Everyone wants perfect skin. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are certain things you can do to help your skin look and feel its best. From what you eat to how you exercise, here are six scientifically-proven ways to get glowing skin.
1. Eat foods that contain antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your cells from damage. They can be found in a variety of foods, including berries, dark chocolate, and green leafy vegetables. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants can help improve the appearance of your skin by reducing inflammation and protecting against free radical damage.
You can incorporate these ingredients into your food by:
- Adding berries to your morning oatmeal or yogurt
- Making a green smoothie for lunch
- Eating a dark chocolate bar for a snack
- Snacking on roasted kale chips
- Sipping on pomegranate juice
- Including plenty of vegetables in your dinner
Regardless of how you eat them, antioxidant-rich foods are good for your skin and overall health. And don’t skimp on other nutrients as well!
2. Use eye cream.
Sleep is vital for overall health and well-being, including your skin’s health. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to inflammation and result in breakouts or dull, lifeless skin.
However, if life really prevents you from getting a total eight hours of sleep, there are products that can help. For example, using an eye cream can help reduce the appearance of dark circles around your eyes. You can shop online for a soothing puffy eye cream to help alleviate some of the effects of sleep deprivation on your skin.
Just read the reviews first, as some eye creams can make dark circles worse. Also, apply the cream before bed and in the morning for the best results.
3. Exercise regularly.
Exercise helps increase blood flow and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your cells, which helps promote cell turnover—the process whereby new cells replace old ones. This can help improve the appearance of your skin by giving it a healthy glow.
Exercise also helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to breakouts. So, if you’re looking for ways to clear up your skin, hit the gym or go for a run. Just make sure to wash your face afterward, so you don’t trap all the sweat and dirt on your skin.
In addition, try to avoid touching your face too much when you’re sweating, as this can lead to breakouts. If you must touch your face, make sure to clean your hands first.
4. Avoid smoking.
Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin, which decreases blood flow and makes your skin look dull and gray. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep your skin looking firm and youthful—and contributes to wrinkles.
If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for the health and appearance of your skin. If you’re struggling to finish, several resources are available to help, including nicotine replacement therapy and counseling.
5. Use sunscreen every day, rain or shine.
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy, or you don’t plan on spending much time outdoors. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin’s DNA, leading to premature aging and an increased risk of cancer.
So, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt or pants, for added protection. It’s also a myth that you only need to use sunscreen in the summer. You should use it year-round, even in the winter.
In addition, try to avoid being out in the sun during peak hours, which are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors during these times, make sure to wear protective clothing and reapply sunscreen every two hours.
6. Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and can help your skin look its best. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry, flaky, and wrinkled.
To prevent this, make sure to drink plenty of water every day. The amount of water you need depends on your weight, but a good rule of thumb is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
You can also get hydrated by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries. In addition, try to avoid coffee, soda, and other beverages that can dehydrate you.
Taking care of your skin requires more than just using the right products—what you eat and drink, how much sleep you get, and whether or not you smoke all play a role in the health and appearance of your complexion. By following these six scientifically-proven tips, you can help give your skin a healthy glow that lasts all year long!