Healthy skin starts with preventative care. But taking care of your complexion doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Many skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, can be avoided by taking proper precautions and incorporating simple changes into your lifestyle.
Here are our top 10 dermatologist-approved tips for achieving healthy, glowing skin.
Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage
In San Diego, we’re no strangers to the sun, so it’s crucial to layer on the sunscreen whenever you’re outside. Wearing SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck, and ears is the best way to prevent sun damage and keep your skin looking young. Also, remember it is better to reapply a lower SPF product than to put a higher SPF product on just once. Sunscreen “wears off” during the day.
Get stress under control to avoid acne breakouts
Stress causes your cortisol levels to skyrocket, which can lead to acne breakouts or flare-ups of pre-existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. Tame tension with deep breathing exercises or meditation and your skin will calm down, too.
Drink plenty of water to hydrate & moisturize your skin
Your skin is an organ, and like any other organ in your body, it can’t function properly unless it’s hydrated. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day helps to flush your system of toxins that contribute to wrinkles, blemishes, and dry skin.
Moisturize your skin after a shower
Hydration is important for your skin not just from the inside, but from the outside, too. Applying moisturizer to damp skin immediately after your shower or bath can help to lock in your body’s natural moisture.
Choose mild cleansers and soaps to avoid drying out the skin
Harsh soaps can dry out your skin, stripping away the important, protective barrier of oil produced by your sebaceous glands. A mild cleanser will wash away the acne-causing dirt and grime while retaining some of the healthy oil to keep your skin clear and calm.
Watch what you eat for smooth and youthful skin
Your diet affects your complexion. Consuming a lot of sodium can leave you looking puffy and bloated, while sugary foods can damage the collagen that keeps your skin looking taut and smooth. Instead of loading up on salty or sweet snacks, try incorporating more fatty acids into your diet with foods like avocado and salmon.
Use cool water in the shower to soothe & calm the skin
Washing your skin with hot water can leave it feeling dry, itchy, and flaky. If your skin turns red in your shower or bath, then the water temperature is probably too high. Use lukewarm water to soothe and calm your skin.
Reduce swelling with hydrocortisone – sparingly
For the occasional bout of redness or inflammation, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to even out your skin tone and minimize swelling. But don’t use it too often, or you may experience unwanted side effects, like thinning skin.
Exercise regularly for firmer and healthier skin
Not only does exercise stimulate circulation, bringing nourishing, oxygenated blood to your skin cells, but strength training also increases supportive muscle tone, which in turn creates firmer skin. Yoga is also good for your skin, with evidence that it can reduce inflammation and eliminate blemish-inducing stress.
Be gentle when scrubbing your skin
Above all, go easy on your skin. Don’t scrub it until it’s squeaky clean, or use abrasive exfoliators. Wash it gently, and every once in a while, indulge in a little facial massage.
Contact CDCRI in San Diego for dermatology research studies
If you need extra help achieving healthy skin, California Dermatology and Clinical Research Institute offers a wide array of dermatologic services. Whether you’re dealing with acne, psoriasis, eczema, or another condition, CDCRI will work with you to find the solution to your problem skin. Contact us by giving us a call at (760) 203-3839. Healthy skin is just a phone call away.
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