As summer approaches, many of us are trying to improve our skin that’s been hiding under layers of warm clothing for months. But, along with shaving or waxing and applying a generous amount of moisturizer or fake tan, there are many other things that you can do to get your skin in perfect condition for all the beach days that you have planned.
If your skin has been feeling a little dry and irritated recently, then it’s probably not getting enough moisture. Sadly, going in the sun could dry it out even more – and you may even struggle to get the sun-kissed tan that you’ve been dreaming of to get you through the cold winter months.
Thankfully, there are many things that you can do during your daily self-care routine to help improve the condition and appearance of your skin. We’ve rounded up some of the best tips to help you achieve healthy, glowing and youthful skin this summer.
Tip #1. Slather on the Sunscreen:
You probably already know that sunscreen is important on a hot day; there aren’t many people who will go to the beach without it, especially as you can now find a range of high sun protection factor (SPF) oils that encourage a great tan whilst at the same time, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, sunscreen isn’t just for beach days! Every time you go out, your skin is susceptible to sun damage, even if it’s a cloudy day. The best way to combat sun damage without adding extra time to your skincare routine is to switch to a moisturizer that contains a high SPF. Make sure that you use it on any part of your body that’s going to be exposed to sunlight, especially the sensitive skin on your face.
Tip #2. Add Hemp to Your Diet:
Hemp seeds and hemp oil have been used as a health supplement for decades, however, this plant-based supplement has recently started gaining more and more popularity. Closely related to the marijuana plant, you may be of the belief that hemp will get you high – thankfully, this is far from the truth. THC, the active compound in cannabis, causes the ‘head high’ that one gets from smoking the herb, however, this is only present in hemp in very small, trace amounts that won’t have any effect on you whatsoever. Since it is rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp oil can be used as an effective emollient for your skin, whilst adding hemp seeds or flour to your food can help to moisturize and strengthen your skin from the inside out. CBD hemp oil has been proven effective for improving the appearance of skin, and can be used safely in other forms, such as vaping or dabbing, for a variety of further health benefits including aiding with weight loss and reducing stress. This Thrive Market review tipped me off to their in house hemp-based skincare line which is intriguing.
Tip #3. Eat More Protein:
The amino acids found in protein are hugely important for your skin. Since protein contains the ‘building blocks’ of skin, getting enough of it in your diet is hugely important for new skin cell regeneration and improving your skin elasticity. Protein can be derived from a variety of different foods, however the most common method is by eating lean meats, for example, chicken, beef or lamb. It is also found in a range of fish products, such as salmon, sardines, and trout. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, then there’s no need to worry, thanks to plant-based protein sources such as nuts and seeds and quinoa. If you do not eat meat but consume some animal products, eggs are ideal since they contain a high amount of protein. You can also try the Dr Sebi diet too.
Tip #4. Wash Your Makeup Brushes:
The skin on your face is perhaps the most noticeable; after all, if you get a pimple here it can be really difficult to cover it, without making it worse by using makeup products. If you use makeup a lot, then this could be contributing to breakouts on your face. How often do you wash your makeup brushes? Most of us probably don’t do this job as often as we should, after all, it can be easy to forget about! However, failing to wash your makeup brushes can be terrible for the skin on your face.
Whenever you apply makeup using a brush or other applicator, it doesn’t just transfer the makeup onto your face; dead skin cells and other bacteria are also transferred from your skin onto the brush. So, the next time you come to use it, you’ll be spreading all this right back onto your skin and into your pores where it can cause havoc. In addition, your makeup brushes will pick up dust and other particles from around your home that can lead to problems when they come into contact with your skin. So, aim to give your makeup brushes a good scrub and soak in soapy water at least once every 3-4 weeks.
Tip #5. Improve Your Sleeping Habits:
It’s not called beauty sleep for no reason! Poor sleep has been associated with poor skin condition; sleep deprivation can lower your circulation. Therefore, after getting only a couple of hours sleep, it’s not unusual for you to appear more pale and washed-out than usual. In addition, a lack of sleep will also lead to unsightly bags and dark circles around your eyes. Since your body’s cellular renewal occurs overnight, the better sleep you get, the more you’ll improve the condition and appearance of your skin. To improve your sleeping pattern and make sure that you are getting the optimum amount of slumber each night to give your skin a boost, you might want to consider a new mattress in order to eliminate sleep problems. Check out LAYLA SLEEP to learn more about the world’s first copper infused mattress that is designed to give you the best sleep ever.
Tip #6. Cut Down on Hot Showers:
Taking a long, hot shower is a great feeling and a wonderful way to relax and fall asleep. However, spending too long or taking too many hot showers can wreak havoc on your skin. Not only does hot water strip your skin of its natural essential oils, it can also cause a mild burn, which is why your skin can often look red, flushed and even swollen after you step out of the shower or bathtub. As a result, your blood vessels will dilate in an attempt to cool the skin down, which can lead to a ruddy appearance that might take a while to go away.
Tip #7. Don’t Wait to Moisturize:
After getting out of the shower or bath, don’t wait for your skin to dry out before applying a good moisturizing product. Most skin creams and moisturizers have the ability to lock in the moisture in your skin, however, since your skin will cool itself through water evaporation, slathering it on just minutes after getting out of the bath or shower will have the best effect. We recommend intensive moisturizers like Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Skin Protectant Body Lotion.
Here are a few other body creams and moisturizers we love…
Tip #8. Stay Hydrated:
Everyone knows that drinking water is good for their health; experts recommend drinking around 2 liters of water per day for optimum health benefits. Along with the ability to keep you fuller for longer and therefore aid with weight loss, drinking enough water will help to keep your skin moisturized and smooth from the inside out. Since your body is made up of around 60% water and your skin is the largest organ, it makes sense that it needs water to function properly. So, if you’ve been experiencing skin dryness recently, swapping out juice, soda or coffee for pure water can help. If like many people, you don’t enjoy the taste of plain water, you might want to consider adding a slice of lemon or using a fruit infusion bottle to add a fruity taste.
Tip #9. Get Your 5-a-Day:
Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that your skin needs in order to function and look its best. By increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables that you consume each day and reducing fast food or convenience foods, you will not only find it much easier to get the slim beach body you’ve been dreaming of – you’ll also enjoy healthier, smoother and more hydrated skin. Fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of vitamin C, for example, oranges or broccoli, are excellent choices since your skin needs vitamin C to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Berries are also a great choice and they make a perfect healthy snack. Raspberries, in particular, are great since they contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has been proven to prevent wrinkles and skin dryness by protecting the collagen that keeps the skin plump and healthy.
Is your skin still recovering from the effects of winter? By making these simple changes to your lifestyle, you can have healthy, glowing and youthful skin in time for your summer vacation.
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