If you want to stay looking youthful and healthy, then taking care of your skin is a must. Good skincare routines will help to prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles and will keep your skin looking fresh. But what is the best way to take care of the skin? After all, knowing which products to use is not always clear cut. In fact, while some products can do wonders for the skin, others can be at best ineffectual and at worst, harmful. In addition, good skincare is not just about the products one uses. To that end, below are a few tips for taking care of your skin.
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure
We have heard it from the experts time and again; too much sun exposure is bad for the skin. Your skin will become dry and will age prematurely if you spend too much time in the sun. Not to mention that the risk of developing skin cancer increases. However, that does not stop people from going out in strong sunlight without any protection for their skin.
If you are going on vacation or live in a hot climate, it is important to wear sunscreen. Some experts recommend wearing sunscreen all year round because of the damage that UV light can do. To protect your skin from the sun, you should choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF15, preferably higher. Stay out of direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest, which is usually around midday, and consider covering your arms and legs as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Eat Healthily
Diet will also play a role in the condition of your skin. A diet that is high in sugar and salt is bad for the skin. That does not mean that you cannot enjoy these foods occasionally but try to stick to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains if you want your skin to look its best. It is also important to stay hydrated with plenty of water every day while avoiding too much alcohol.
Quit Smoking
If you do smoke, then giving up is likely easier said than done. Nevertheless, quitting smoking will do wonders for your skin. Smoking damages the elastin and collagen in the skin and regularly puffing on a cigarette will inevitably lead to fine lines around the mouth, which will make you look older. Furthermore, smoking decreases blood flow, making the skin look paler and less youthful.
Adopt a Good Skincare Routine
It is a good idea to wash your skin every morning and night with a gentle cleanser. Avoid using anything too harsh or it can dry it out. Remember to cleanse twice at night if you wear makeup during the day. You can use a gentle toner after cleansing.
The experts at KIYA Longevity (https://kiyalongevity.com/) recommend using a serum that includes peptides or Vitamin C in the morning. In the evening, switch to a serum containing retinol but make sure that you use this according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Retinol serums can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it may be recommended that you do not use it every day.
Use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 for your face, higher if you are using a retinol serum at night.
Avoid Stress
Stress can cause breakouts on the skin, so try to manage your stress levels. This might mean getting more sleep or meditating daily to help you relax. The less stressed you are, the better your skin will appear.