Most people want healthy-looking skin that doesn't look weathered or stressed. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can protect your skin and hold off many age-related skin problems to look your best. Start with the basics and help to give your skin a healthy glow without too much effort, time or money.
Drink Water and Eat a Healthy Diet
Drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day to cleanse the body and add moisture. If you perspire, increase your water consumption. Alcohol may cause swelling, and caffeine may act as a diuretic, so if you consume either of those during the day, you'll need to add even more water.
Eat a healthy diet to keep your skin looking its best. Include lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Cut back on unhealthy fats and sugars to keep your skin looking young and healthy.
Sun Protection
Before you go outdoors, slather sunscreen on all exposed skin. This will reduce many of the age related skin damage that shows up as wrinkles, age spots and dry, flaky skin. It will also help to protect you from skin cancer from overexposure to the sun. Mayo Clinic advises avoiding midday sun, and wearing protective clothing and a hat.
Fake Tan
If you feel that you need a tan to look healthy, fake it. Choose a moisturizing tan-in-a-bottle with moisturizers and use it whenever you want a sun-kissed glow. Use a bronzer on your face to highlight areas that the sun would darken or brighten, advises Good Housekeeping. Choose one that is within a couple of shades of your natural skin tone to keep it from looking fake.
Avoid Smoke
Don't smoke, because it decreases the blood flow to your skin, which in turn prevents the nutrients and oxygen from getting to your skin. Smoking makes you look older, contributes to wrinkles and reduces the collagen and elastin that make your skin look supple and youthful.
Be Gentle
Avoid being rough on your skin, recommends Mayo Clinic. Don't take long, hot showers that will dry out your skin. Use mild cleansers, rinse well, pat (not rub) your skin dry and then moisturize to keep your skin looking soft.
Decrease Stress and Get Sleep
Decrease as much stress in your life as possible. When you feel stress, your body may react by breaking out and looking strained. Keep your to-do list under control and check each thing off as you do it. Find some time each day to meditate and relax. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. This gives your skin cells time to regenerate.
Cleanse Your Skin
Wash your makeup off before you go to bed each night to prevent clogging your pores and allow your skin to breathe. Each morning, before you apply your makeup, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Splash some cold water on your face to tighten the pores and perk up your skin.
Makeup Tricks
Apply foundation to clean, lightly moisturized skin and avoid adding layers of foundation, or your skin may look caked. Carry a powder compact for touchup emergencies during the day. If you need more color, apply a light dusting of blush or peach eye shadow to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow.
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