Getting beautiful skin starts with consuming the right nutrients and developing good habits. Here are the essential habits you need to create and maintain to put your best face forward:
1. Eat the Right Foods
A healthy and balanced diet provides your skin with the nutrients it needs to stay properly hydrated, and fight off wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. Aim for colorful fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds, and focus on slow-burning carbohydrates and healthy sources of protein, like oily fish.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Your skin needs to be well hydrated to stay healthy and look its best. Aim for the recommendation of 8 cups per day, more if you’re active. Keeping your favorite water bottle close, so you’re reminded to stay on track.
3. Cleanse Properly
Cleansing should be gentle, and done a maximum of twice per day. Use a mild, preferably fragrance-free, cleanser and lukewarm water. Remember to let your skin air-dry instead of rubbing it with a towel to avoid irritation.
4. Get Your Beauty Sleep
It’s especially important to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This will help your skin regain its natural restoration and repair processes, so you wake up with a fresh, healthy complexion.
5. Protect from Sun Damage
Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can contribute to wrinkles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. Wear your sunscreen religiously, even on cloudy days. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
6. Reduce Stress
High levels of stress take a toll on your mind and skin. To help manage your stress levels, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, practice meditating and journaling, and focus on calming activities like yoga and walking.
7. Treat Yourself to an At-Home Facial
You can give your skin an extra boost of nutrients and hydration with an at-home facial.
- Cleanse: Begin by removing dirt, oil, and makeup.
- Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells.
- Mask: Apply a nourishing face mask and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Tone: Use an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin’s pH.
- Moisturize: Finish off with an ultra-hydrating moisturizer.
These essential habits will help you maintain beautiful skin and a youthful complexion. Making these part of your daily routine can help you to look and feel your very best.
What foods should I eat to keep my skin looking healthy?
1. Fruits and Vegetables: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Fruits like apples, oranges, and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that can help protect your skin. Vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are also packed with antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals.
2. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are packed with essential fatty acids and other nutrients that can help keep your skin looking healthy. Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds are some great options.
3. Fish: Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your skin looking supple and hydrated.
4. Avocados: Avocados are packed with healthy fats and vitamins that can help nourish and protect your skin.
5. Water: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful.
What foods are high in antioxidants that can help keep my skin looking healthy?
1. Blueberries
2. Strawberries
3. Raspberries
4. Dark Chocolate
5. Goji Berries
6. Açai Berries
7. Pecans
8. Artichokes
9. Kidney Beans
10. Black Beans
11. Spinach
12. Kale
13. Broccoli
14. Brussel Sprouts
15. Sweet Potatoes
16. Red Grapes
17. Tomatoes
18. Walnuts
19. Garlic
20. Green Tea
What types of fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants?
Fruits high in antioxidants include: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries, red grapes, oranges, kiwi, and bananas.
Vegetables high in antioxidants include: spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and squash.
What are the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants?
1. Reduces risk of chronic disease: Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
2. Improves vision: Free radicals from stress, pollution, and other toxins contribute to macular degeneration, a condition that affects the quality of vision. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can help protect the eyes from this condition.
3. Protects cells: Antioxidants help protect our cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to cell death and certain diseases, like cancer.
4. Boosts immunity: Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, like vitamin C and beta carotene, can help boost the immune system.
5. Keeps the skin looking young: The antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables can help slow down the aging process and keep skin looking young.
6. Supports brain health: Studies suggest that antioxidants are linked to better cognitive function and protection against age-related cognitive decline.
