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Beware of the Sun
If you do nothing else to take care of
your skin, be sure to take proper precautions to protect your skin
from the damaging rays of the sun. The sun emits several different
types of harmful radiation, including ultraviolet rays that are
capable of burning or damaging skin tissue; and infrared radiation,
which may be responsible for more long-term skin damage. Sun
exposure is responsible for 90% of all medical skin damage such as
skin cancer and tumors, and it’s responsible for over 80% of all
cosmetic skin damage including wrinkles, premature aging, dryness,
liver spots and broken blood vessels.
Yet despite repeated warnings, most
Americans continue to actively seek a tan in hopes of looking better
and "healthier." Ironically, the "healthy" look of a sun tan today
can translate into serious illness and disease in the future.
Avoiding mid-day sun exposure is the single best thing you can do
for the health and beauty of your skin. And with all of the
wonderful sunscreens, sunless tanning creams and sun protection
products currently on the market, Americans should have less and
less of an excuse to "worship the sun."
The sun is beneficial to the skin
during the early morning hours 30 minutes during sunrise and 30
minutes during sunset. Your body needs sunlight. The damaging rays
occur 3 hours after sunrise till 1 hour before sunset. And the skin
needs at least 15 minutes of direct sunlight at least 2 times Avoid
excess sun exposure during the heat of the day by applying a natural
sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the skin everyday. Wear protective
clothing such as loose, long-sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats
for extra protection. Avoid tanning booths and tanning beds. If
necessary, use sunless tanners to brighten skin and replace a
natural sun tan.
You Are What You Eat
Skin care is more than just what you
put on your skin; it’s also what you put in it. What you eat and
drink can make a big difference in the health and overall appearance
of your skin. Your body needs over 40 different nutrients on a daily
basis for proper growth and maintenance. If it doesn’t receive these
nutrients, basic life functions, such as the repair of skin tissues,
begin to suffer. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can help to
supply your body with the fuel and nutrients you need to stay
healthy and keep your system functioning properly. And what you
drink is just as important as what you eat. The body needs plenty of
purified water in order to stay hydrated and healthy. Alcohol and
sugary soft drinks can throw off your body's internal chemistry and
should only be consumed in moderation.
Give your body and your skin the
nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. Drink ample amounts
of water throughout the day to hydrate your skin and move nutrients
and waste through your system. Aim to eat a wholesome, nutritious
diet that will help your body maintain and repair skin tissues.
Fresh fruits and vegetables will provide the essential vitamins and
minerals you need to keep your skin in top shape.
Walk a Mile in Your Skin
Many people fail to equate exercise
with skin care. But in truth, exercise plays a vital role in the
health, maintenance, and appearance of your skin. Regular exercise
can improve your skin's color and texture by increasing blood flow
and improving circulation. This in turn allows more oxygen and
nutrients to be delivered throughout the system. In order to prevent
future skin problems while exercising, you may wish to take these
simple precautions:
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Remove makeup before exercising to
allow your skin to breathe and sweat.
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Remove jewelry to lessen the chance
of irritations and reactions.
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Cleanse your skin as soon as
possible after exercising to remove perspiration and debris that
can clog pores.
Make exercise a part of your skin
care regime. Exercise can help to stimulate the digestive system and
move nutrients through the body. It can also help to purge toxins
through sweating. Even 15 minutes a day can boost your overall
wellness and the health of your skin. |
