Did you know skin is a body organ? It’s true. As a matter of fact, your skin is the largest organ in your body, and just like every other bodily organ, it needs proper care and nutrients to keep it healthy. Do you spend too much time in the sun, with your skin unprotected from UV rays? Do you forget to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day? Do you neglect eating 4 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day? Do you smoke or use other tobacco products? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, your skin likely isn’t as healthy as it could be, and that could mean you’re looking older than you have to. Keeping your body’s largest organ in optimal condition isn’t difficult. In fact, it can take minimal effort on your part. Following are a few tips from top dermatologists in Livingston on how to keep your skin healthy for a lifetime.
Sun exposure
The sun’s rays are good. However, like so many other things in life, too much of a good thing is bad. Sure, you’ve heard it before, but it can’t be stressed enough … overexposure to the sun is bad for your skin. Its UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin’s elasticity, causing you to look old before your time. Collagen is vital to your skin’s elasticity and radiance. Fun in the sun with protection from the sun’s rays provides you with precious vitamin D your body needs. Just don’t overdo it.
Tobacco
Just like every other organ, the largest organ in your body needs vital nutrients to survive and thrive. Tobacco products … all tobacco products, by the way … rob your skin of the vitamins and minerals it needs to look, feel, and function properly. Your skin is your body’s protection from the elements; if you smoke, you’re burglarizing your skin of nutrients that protect it from harmful free radicals.
Sleep
Everybody knows that proper rest is important for an energetic, active life. But did you know that not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can cause your skin to become dull and even discolored? Top dermatologists recommend at least 7 hours of sleep per night to keep skin radiant for a lifetime.
Moisturize
Your skin needs proper cleansing and hydration. Your skin depends on you to clean it daily, keeping pores from getting clogged. It also depends on you to provide it with the moisture it needs to thrive. Get into the habit of washing your face every morning and every night and following up with a good moisturizer to prevent dryness and keep it hydrated. Your skin will thank and reward you with radiance and beauty. Contact a dermatologist in your area to have your skin evaluated and learn what types of cleanser and moisturizer work best for your skin type.
Diet and exercise
Not surprisingly, what you put into your body affects its largest organ, your skin. Be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes at least 4 servings of healthy fruits and vegetables every day that will keep your skin properly hydrated and supplied with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Limit processed and sugary foods as well as alcohol and salt. Try eating foods that contain omega-3 oils that are essential in keeping skin supple and young-looking. Antioxidants are vital to combat free radicals that damage healthy skin cells. Additionally, exercise will help to supply oxygen the skin needs to prosper.
Water
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of pure water daily in order to flush harmful toxins out of the body that can cause damage to your skin. Your skin needs to be hydrated all day, every day. Without an adequate supply of water, skin becomes dull and listless.
Nobody wants to look older than their age. In fact, it’s a pretty safe assumption that most folks throughout the country who are middle-aged and beyond wouldn’t mind looking a little younger than their age. Smooth and supple skin can be just a few minor lifestyle adjustments away. And … bonus for you … all the things you do to maintain healthy skin will benefit the rest of your body! For more information on how to get, and keep, your skin healthy and vibrant, contact a top dermatologist to schedule a consultation.