We can sometimes take it for granted that we’ll always have the youthful, smooth skin we’ve always had. In reality, our skin can change for the worse through our lifestyle habits, pollution exposure, not wearing sunscreen, and UV-induced sun damage.
The beautiful, vibrant, and healthy skin you have today may not be the same skin you have in the years to come. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to limit damage and retain your youthful skin for as long as possible. Better skin health might start with these essential tips:
Try Cannabis Products
You might already buy Delta-9 edibles to help you relax, sleep, or feel less anxious. However, not everyone knows that Delta-9 and other hemp goods may also be helpful for your skin. Comprehensive reviews to date have identified cannabis-based extracts in topicals for treating some dermatoses.
Current research suggests that topical cannabis has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, anti-proliferative, and wound-healing effects on the skin. The study concluded by saying overwhelming clinical evidence indicates that topical cannabinoids have beneficial effects for treating many different skin conditions. If you’ve previously tried topical corticosteroids without getting the effects you desired, it might be worth turning your attention to more natural alternatives like cannabinoids.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
You might be in the habit of wearing sunscreen when the sun is shining, but you don’t have to wait until then. There can be value in wearing sunscreen every time you go outside. Purchase broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Aim for 60, if possible.
The higher the number, the more effective the sunscreen can often be in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. The broad-spectrum variety will protect your skin against both UVB and UVA rays. The UVA rays are the ones that are responsible for skin cancer and skin aging. You can wear sunscreen with any other products you wear, like moisturizer and makeup. However, most people find it more convenient to apply sunscreen first, followed by their other everyday products.
Wash Your Face
It might seem like such a simple and non-helpful task, but washing your face may be how you start taking better care of your skin and seeing the results. You might even notice beneficial changes in the way you wash your face.
Avoid scrubbing your face clean, even if you have acne or have been sweating after enjoying the summer sun or exercising. Scrubbing your skin can sometimes cause irritation, worsening some skin conditions.
It’s also important to wash your face when you wake up, before you go to bed, and after you’ve been sweating. Washing your face may remove dirt, bacteria, and anything that may have settled on your skin during the night or day.
Always use lukewarm water and consider pairing it with a gentle cleanser that you apply with your fingertips in a circular motion. Complete the cleaning process by rinsing off the cleanser and patting your face dry with a clean cloth or towel.
Quit Smoking
Fewer Americans are smoking than ever before. The CDC states that smoking has declined from nearly 21 in 100 adults in 2005 to almost 12 in every 100 by 2021. If you’re still smoking, consider stopping to protect your skin.
Tobacco smoke is known to cause premature skin aging. It increases the production of enzymes that break down collagen. The less elasticity your skin has, the more aged, wrinkled, and sagging it can be. If you’re worried about how hard it can be to quit smoking, consider taking these actions:
- Create a support network
- Join a support group
- Try smoking cessation tools like patches and gum
- Distract yourself with a new hobby
Avoid Hot Showers
Hot showers can make you feel good, especially on a cold winter’s day. However, hot showers may not be doing your skin any favors. The hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. After hopping out of the shower, your skin might feel dry and irritated.
There is no set ‘ideal’ temperature, but pay attention to your skin. If it appears flushed and red, the temperature is likely too high. Aim for tepid or lukewarm showers to potentially avoid moisture loss in your skin.
Eat a Balanced Diet
You might think a balanced diet is only vital for your overall health. However, it can also be essential for your skin. Antioxidant-rich foods, in particular, may help your skin combat free radicals.
A number of food options might be worth adding to your diet, like bone broth, organ meats, and tomatoes. A 2023 review of tomatoes found that the lycopene in tomatoes could reduce skin redness, improve the appearance of the skin, and prevent skin aging due to sun exposure. Bone broth may be helpful for its gelatine derived from collagen, and organ meats might be worth exploring for the vitamin and mineral content.
If you’re unsure which foods will be the most helpful for your skin, talk to a nutritionist or dietician. They have a wealth of knowledge regarding the best foods to achieve specific goals like skin health.
Exercise Often
You might already exercise for your physical and mental wellness. Now, you have another reason to keep it in your regular routine. Exercise may be helpful for your skin cells. Some studies have found a link between stratum corneum (SC) hydration and activity levels. The more you exercise, the more hydrated your skin can be. As a result, researchers now think exercise may help prevent and treat dry skin.
Drink Plenty of Water
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t always need to buy the most expensive skincare creams. Instead, you might do your skin a favor by drinking plenty of water every day.
While we’ve long believed that a hydrated body equals hydrated skin, it’s not quite that straightforward. Instead, the water hydrates your cells, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. The kidneys then filter it. Essentially, drinking water flushes your system, potentially resulting in overall better hydration.
Taking better care of your skin doesn’t have to be time-consuming or concentrated. You may enjoy healthier, smoother, more hydrated skin by taking these easy daily actions above.
