Your skin is an amazing part of your body that constantly protects you from the elements. The fact that it’s incredibly beautiful is a bonus.
Doesn’t it make sense that if your skin is good to you, you should be good to it? Here are some tips that can help you get and keep healthy skin.
There are five basic skin types: Sensitive, Oily, Dry, sun-damaged and combination. Skin type is determined basically by how much, or how little oil your skin produces.
Your genes, diet, stress level, medication and even the creams, make-ups all determine how much oil your skin produces.
Take a "skin test:" First, wash and pat dry your face; then take a few lens-cleaning tissue papers and press on different spots on your face. If the paper sticks - your skin is oily, note the oily spots.
If the paper doesn't stick or pick up any oily spots, your skin is dry. If it sticks in your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) then you have combination (or normal) skin. Women relatively have combination skin.
Here are the five different skin types and their characteristics
The OilySkin: Tends to be shiny with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads and blemishes. You might even experience facial tightness.
The SensitiveSkin: Tends to be thin, delicate and has fine pores. It flushes easily though, and is prone to having broken capillaries, with frequent allergic reactions and can be rashy.
The DrySkin: Feels tight, especially after cleansing. It has the tendency of producing fine wrinkles and flaky at times.
The Combination or Normal Skin: This skin type has medium pores; a smooth and even texture, good circulation, healthy colour but, may tend to be dry on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone.
The Aging or sun-damagedSkin: This skin also feels tight with visible wrinkles, slack skin tone, especially around the cheeks and jaw line, with tough texture and broken capillaries.
Healthy Skin Tips That Get Results
Drink Lots of Water
- A must do.
- Eight to ten eight ounce glasses a day, a gallon even better.
- It’s not easy but your skin will thank you in the end.
Break a Sweat
- Working out is great for your skin and gives it a healthy glow.
- Exercising regularly improves circulation and brings nourishment to your skin.
Ditch Bad Habits
- If you smoke, drink alcohol or love junk food (I'm guilty of this last one) cut it way down or out completely.
- Too much caffeine can have negative effect on your skin.
- A little indulgence now and again won’t hurt but the bottom line is nothing in excess.
Get More Sleep
- Seven to eight hours a night gives you your best skin possible.
- Tiredness leads to dark circles and deep lines.
- Skin rebuilds itself when you sleep, so get more shuteye
Eat Healthy
- Ever heard the saying garbage in, garbage out? When it comes to your skin that’s gospel!
- Healthy skin is built on a solid foundation of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t go overboard and only eat organic apples and carrot sticks.
- As long as 50%-70% of your diet is fresh fruit your skin will be flawless.
Keep Things Moving
- Stay regular (yes, I'm talking about going number two).
- Irregularity is one of the worst things for your skin.
- You'll see a big difference in your skin if you eat high fiber foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Check Your Medicine
- Medication can have a negative effect on your skin, like breakouts, rashes, dryness and over production of oil.
- Check with your doctor if you notice your skin changing after you start on new medications.
Stay Out of the Sun
- Black skin can stand up against the harsh rays of the sun, but it still burns.
- Wear sun block every day and stay out of mid-day sun as much as you can