Looking to take care of your skin but aren't sure where to start? Here are 5 powerful tips that will help you take care of your skin.
Besides following a skin care routine, which is partly how I take care of my skin, there are tips that help my complexion stay healthy and young.
How To Take Care of Your Skin?
To make your life easy and save you from frustration, I thought I'd share with you 5 tips that help delay the process of aging and prevent skin issues.
To be completely truthful not so long ago, I found it so hard to cope with all the tips I read online that promised ageless skin.
But by simply following these tips, you will see a huge difference on your skin.
1.Protect Your Skin From the Sun.
When I was younger and ignorant, every time summer came along, I would hit the pools and beaches so that I could get my tan on.
But as I started educating myself more on skin care matters, I realized how harmful the sun could be if the necessary precautions weren't taken.
It is extremely important for you to learn how to take care of your skin from the damages caused by the sun.
Otherwise, there is a high possibility for you to experience age spots, wrinkles, skin cancer and many other problems on the skin.
In case you didn't know, skin cancer, also known as melanoma, is one of the most common types of cancer.
It is mainly caused by exposure to UV light (from the sun) because it damages DNA which affects the growth of skin cells.
This is just one of the reasons as to why you need to use sunscreen, as well as, wearing protective clothing when you go out; you can read more about why sunscreen is important here.
5 Best Sunscreens For All Skin Types, According to Dermatologists
A quality sunscreen prevents premature aging and the risk of developing skin cancer.
Here are the top 5 dermatologists approved sunscreens for all skin types:
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and
100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
This SPF50+ is broad spectrum and contains:
- Photolyase which are DNA enzymes that repair damage from the sun.
- Vitamin E which absorbs energy from UV light and prevents free radicals.
- Zinc Oxide which protects the skin from UV rays and premature aging.
Cerave 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This SPF50 is broad spectrum, paraben-free, fragrance-free, chemical-filter free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, allergy tested and it contains:
- Niacinamide which protects and repairs the skin by interrupting inflammation caused by UV light.
- 3 Essential Cermamides (1, 3, 6-II) which restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
- Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which protect the skin from UVA and UVB.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
This SPF70 is broad spectrum, lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic and para-aminobenzoic acid free.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
This SPF46 is broad spectrum, paraben-free, fragrance-free and it contains:
- Zinc Oxide which protects the skin from UVA and UVB.
- Niacinamide which interrupts inflammation caused by UV light.
- Hyaluronic Acid which improves the skin's natural moisturizing factors.
- Antioxidants which neutralize free radical caused by sun exposure.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+
This SPF30+ is broad spectrum, chemical-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, water resistant and it contains:
- Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which protect the skin from UVA and UVB.
I have had the opportunity of using several sunscreens, among the best of which I can mention are:
However, I wanted to try a new formula to see if I could find a better sunscreen, so I started using the ISDIN Sunscreen and I LOVE it.
If I don't use a good sunscreen formula, my skin can get irritated very easily and my pores clogged, so far this one has done the trick.
2.Don't Smoke.
Just like protecting your skin from the sun is important, being able to quit smoking is important too.
As of 2019, data on global smoking showed that there are 1.1 billion smokers.
Smoking is a bad habit that creates major negative impacts on your skin.
It exposes you to 93 harmful chemicals that can cause several health problems.
Cigarettes contain nicotine which narrows down small blood vessels causing less blood flow.
As a result, you will look unhealthy and older because your skin doesn't get as much oxygen and important vitamins as it use to.
I have never been a smoker but after some thorough research, I found 5 methods that are helpful for people who do smoke and are looking to quit smoking.
5 Methods to Help You Quit Smoking
METHOD #1: Willpower
It's your personal decision to stop smoking immediately without any help, unfortunately, studies show that only 4% to 7% of smokers can actually quit smoking without additional help.
When you stop consuming nicotine, your body goes through withdrawal because it's craving nicotine.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms you'll experience are appetite, cravings, coughs, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, anxiety, depression, irritability and mental fog.
