also acts as a protective barrier against external toxins and allergens. Looking after your skin and making healthy lifestyle choices can help protect your skin from damage, delay signs of ageing and prevent a number of skin problems. Here are five ways to keep your skin healthy.
1. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to look after your skin. This means eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, omega-3s and proteins. Unhealthy foods that are processed or high in unhealthy fats and refined sugars can cause skin outbreaks and contribute to acne.
There are a number of foods that scientists have found are especially beneficial to the skin, one of which is tomatoes. According to research, tomatoes contain a pigment called lycopene which is believed to help protect the skin against UV damage from the sun and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Other skin-healthy foods include olive oil, fish, green tea, and kale.
Alongside a healthy diet, it is important to drink plenty of water and ensure you remain hydrated.
2. Wear sun protection
Damage from the sun’s UV rays is one of the most common causes of wrinkles, dark spots and other skin problems. Lifelong damage can even lead to skin cancer. To help protect your skin, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily. If you live in hotter climates where the sun is more intense, you will need to wear a much higher SPF. The sun’s rays are strongest in the middle of the day, so try to seek shade during this time.
3. Take a supplement
Collagen is a protein that makes up the skin. It helps provide structural integrity to keep it strong, locks in moisture for a youthful appearance and provides elasticity to the skin. Collagen starts to degrade naturally with age but this process is also accelerated by things like sun damage, air pollution, smoking, alcohol and poor diet. As collagen breaks down, the skin loses it’s plump appearance and wrinkles and fine lines develop.
Research has found that taking collagen supplements can help prevent dry skin and wrinkles, enabling you to retain healthy radiant skin. New Leaf’s Super Marine Collagen Tablet Complex is expertly formulated with added hyaluronic acid to reduce the effects of ageing, keep skin moisturised, reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
4. Have a good skincare routine
It’s important to nourish your skin from both the inside and the outside. Applying moisturiser to the skin keeps the top layer of skin cells hydrated and locks in moisture, which helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles. The best time to moisturise is immediately after washing, as this helps trap moisture already in the skin.
Try to avoid overwashing, washing with hot water, or harsh soaps, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness.
5. Limit stress
Scientists have linked stress to an increased likelihood of experiencing skin problems like acne. This is thought to be because stress increases the amounts of an oily substance called sebum, which can block pores. Therefore, trying to limit your stress levels can help achieve clearer skin. Stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation and walking can help lower stress levels.