Small changes can yield big results in so many different areas of our well-being, one of which is the health of our skin. There are so many different beauty products advertised to us on a regular basis. It’s easy to forget that attaining vibrant, glowing skin is something that we can be in control of on our own. Engaging in healthy lifestyle practices can be a great. If you would like to naturally improve your skin’s health for years to come, take a look!
TIPS FOR HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN
Grab Some Water
Drinking water on a regular basis is on the best things you can do to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps our body to flush out toxins and transport nutrients throughout the body. It also helps to maintain our skin’s elasticity, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and allows our skin to look more plump and full. Aim to drink at least 8 to ten 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Catch up on some ‘Zzz’s
When we lay our head down at night to sleep, this is our body’s chance to become rejuvenated and refreshed. Over time lack of sleep can cause our skin to appear dull. It also increases the release of cortisol, also known as “the stress hormone”, which can lead to a breakdown of collagen and increase our chance of developing wrinkles. Make an effort to pull away from late night work, television watching or internet surfing so that you may get 6-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Make an effort to pull away from late night work, television watching or internet surfing so that you may get 6-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Protection from Extreme Heat or Cold
Being outside and enjoying mother nature is a wonderful thing. At the same time, it’s important that we take the proper steps to protect our skin from elements which may be damaging. Extreme wind or cold weather can reduce the amount of moisture in our skin and cause it to dry out. Excess sun exposure can cause the skin to burn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Depending on the weather conditions of your area, be sure to use the right protection to maintain glowing skin.
Break a Sweat
Exercising is another fabulous way for us to improve the health of our skin. The sweating that occurs during our workouts helps to remove toxins and debris from the body which can wreak havoc on our skin’s healthy appearance. Physical activity also causes increased blood circulation within the body and allows for the skin to receive vital nutrients to help repair skin damage. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help with bringing about improvements in your skin.
Grab Your Partner and Get Going
Some quality time with your S.O. and better skin? All the more reason to hop in the sack! Sex stimulates the release of oxytocin and beta-endorphins within the body. These hormones can help to fight off inflammation that causes a variety of skin issues. Blood circulation is increased during sex which helps with collagen production, increasing nutrients and moisture for the skin, and provides a lovely after-glow. It also speeds up the process of drifting off at night (see step #2 ).
Prepare a Colorful Plate
Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can make a world of difference in the both the appearance and health of your skin. A healthy diet can be key if you’re looking to treat a particular skin problem or simply maintain healthy skin. Focusing on certain nutrients in your diet, such as Vitamins A and C, can be a big help. Both have been shown to improve and promote the development of healthy skin production. Consider adding foods such as cantaloupe, mangoes, kiwi, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, bell peppers, and citrus fruits to your diet. This can allow you to attain more of these vitamins through your meals.
Turn the Frown Upside Down
When we find ourselves in stressful situations, more often than not, our face reflects our emotions with a grimace or furrowed brow of some sort. Smiling and laughing work the muscles in our face and require that blood be directed to those areas. The increase in oxygen helps to keep our face glowing, naturally. It also slows down the development of wrinkles. You, know what they say, a smile is an instant facelift.
Reduce Sugar Intake
We may not think much of it while eating a delectable sweet treat. Yet, sugar can be one of the worst when it comes to the health of our skin. Large amounts of sugar can actually destroy or weaken the collagen in our skin and reduce its elasticity. This can lead to speeding up the development of wrinkles. Too much sugar in our diet can also create an inflammatory response within the body. The outcome can be detrimental to our body’s skin cells while increasing our risk of skin damage. Aim to reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and check for hidden and added sugars in your food products.
Rashida A. Marshall, MS is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.