HOW TO GET HEALTHY & HAPPY SKIN
"Why cant I have clear skin...?", "I buy so many acne products yet my skin isn't improving", chances are you have been in the same boat or related in some way, (I know I have!) Everyone feels much better about their personal skin troubles -especially in teen years- when they realize that EVERYONE deals with skin issues. Whether it's acne, eczema, rosacea, dark circles and so many more conditions that seem like a never ending cycle of flare ups, there are ways of naturally preventing these occurrences.
I have had quite my own battle with acne, starting in my early teen years, and only recently has completely healed due to one dermatology visit. I was put on a topical acne medication called Retin-A that is commonly used as a wrinkle treatment for older adults. My dermatologist warned that for several months prior to seeing improvement, my face would become red, inflamed, itchy, ultra dry, and even peel, but do NOT stop using it. I listened to her despite the irritation I felt after use of the product for many months. Initially, it was hard to look past my peeling facial skin to see any improvement, but after about a year of using the product regularly, I can finally say that I've never been happier and more proud of my skin. I have zero acne and zero scarring. My dryness still slightly remains, but nothing a little moisturizer cant fix!
The skin on our bodies can cause extreme confusion when it comes to keeping it clean and clear. Skin is constantly changing and even has different necessities during different seasons. Keeping up with how to maintain happy skin can seem overwhelming; however there are multiple key tips and daily practices that can keep your overall skin in tip-top shape!
1. HYDRATION
- Arguably the most essential habit to adopt for benefiting your skin, hydrating your skin is absolutely needed to retain happy skin :). Hydration comes in many forms but the most essential and basic is the intake of substantial amounts of WATER. When you feel the urge to get a drink of water, you are actually already in a state of dehydration. Water needs to be consumed even before we begin to feel 'thirsty'. Drinking 8-10cups a day may seem like a lot, but making that a daily priority will result in higher energy levels, and healthy skin.
- Other forms of hydrating your skin include the daily use of topical moisturizers. This is dire to the outcome of wanting clear skin. When we wash our face we strip the skin of essential oils that the skin needs to cleanse itself. Adding a moisturizer that suites your skin type after washing your face supplies the skin with enough moisture to keep it looking young and bright.
- If you put bad oil into a car, it will get congested and corroded. The same goes for your skin; if you supply your body with fried, msg packed, oily foods, your skin will represent that accordingly. Instead, there are dozens of healthy substitutions for our favorite, but most damaging foods, that will cause visible improvements on full body skin:
- Milk/ White Chocolate ---> Dark Chocolate
- Potato Chips ---> Lentil Chips/ Veggie Straws
- Fried Meats ---> Grilled Meats
- Sodas ---> Vitamin Waters/ Other Non- Carbonated Options
- White Potatoes ---> Sweet Potatoes
- American Cheeses ---> Feta, Swiss, Cheddar
- White Breads ---> Whole Grain Products
- Just like everything in our lives, our skin gets used to habitual routines. That's why a breakout might occur after we try a new foundation or a new face wash. Keeping a continuous cleansing regimen will keep your skin looking radiant. Examples of what should be done first thing in the morning and last things at night include:
Morning:
- Wash/ Rinse Face
- Moisturize
- Apply SPF
Night:
- Remove All Makeup
- Wash Face With Cleanser
- Apply a Toner
- Moisturizer
- Knowing your skin's type and condition is vitally important in knowing how to treat it. Identifying whether it is normal, dry, or oily is the first step. Other specific issues such as acne or inflamed skin should also be known. For me, the Retin-A was a product that was set apart from the rest of my daily routine. It was a more intense treatment that targeted my acne problem specifically. A trip to the dermatologists office is sometimes all it takes to deal with stubborn skin conditions, and they can provide you products targeted for your extra skin needs.
5. REST & RELAXATION
- Getting ample R & R is so important to maintaining healthy skin. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night will improve the state of your skin dramatically, and if a night is disturbed, then don't feel guilty about having a nap the following day!
6. POSITIVITY
- Feeling stressed and overwhelmed can cause the skin to breakout and secrete excessive amounts of unneeded oils. I recommend home remedies for stress such as Epsom salt bathes and natural face masks. Surround yourself with items and people that bring you joy and peace. For example, if you have a stressful work environment then make sure your home is a place of relaxation and has a décor that makes you happy. The same goes for people you associate yourself with. Laughter and having a great time with friends releases endorphins (happy hormones) which rids the body of toxins, hence, natural improving your skin.
7. CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
- Having a cleanly environment is also key to improving on your skin. Making sure your bed sheets get washed regularly, as well as your clothes can ensure that unneeded bacteria will not be entering your pores!
I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED THIS POST! MORE TO COME!
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