Everyone wants a great-looking skin. A clear, radiant complexion is not only a pleasure to behold, but reflects a healthy body. You can achieve good-looking skin by treating it right. A well-balanced diet, a good cleansing routine, and eliminating skin-damaging habits from your life can go a long way in attaining the skin you desire.
Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Diet plays a critical role in healthy skin---and certain vitamins take center stage. According to SkinImprove.com, vitamins A, C and E are fundamental to good skin. These three vitamins contain potent antioxidants that expel free radicals---unstable molecules that damage skin cells---from the body. In addition, vitamin C is also believed to promote the production of collagen, a fibrous protein responsible for firm and supple skin. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, liver, cheese and eggs. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, and lemons, as well as in blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli and collard greens. Finally, you'll find high levels of vitamin E in wheat germ oil, avocados, almonds and sunflower seeds.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Sun exposure is well-known to wreak havoc on skin. According to MayoClinic.com, excessive exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, freckles, sagging skin, and even skin cancer. To keep shield your skin from such damage, be sure to apply a good sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, particularly if you've been in the water. You also may want to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect the skin on your arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. Finally, avoid being in the sun between 10a.m.-4p.m., which is when the sun rays are most powerful.
Drink Plenty of Water
Although it is commonly believed that drinking water helps promote a healthy glow, the DailyMail.co.uk reports that a spate of recent research has found that water actually does not hydrate and plump the skin. But regardless of water's skin-hydrating potential, drinking water can promote good skin in other ways. Water is essential for flushing toxins from the body. According to Healthy-SkinCare.com, when toxins are not promptly removed from the body, these toxins can buildup and escape through the pores, which can result in an acne outbreak.
When determining how much water to drink, Healthy-SkinCare.com advises being reasonable. Instead of setting an amount to drink daily, pay attention to the signals your body gives you. When you are thirsty, lack energy, or have dark urine you probably need to up your water intake. If you are running to the bathroom to urinate every hour, you're probably drinking too much.
Don't Smoke
Smoking plays a strong role in the development of wrinkles and fine lines. MayoClinic.com reports that smoking harms the protein tissues collagen and elastin, both of which are vital to skin's elasticity and firmness. Smoking also causes the blood vessels in the outer layer of skin to constrict, thereby decreasing blood flow and depriving the skin of oxygen and critical nutrients that keep it glowing and healthy.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the act of removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. When these cells are removed, healthy living cells are exposed, which makes for a brighter, fresher complexion. Exfoliation occurs naturally, but according to SmartSkinCare.com, as we age, the exfoliation process slows and skin can grow dull and lifeless looking. This is why it is essential to exfoliate once or twice a week as you grow older.
