As much as they help exfoliate and cleanse, most beauty products can actually do more harm than good. Some of these products contain chemicals such as acrylates and an array of preservatives such as parabens, which are known to increase the risk of cancer.
If you want to look younger, you have to make sure you are doing it as safely as you can. The best way to achieve this is by looking past familiar supermarket brands and embrace natural skin care methods that have proven effective.
Here are some of them:
1. Stay hydrated
The most basic part of effective skin care is hydration. If your body lacks water, your skin is unable to rid the body of toxins that may cause serious conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rapid aging. Not only that, but dry skin can also make you look older. With proper hydration, your skin becomes more supple, making you appear younger and resilient against a whole host of skin problems.
Drinking an adequate amount (not necessarily the “standard” of eight glasses a day) of water can help you attain healthier skin and prevent shedding or other complications. You should also consider limiting the intake of alcohol or coffee, as alcohol and caffeine are known to absorb water.
2. Go for antioxidants
It’s virtually impossible to talk about skin care without talking about antioxidants. These molecules are essential in combating free radicals that attack healthy skin cells. Think of antioxidants as your best allies in achieving a healthy glow.
There are loads of ways to get your daily antioxidant fix, starting with a cup of green tea. Tea contains the antioxidant EGCG, green tea is the most prescribed remedy for rapid aging caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. For dessert, you can swap your favorite milk chocolate snack with dark chocolate, a good source of flavonoids which also fight cell damage. If you want better results, you can try vitamin IV therapy, which helps with hydration and delivers vital antioxidants, vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream for better absorption.
3. Look for Vitamin E
While it is also an antioxidant, Vitamin E is definitely in a class of its own. This powerful substance can help reverse the effects of UV damage. It has become the main vitamin in many skin care brands, but you don’t have to use skin care products to get your daily dose of Vitamin E.
In fact, you can get this vitamin from different types of nuts and legumes. Sunflower seeds, for example, are a great afternoon snack and one of the best sources of Vitamin E. You can also get Vitamin E from various leafy vegetables, as well as fruits like kiwis, avocados, and mangoes.
4. Get ample sleep
A study published by The Royal Society suggests that adequate sleep can improve one’s overall attractiveness. This is because resting our bodies allows skin cells time to rejuvenate and repair. Sleep can also prevent the onset of acne and other skin-related conditions.
Always try to sleep for at least the recommended duration, which is 7 to 9 hours each day. If you are having problems falling asleep, you might need to restrict your daily caffeine intake and take power naps during the day. You can also develop nightly habits that prepare your body for a much-needed rest.
5. Fight stress
Another factor affecting skin health is stress. Skin cells rapidly deteriorate when working in stressful environments. As you become more anxious, your body produces a substance called cortisol, which promotes the production of sebum. Ever had an uncomfortable, oily feeling on your face as you race to beat a deadline? That’s your body reacting to stress. It’s natural, but it can decrease skin resilience if you often find yourself under a lot of pressure.
If you are looking to improve skin health, start by learning how to properly manage stress. You may have to refrain from saying “yes” to every task that’s handed to you, or learn how to properly manage your time. Setting a schedule for certain tasks or activities can help lessen your burdens and steer you away from situations that cause high amounts of stress. Finally, make sure to take breaks and avoid clocking too many overtime hours. Productivity is great, but you have to learn to set limits if you’d like to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.
6. Lessen sun exposure
Leading a healthy lifestyle should also involve getting as much natural light as possible. After all, the Vitamin D that your body produces from sunlight actually reinforces your skin and slows down the deterioration of skin cells. But just like everything else in life, excessive Vitamin D isn’t healthy — it can even be dangerous!
Aside from damaging healthy cells in the form of sunburns, UV rays can also cause skin cancer. To ensure you’re getting only the required amount of sunlight, you might want to purchase an organic sunscreen with a proper SPF level. There are chemical-free sun protection solutions available on the market, so pick the one that best fits your skincare needs.
Achieving glowing and radiant skin is very possible, even without using certain synthetic, popular brands. Nature already has everything you need to appear as though you are at your prime.
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