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14 Easy And Effective Tips For Healthier Skin
04/15/20238 min read
Everyone wants to look their best, and that starts with having great skin. The key to healthy skin is making good choices in how you take care of it, both inside and out.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what healthy skin is and give you 14 ways you can nourish your own so that your complexion looks healthier and happier!
What Is Healthy Skin?
You say you want healthy skin, but what is that exactly? We know what it’s not: red, dry, or not full of acne. But healthy skin is more than a poreless, flawless complexion. It’s our body’s first layer of defense against the world, including bacteria and the environment.
At its core, healthy skin is simply skin that does its job. From protecting us from UV rays to alerting us to danger to keeping our ideal temperature and body fluids in check, our biggest organ might just be our busiest.
Making sure your skin is up to the task is a matter of taking stock of your habits and routines. If you focus on your skin’s function, its form will be sure to follow.
14 Tips For Healthier Skin
Just like there isn’t only one definition of healthy skin, there’s no magic potion to make your skin better. But there are small changes you can make to your daily routine that will take you in the right direction.
1) Fill Your Water Bottle
Time to filler up! Drinking water is the key to your skin's hydration and elasticity. It increases blood flow to the skin, giving you a healthy-looking glow.
If plain water is too boring, you can add some flavor with fresh sliced fruit.
2) Add More Antioxidants
Make your diet work for your skin. Adding more antioxidant-rich foods like berries, watermelon, spinach, green tea, almonds, olive oil, salmon, and even dark chocolate can help you maintain a clearer-looking complexion. Yum!
3) Don’t Fear The (Healthy) Fats
That’s right. Some fats are actually good for your skin. Embrace them!
Fish oil and fish oil supplements are go-tos for healthier skin. It’s the omega-3 fatty acids they contain that help keep skin thick and moisturized.
Time to trade in your fried foods for some fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, or herring.
4) Curb Your Sweet Tooth
Sugary foods are a no-no on the road to healthier skin. Your dentist and dermatologist agree: Cut down on the sweets!
5) Take Time For Massage
We probably don’t have to tell you twice on this one. Who doesn’t want a massage?
Massage can help decrease tension and increase circulation. Good circulation means better lymphatic drainage, which is essential for balanced skin.
There are several popular “tools” you can use to massage your face, like a jade roller or a gua sha stone. When used correctly as a part of your beauty routine, there really is no downside!
6) Don’t Smoke
Besides the obvious deleterious effects on your overall health, smoking wreaks havoc on your skin. It narrows the blood vessels and robs your skin of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, smoking speeds up the aging process (a.k.a. it causes wrinkles).
Aging isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to your skin and smoking. Smoking may even make psoriasis and other skin conditions worse.
7) Stay Out Of The Sun
You have heard it a million times, but we’ll say it again. The sun can damage your skin, aging and drying out its underlying connective tissue. The best thing you can do is limit your exposure and wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
Sunscreen is the secret sauce for keeping your skin from aging prematurely and protecting it from skin cancer.
If you are intent on getting that sunkissed look, try a self-tanner instead. Also, try to stay in during peak sun hours, opting for early morning or later in the afternoon for outdoor activities. And while you’re at it, invest in a big, floppy hat!
8) Destress
Have you ever had a giant pimple take up residence on your face before a big event? Stress could be the culprit.
When you are stressed, you trigger hormones that affect collagen and elastin, potentially leading to dull, pimply skin. Stress can also play a role in skin conditions, including eczema.
In addition, if you’re stressed, you might rub or scratch your skin, something that could cause dermatitis. So take a deep breath and relax. You might try meditation or yoga to keep your mind at rest.
Your skin (as well as the rest of your body) will thank you!
9) Stay In Shape
When you break a sweat, you get your blood flowing, meaning more oxygen and nutrients are being delivered to your skin. That’s why after a nice jog, your cheeks are all rosy and healthy looking.
Just remember to wash your face or take a shower after your workout to avoid any clogged pores.
10) Catch Up On Sleep
Getting the right amount of sleep is very important to your overall health, and this includes your skin. Your body’s internal repair shop is hard at work as you sleep, and the last thing you want to do is interrupt the good work being done.
Seven to nine hours is generally optimal, so adjust your alarm to ensure that you’re clocking in ample beauty sleep.
11) Put Down Your Phone
Time to trade scroll for stroll. Put down your phone and head outside to breathe some fresh air. There’s nothing worse for your skin (or your mental health) than scrolling through social media and comparing yourself to others.
Everyone’s skin is different, so you want to set your goal to be a better, healthier you.
Social media is great to connect, but if you find yourself going down rabbit holes with no carrots to show for it, hop outside. With less stress and more time in the fresh air, your skin will give you a thumbs-up.
12) Keep Water Lukewarm
Washing your face, hands, and body regularly is not enough. You’ve got to do it right. This means turning that hot water down to a comfy lukewarm and choosing gentle soap that will not strip your skin of oil and make it drier.
Whether you’re a bath person or a shower person, make sure to limit your soaking time. Use a gentle wash and, once you’re done bathing, slather on your favorite moisturizer.
Moisturizing when your skin is damp helps lock moisture in your skin barrier, giving you a healthier-looking glow.
13) Update Your Skincare Routine
We’re all for routines, but they need to be revised every now and then. With the change in seasons, your skin will have to work in new conditions, and that can mean a little tweak to your product regime is in order.
For instance, during a hot and humid summer, your skin might appear more oily and require a lighter moisturizer. However, during the wintertime when the air is drier, your skin may be flakier, and conditions like eczema and psoriasis may be more pronounced.
A targeted moisturizer, like Bodewell Psoriasis Calming Cream or Eczema Daily Calming Cream, might be a good choice for your dry skin caused by psoriasis or eczema.
14) Check In With A Dermatologist
To keep your skin healthy, it’s good to check in regularly with a dermatologist. They can monitor for skin conditions like skin cancer, eczema, and psoriasis.
Achieve Healthy-Looking Skin
To get that glow back to your skin, think about what you put in and on your body. Revisit your habits and make sure you’re not doing things that irritate your complexion, like smoking or eating too much sugar.
Also, embrace skincare products from a company you can trust. Using Bodewell skincare products, such as our Calming Creams specifically formulated for eczema and psoriasis, is a smart step toward a healthier-looking complexion.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association American Skin Association Mayo Clinic Mount Sinai National Institute of Health
