The skincare industry is a huge one and there are so many products to choose from that it can be overwhelming and expensive. Research has shown that a good skincare routine can have a huge impact on the quality of a person’s skin. However, to achieve a good complexion it is important to realize that healthy habits everyday are really the foundation to beautiful radiant skin. Plus, routine habits enhance your physical, mental and social well-being.
To help your mind and body, here is a list of healthy habits that can provide structure to your days, enhance your well-being and add a glow to your skin.
Remember, it takes time to develop a habit. So, go slow and establish a routine that works for you. Don’t forget that a little bit goes a long way!
- Drink water. It is very well known that one of the most effective and least costly skincare habits is drinking plenty of water. Staying well hydrated is so important for not only your complexion but for your overall health. Start your day with a glass of lemon water and find a reusable cup up you like and just keep refilling it!
- Make time for movement. All it takes is 20-30 minutes daily of exercise to feel the benefits of reduced stress, a boost in your mood, more energy and healthier skin. Schedule in this time to go for a walk/run/bicycle ride, dance to music, do a yoga or Pilates class or find a YouTube video. How ever you enjoy moving your body, the key is making it a regular activity.
- Spend time outside. Getting some fresh air and being outdoors can improve your overall health. Besides getting some natural Vitamin D on sunny days, looking at nature can lessen stress and anxiety. Make it social and meet friends for a walk. On sunny days, don’t forget to use sunscreen.
- Put your phone away. Taking a break from your phone or any type of screen can help you find balance between your digital world and real world. This can often reduce anxiety and depression and increase happiness. Plus, cell phones can be very dirty causing acne, breakouts and contact dermatitis. Not to mention “tech neck” wrinkles and creases in your neck from constantly looking down. Set downtime limits on your phone daily and clean your phone often with an antibacterial wipe.
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Eat Healthy. To have healthy radiant skin you need to consume a variety of nutritious foods high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats regularly and reduce the amount of processed and fried food. Your skin can be a reflection of what’s going on inside your body. Plan your meals a head of time, chose wisely when eating out and make sure to incorporate healthy foods into your day every day.
- Develop a good skincare routine. Taking good care of your skin is all about a routine. Daily maintenance is the key and it’s a commitment worth making. The better daily care you take of your skin, the more likely you’ll be to stave off those pesky fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. At minimum, cleanse morning and night, moisturize and apply sunscreen.
- Use skincare products made with natural ingredients. The average person uses several different skincare products on their bodies from head to toe each and every day, exposing themselves to a wide range of harmful chemicals. Be as careful with what you put on your skin and body as you are with what you put inside your body. Choose skincare products made with natural ingredients and read labels trying to avoid chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, pthalates and formaldehyde which can be harmful for your skin.
- Sleep well. Beauty sleep is important for everyone regardless of age. In fact, insomnia or not getting enough sleep, increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight problems, and breast cancer. Not to mention that it ages you from the inside out. Lack of sleep can even affect your skin by impairing its ability to repair and rejuvenate itself which can cause an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. Insufficient sleep can make you look older than you are, so getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is crucial. Try going to bed earlier and catching up on sleep on weekends. Minimize liquids, especially caffeine and alcohol at least 2 hours before bedtime to avoid waking in the middle of the night.
Written by, Alyssa Rolnick, Co-Founder of Zax’s Original Products, Registered Dietitian and Mother of a very busy household.