Your skin is one of the first things people see when they look at you. Skin is the body's largest organ, so keeping your skin looking healthy means keeping your body healthy and well-nourished. Protecting your skin from environmental factors such as sun and tobacco smoke also helps your skin look fresh and clear.
Clean Your Skin Gently
Cleaning your skin is essential to keeping it healthy, but harsh soaps and hot water can rob your skin of moisture and dry it out. Some soaps also can cause rashes and irritation. Wash with warm water and a gentle soap and do not scrub your skin every day. Dry your skin by patting it gently with a soft towel. Your skin should feel a little bit moist after drying off.
Shave With Care
Shaving can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs and unsightly bumps. Regular shaving damages skin and makes it look rough. Limit razor use as much as you can and use a lubricating cream or oil when you shave.
Moisturize
After washing and shaving, moisturize your skin with lotion or oil. Dry skin looks wrinkled and dull, and can feel tight or itchy.
Use Sun Protection
Ultraviolet rays from the sun can do much damage to your skin. Sun dries the skin, and over time it can cause freckles, wrinkles and age spots. Ultraviolet rays also can cause skin cancer. Protect your skin from the sun by using a high SPF sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Make sure the sunscreen offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. If possible, avoid sun exposure during the hours of the day when the rays are most intense, usually between 10am and 4pm. Wear a hat to shield your face from the sun, and protect your arms, legs, chest and back with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Eat Right
Skin cells are regularly shed and replaced by new cells. A healthy diet improves the appearance of your skin, which needs a good balance of vitamins and minerals to replenish itself. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins A and C. Fish is rich in vitamin E. Dairy and meat products contain essential trace minerals like iron and zinc.
Avoid Smoking
Tobacco smoke dries out your skin and ages it prematurely. It also damages collagen, which is responsible for repairing and replenishing your skin. Smoking causes capillaries at the skin's surface to constrict, which makes it more difficult for your blood to deliver the nutrients your skin needs.
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