If you believe you are one of those smokers who has the willpower to quit smoking once and for all, be aware that you have to be mentally prepared and commited.
METHOD #2: Acupuncture
It's a traditional Chinese therapy involving needles that aims to stimulate acupunctural points for specific conditions.
Studies have shown an 88% success rate on smokers being able to quit after acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture helps regulate the body's natural flow of energy, improve digestion, reduce cravings, stop coughing, calm the mind, ease anxiety and clear phlegm, tar and nicotine out of the lungs.
Auricular Acupuncture
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association has a non-verbal approach to healing, its NADA Protocol consists of targeting pressure points on the ears to combat addiction.
Auricular acupuncture decreases nicotine cravings, detoxifies and helps with withdrawal, it can be done by an acupuncturist or from the comfort of your own home with a technique known as "ear seeds".
Ear seeds work by placing tiny balls with adhesive tape on acupunctural points in your ears.
METHOD #3: Hypnosis
It consists of relaxation, concentration and focused attention to achieve a high awareness state known as trance.
Hypnosis helps smokers restrain from nicotine cravings and its relaxation effects help cope with addiction and nicotine withdrawal.
However, the success rates of hypnosis for smokers being able to quit is still vague.
Hypnosis can be performed by either a hypnotist or at home by yourself.
If you're interested in hypnosis, Hypnobox is a self-hypnosis app that helps you reach a deep state of relaxation.
METHOD #4: Allen Car's Easy Way To Stop Smoking
Allen Carr's Easy Way To Stop Smoking is a self-help book that has been the #1 bestseller in 9 European countries, outselling all quit smoking related books.
The book has received a lot of positive feedback with more than 2,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6/5 rating, people claim they have stopped smoking immediately after reading the book.
I know some might be skeptical and some might dislike reading but if you are serious about quitting smoking and finally start seeing a difference on your skin, then you should definitely give this book a try.
METHOD #5: Nicotine Replacement Therapy
NRT, also known as Nicotine Replacement Therapy, reduces the feeling of withdrawal by delivering small and controlled amounts of nicotine into your bloodstream.
Medical experts agree that NRT is, if not the best, one of the best tools to help smokers quit.
Studies show that NRT is completely safe, however, if you suffer from health issues it's recommended to pay a visit to your doctor or a health care provider.
Types of NRT
NRT TYPES | FuNCTION | HOW TO GET THEM | HOW TO USE THEM |
---|---|---|---|
Patch | Provides small and controlled amounts of nicotine. | Over the Counter | Place on the surface of the skin. |
Gum | Releases nicotine when chewed. | Over the Counter | Chew then place in between cheek and gums. |
Lozenge | Releases nicotine when introduced into the mouth. | Over the Counter | Place into the mouth. |
Inhaler | Inhales nicotine through mouthpiece. | Prescription | Insert into mouth and then pump. |
Nasal Spray | Pump bottle that contains nicotine. | Prescription | Insert into nose then spray. |
Best NRT Products
These are the best NRT products that will help reduce the dependency you have on nicotine:
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine Lozenges
3.Consume a Healthy Diet.
Consuming a healthy diet is important for your skin to stay healthy and young.
I use to not eat fruits nor vegetables, there was something about the smells and textures I just didn't like.
I was constantly told that fruits and vegetables are vital to one's health.
So it didn't come as a shock, when I learned that eating fruits and vegetables are one of the many key steps to radiant and glowy skin.
It wasn't until I was 15 that I started eating vegetables. Fruits, on the other hand, still not a fan off but trying.
Skin care and nutrition go by hand, you can't have great looking skin if you don't eat the necessary nutrients your skin needs.
You should take appropriate measures in order to consume a healthy diet to keep your skin from aging prematurely.
Drink plenty of water and eat lots of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains because it will improve collagen production which helps with skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and increases blood flow.
Stay away from refined carbohydrates, which cause acanthosis nigricans due insulin resistance, and unhealthy fats which cause skin inflammation.
4.Manage Your Stress Levels
Being stress free is vital to your skin's health. Now that I'm older and more mature, I know that stress can cause major damage to your mental, as well as, physical health.
