By Dr Sharat Gupta , Dermatology
It is difficult to get healthy skin; maintaining it on a regular basis can be even more difficult. Healthy skin is an indicator of your overall health as skin problems might signify an underlying disorder. The skin is the body’s first barrier against various pathogens that cause diseases in the body. Not taking care of your skin on a regular basis can lead your skin to become dry, chapped and rough.
Maintaining Skin Health-
Numerous things in the environment are harmful to your skin. Environmental pollution, ultraviolent light (sunshine), extreme temperatures, wind, sweating and using the wrong skin products can all damage that important outer layer.
The good news is that you have the power to maintain healthy skin. Among the steps you can take:
- Avoid Junk Food: You must cut all the junk food out from your daily diet. Junk food contains sugar and oils that can aggravate certain conditions such as acne. It may also increase oiliness in your skin.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Drink at least 2-3 liters of water on a regular basis as it facilitates removal of toxins from your body. It also keeps the body hydrated which is always good for your skin.
- Cleanse your Skin: Make sure you keep your skin clean as otherwise, dirt can accumulate and lead to dull skin. Use a mild cleanser that is free from chemicals and wash your skin on a daily basis.
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits as they contain antioxidants which help in limiting free radical damage. They also contain vitamins and minerals which are essential for the skin. Aim to eat at least 3 servings of vegetable and 1 serving of fruits on a daily basis.
- Pay Heed to Certain Lifestyle Habits: Avoid smoking as it can interfere with the blood supply to your skin. You also need to do cardiovascular exercises such as running, as it improves blood circulation and keeps your weight at optimal levels.
- Protect your Skin from Dryness: The epidermis is made up of about 30 percent water, much of which is bound in the lipids that help prevent the water from evaporating. You can increase your skin’s ability to bind water by using a good-quality moisturizer. Natural moisturizing ingredients include citrate, various minerals, urea, lactate and amino acids.
- Choose your Sunscreen with Care: Apply sunscreens which come with a minimum SPF count of 35. Also, keep your skin covered while going out in the sun as the harmful UV rays of the sun can cause immense damage. Excessive exposure to the sun may cause sunburns or even skin cancer.
Remember, your skin is one of the most important components in your quest for good health. Just as you take care of your body from the inside out by eating well and exercising, you need to take care of your body from the outside in, by protecting your skin as that all-important barrier.