The epitome of youth is the appearance of fresh, supple skin. The condition of a woman’s epidermis can make her look years younger or years older than her actual age, but sadly, there is no fountain of youth, no single concoction to consume that ends the ravages of aging. There are, though, some tools and habits that are effective in creating and maintaining youthful, radiant skin for those who are willing to take action. Here are five things to do to get beautiful, young-looking skin:
Hydrate!
Inside and out, your skin needs moisture. The skin is an organ made of cells. Proper organ function requires cell production, and cell production requires water, so drinking plenty of water ensures that your skin grows properly and is not dry or flaky. If you are prone to dehydration, or just need an added boost, supplementation can yield incredible benefits. Supplements like Nutrilite hydrating products from Amway give skin the moisture it needs from the inside.
On the outside, moisturizers help in skin elasticity and appearance. Quality moisturizers include humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which pull hydrants into the skin, as well as emollients like dimethicone or mineral oil, which fortify the skin’s lipid barrier trapping the moisture within the skin.
Cleanse!
When dead cells build up they clog pores and stick in fine lines of the skin creating an uneven and aged appearance, so your body’s skin must be cleansed thoroughly but gently. Exfoliating is crucial and can be done with a scrub or with washes with gentle beads. Generally, two to three times a week is adequate — those with sensitive skin may want to only exfoliate once or twice a week. Shaving naturally exfoliates your legs and other body parts but since razors literally scrape over the skin when removing these dead cells, only shave with warm water after soaking your skin for a while, or after using a product with alpha or beta hydroxy acids. These acids break down the cells’ bonds allowing the old cells to be buffed away more easily.
When the old skin is cleansed away, the newer, more supple skin below is exposed and looks fresher and younger.
Calm!
If the skin is exfoliated too harshly, or if the skin receives too much sun, too much cold, or too much aridness, irritation is bound to surface. When harsh environmental factors affect the skin or when abrasions occur, the lipid barrier is breached allowing irritants to enter the skin. When this occurs, the skin becomes inflamed and you experience discomfort, redness, and itching. The best offense is a good defense here, and preventing irritation means using products with niacinamide, a vitamin B3 additive that protects and strengthens skin, and products that are fragrance-free.
For a quick fix, use cold compresses on irritated areas. The cold constricts capillaries drawing the redness away from the surface of the skin.
Feed!
The foods that you put into your body are reflected in the appearance of your skin. Consuming greasy food means greasy-looking skin while eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals mean healthy-looking skin. Antioxidants are found in many foods and are a great means of battling aging and disease due to their ability to decrease inflammation and reduce damage. Pomegranates, blueberries, raspberries, purple grapes, spinach, nuts and dark chocolate are all rich in antioxidants.
Green tea also has antioxidants but also contains polyphenol EGCG, which protects collagen, fights free radicals, and can potentially prevent skin cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon enable the function of the skin’s lipid barrier, and the vitamin A and beta-carotene in sweet potatoes can assist in fighting off wrinkles.
Avoid!
In addition to all of the actions to do to maintain youthful skin, you must also avoid certain factors and habits that can undo any positive actions you have taken. For instance, though the vitamin D the body produces from being in the sun is beneficial, too much sun exposure is detrimental. Ultra Violet B (UVB) rays damage and discolor skin, can make you look years older, and can also cause cancer, so avoid spending time in the sun without sunscreen. SPF 45 blocks about 98 percent of UVB rays, and since it is impossible for any sunscreen to block 100 percent, somewhere between 15 and 45 SPF will offer you quality protection.
Avoid smoking. Immediately after sun damage, smoking is the offender that makes skin look most aged and unhealthy. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which constricts the blood vessels in the layers of your skin closest to the surface. That means those layers of skin get less blood flow. Without blood flow, the skin is deprived of vitamin A and oxygen, making it whither and fade. If you are a smoker who has been wanting to quit for the longest time, vaping can help you gradually kick the habit. Click here to read more about vaping devices.
Maintaining healthy skin is not easy and that youthful glow does not come without effort. If you are willing to take action, though, you won’t need to search for the fountain of youth. Young skin is just a few steps away.