Stress is something I constantly battled with, but throughout the years I found ways to deal with it and keep it under control.
There is a strong relationship between your stress levels and your skin.
Stress causes the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream which leads to an increase in Cortisol (primary stress hormone) that results in collagen breakdown, prevention of wound healing, oil production, blemishes and sensitivity which negatively impacts your skin.
Stress also contributes to premature aging by shortening telomeres which are the protective casing at the end of the chromosomes.
When you are stressed out, your skin becomes more sensitive and reactive.
As a result, there is a high possibility of triggering various skin issues.
Many studies show that specific stressors trigger vitiligo.
Therefore, if you suffer from any stress causing factors, you need to take all steps necessary to get rid of them to maintain a healthy state of mind and a youthful appearance.
You must manage your stress levels, if you are seriously about taking care of your skin.
10 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress
1. Practice Deep Breathing
2. Exercise
3. Take Supplements
- Rhodiola rosea: is a known adaptogenic, which are non-toxic plants that help increase stress resistance. A study showed that, stress-related burnout symptoms improved in participants who, for 12 weeks, took 400 mg/d of rhodiola extract.
- Glycine: a study suggested, that glycine promotes a good night’s sleep which increases stress resistance.
- Ashwagandha: like Rhodiola, it’s also an adaptogenic, meaning it also helps increase stress resistance. A study showed, that stress, anxiety and depression were reduced in participants who, for 60 days, took 240 mg of ashwagandha extract.
- L-theanine: reduces stress and promotes relaxation. According to one study, when performing mentally stressful task, consuming 200 mg of L-theanine reduced stress.
- B complex vitamins: A study demonstrated, that consuming B complex vitamins lowered blood levels of homocysteine which reduced stress and improved mood.
4. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Here are 5 ways to successfully reduce caffeine Intake:
- Understand your caffeine intake.
- Start caffeinating wisely.
- Gradually decrease caffeine consumption.
- Swap by trying coffee alternatives.
- Drink lots of water.
5. Aromatherapy
It provides an array of benefits, the main ones being:
- Ability to manage pain.
- Improves quality of sleep.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Soothes sore joints.
- Treats headaches and migraines.
- Fights bacteria, virus or fungus.
Aromatherapy stimulates smell receptors, in charge of sending messages through the nervous system to the limbic system, using these products:
- Essential Oil Diffusers
- Aromatic Spritzers
- Essential Oil Inhalers
- Bathing Salts
6. Spend Time with Family and Friends
7. Learn to Say No
8. Write
9. Chew Gum
10. Avoid Procrastination
Procrastination causes pressure, which induces stress. Here are 5 bulletproof strategies to avoid procrastination:
- Create a To-Do List.
- Use Eisenhower's Urgent/Important Principle to prioritize your To-Do List.
- Learn how to schedule and project plan.
- Tackle the hardest tasks first.
- Set time-bound goals.
5. How Take Care of Your Skin Even Deeper
If you already follow a skin care routine, the next step to take care of your skin is incorporating skin care tools.
10 of the Best Skin Care Tools
Here's 10 of the best skin care tools to take care of your skin even deeper:
- Pro Polish Microdermabrasion Device
- Trinity Facial Toning Device
- Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser
- Carat Face Tool
- Beauty Stamp Micro-Exfoliation Tool
- Luna 3 for Sensitive Skin
- Empress Stone
- Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment
- SpectraLite Faceware Pro
- Nano Current Device
Other tools that upgrade your skin care to a whole other level are skincare headbands, skincare spatulas and skincare fridges.
These are just a few of the most important tips you should follow in order to see a difference on your skin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Delaying aging and preventing skin conditions consist of good skin care and lifestyle choices. With these 5 tips you'll see fast results reflect on your skin in no time:
1.Protect Your Skin From the Sun
2.Don't Smoke
3.Consume a Healthy Diet
4.Manage Your Stress Levels
5.How Take Care of Your Skin Even Deeper
Leave a Reply