Last Updated on 18th August 2021 by Charlie Walsh
But do we really take care of our skin? I bet you have some hand cream and body lotion or nice shower gel. Some of you will even use vegan and products free from testing on animals (which is great). More and more people want to be aware of what they use and how these products affect our bodies. Skin is an external barrier that connects us with the world outside.
Do we really take care of our skin in the way we should do? Taking care of our body starts with your diet. Moreover, summer is almost here so how can we take care of our skin during summer? For example – do you always remember about sun tan lotion before sunbathing? I bet that answer to that question is – No…..
So where are we at risk of doing damage?
1. Smoking & alcohol
Why does smoking and drinking make our skin looks worse and older than it is? Well, blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin are narrowed because of smoking and it decreases blood flow and makes your skin look older and can even cause wrinkles. Your skin doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. You have probably heard about the mysterious collagen and elastin. Those two substances are major fibres that give your skin strength and elasticity. For example pursing your lips causes lip wrinkles around your lips that are also called smokers wrinkles. We don’t even have to mention the cancer risk. If you really want to take care of your skin, now is your time to quit.
Alcohol damages my skin? I thought it damaged my liver but my skin?!
Yes. It does damage your skin. Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin – that is your body’s largest organ. Alcohol takes away vitamins and nutrients from your skin. When you drink a lot, you can suffer from rosacea, a skin disorder that starts with a tendency to blush and flush and later leads to facial disfigurement. Moreover, drinking causes your face to look big, bloated and puffy and not only that but it can affect your stomach too. People who drink a lot also suffer from cellulite.
2. Diet
You live day by day and do not focus on drinking enough water, or you drink, but only juices, which are sugary – we won’t get on to your beloved coffee. It is said that a person should drink 2 litres of water every day. How about hot summer? The answer is – drink more. When it’s very hot outside it is obvious you have to drink more because we sweat and get rid of water very quickly.
Another tip is to drink some coconut water. It is a brilliant option especially for people whose skin is extremely dry and it’s very hot outside. Coconut water is even better than water. It hydrates your skin twice as much and gives your skin a lot of vitamins. The thing is, that in many Asian countries, when you have problems with stomach – natives will offer and recommend coconut water!
What kind of food is the best for skin?
The best vitamin for skin is vitamins A, C and E, so where can you find it?
Fish – salmon, mackerel, herring, full of omega-3 fatty acids, why? They reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. Also, fish gives you zinc that helps your skin looks better.
Avocados – high in beneficial fats, vitamins E and C and protect your skin from sun damage.
Walnuts, sunflower seeds – good source of essential fats, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and protein. All that your skin needs is here.
Broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes and carrots – contain plenty of beta- carotene and vitamin C — a fantastic source of antioxidants for your skin.
Cocoa – contains antioxidants and that is why also protect your skin against sunburn, gets rid of wrinkles, skin thickness, helps with hydration, blood flow and skin texture.
Green tea and red wine – Resveratrol is an antioxidant that slows your skin’s aging process by impairing harmful free radicals that are damaging our skin. Green tea takes care of elasticity because of catechins that also take care of sun damage and reduce redness as well as improve its hydration.
3. Beauty sleep
First of all – while you are sleeping, your skin produces collagen. If you only sleep 5 hours a night, it leads to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 hours would. Your skin looks drier and older too. Lack of sleep also causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin on your face. Your skin is grey and dull. Another issue with this is puffy eyes. If you don’t sleep as long as you should, your eyes get puffy. Drink water and put with extra pillow under your head because it will reduce swelling. When we talk about skin, we also talk about your hair. If you don’t sleep enough you can easily lose hair, damage it and even growth can all be affected.
4. Sunscreen
Always remember – do not try to sunbathe at 12 pm! This is the most dangerous, strongest sun. you need to think about the health of your skin for years to come – not the quick fix sun tan you are after!
Sometimes, when you are by the beach – try to find some shadow and cool your skin. It is Necessary to use cream with a decent sun filter. Especially on your face, chest and hands. We should use factor 50 sunscreen on these areas where possible. The stronger the better. Why? Because the skin is at its most sensitive in those part of our body and needs special treatment. How about our eyes and head? It is necessary to have a hat or cap while sitting under the full sun and wear shades.
5. Every day hygiene
Moisturise your skin and be careful while shaving as well, do not take long hot bath and showers. Hot water damages your skin and makes it dry. In the kitchen? Use gloves while washing up the dishes and do not use strong chemicals. Try to use cosmetics that are natural.
It’s not all doom and gloom, you can enjoy the sun – just do it as responsibly as possible!
