Are you happy with the skin you're in? Or, are you like the majority of Americans who feel less than confident about the condition of their skin? A recent poll showed that only 27 percent of Americans experience skin confidence. If you're not happy with the state of your skin, the good news is that there are lots of the different things you can do to change it for the better. Listed below are seven skin treatment tips that will help you get the smooth, glowing skin you've always wanted.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
When it comes to improving the appearance of your skin, it's important to start from the inside. Whether your goal is to minimize wrinkles and fine lines, clear up acne, or just brighten up a dull complexion, drinking plenty of water ought to be at the top of your list.
Why is water so important for the health of your skin? Sufficient hydration benefits your skin in several ways, including the following:
- Promotes proper function of detoxification organs (liver, kidneys, etc.) -- improper detoxification can lead to acne and other skin problems
- Helps the skin retain moisture, which prevents wrinkles, dryness, and other signs of aging
- Balances the natural oils of the skin to prevent clogged pores and breakouts
So, how much water should you drink? Most people find that drinking half their body weight in ounces (if you weight 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water) is a good starting point.
2. Clean Up Your Diet
In addition to increasing your water consumption, it's also a good idea to work on cleaning up your diet, too. There are lots of foods that have been linked to poor skin health.
If you want clear, glowing skin, make sure you're avoiding the following foods:
- Sugar
- Processed carbohydrates (chips, crackers, cookies, etc.)
- Unhealthy, inflammatory oils (canola oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, etc.)
There are plenty of foods that can make your skin worse, but there are also lots of healthy foods that are great for your skin. Some foods that you ought to add to your diet for healthy skin include:
- Vegetables, especially leafy greens
- Fruit, especially berries and citrus fruits
- High-quality protein (grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, etc.)
- Organ meats like liver
- Egg yolks
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, etc.)
- Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, etc.)
Try eliminating problematic foods and adding in more of these beneficial ones, and you'll soon notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin.
3. Exfoliate on a Regular Basis
Make sure you're exfoliating your skin on a regular basis, too. Exfoliating helps to slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores and breakouts. It can also help to brighten up your skin and get rid of dullness.
You can exfoliate with a homemade scrub (just combine a course substance like sugar with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil), or you can gently scrub with a washcloth. Don't forget to exfoliate your body, too. Dry brushing can get rid of dry, flaky skin. It can also minimize the appearance of cellulite and help you to tone up from the comfort of your own home.
4. Get Some Sleep
Sleep is also crucial for clear, healthy skin. When you sleep, your body goes to work repairing the damage that occurred during the day. This includes cellular damage caused by free radicals. Without proper sleep, your body can't properly repair this damage, and your skin may look dull and be more prone to wrinkles and breakouts as a result.
Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. If this is hard for you, make sure you're practicing good sleep hygiene. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and cutting off electronic use at least an hour before bed.
5. Prevent Sun Damage
Wearing sunscreen can help to keep your skin smooth and youthful. Regular sun exposure can leave your skin looking wrinkled and can lead to age spots and discoloration. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. This is especially important if you're going to be spending an extended period of time in the sun. It's also best to avoid sun exposure when the sun's rays are their strongest. In most places, this is between the hours of 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon.
6. Prevent and Treat Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are pesky and painful, and they can even become infected if you don't take care of them. Prevention is almost always easier than treatment, and ingrown hairs are no exception. Some steps you can take to prevent ingrown hairs include:
- Use the right razor when you shave -- preferably a sharp, single-bladed one
- Wet your skin before shaving and use a lubricating shave gel or cream
- Shave in the same direction that your hair grows
- Use the fewest number of strokes possible when shaving
- Apply a cool washcloth to the skin after shaving
In the event that you do get an ingrown hair, apply a bit of Ingrown Hair Serum to help sooth it and prevent infection. Avoid scratching or picking at it, as this can lead to infection.
7. Always Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
Finally, make sure you're always taking your makeup off before you head to bed. No matter how tired you are, that makeup needs to come off. Your skin needs to be able to breathe and repair itself while you sleep. If you sleep with your makeup on, especially if you do it on a regular basis, you're more likely going to end up with clogged pores and breakouts.
Looking for More Skin Treatment Tips?
As you can see, there are lots of different skin treatment tips and products you can use to clear up your skin and get it looking as fresh and youthful as possible. From staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet to keep sun damage at bay, there are a number of different steps you can take to get the skin you've always wanted.
Are you interested in learning more about skin care? Do you want to stay informed about the latest and greatest products on the market? If so, I've got more articles for you! Start by checking out this article on seven great beauty products everyone ought to try.
*contributed post*
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