Tips For Healthy Skin
Acne Skin Care Tips

Properly caring for your skin, especially when going out into the sun, is one of the best ways to insure you will have a glowing complexion. Allowing your unprotected skin to be exposed repeatedly to the sun not only sets it up for skin cancer to eventually develop, but also a host of other problems.

For example, when you allow your skin to burn and tan day after day, year after year, eventually you are going to look in the mirror and see a tough looking piece of dry, leather-like skin looking back at you. You will also find that you develop age spots and wrinkles sooner, and freckle frequently. In fact, the sun is responsible for about 80-85% of the aging of our skin.

The good news is that you can prevent these things from occurring or at least keep them from happening for many years to come based upon your lifestyle choices for which you have control.

First and foremost, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 15 SPF every time you go out into the sun. If you go swimming or work in the sun which causes you to sweat a lot, be sure to reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours.

Whenever possible, try to stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as this is when the sun's harmful UV rays are the strongest.

Protect your face from the ravages of the sun by wearing a wide-brim hat. Also, opt for long pants and a long sleeve shirt to keep your body safely covered from those nasty rays.

For those of you who are suffering with acne, do not be deceived into believing that the sun is your friend and that it will dry up the excess oil and heal all those pesky pimples. To get rid of acne requires a commitment to a daily skin care routine, along with lifestyle changes.


TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - PROPER CLEANSING

Many people damage their skin under the guise and belief that they are actually helping their skin by cleansing it frequently. This is an all too common occurrence with teens, who in frustration with the reflection they see in the mirror, grab the nearest bar of soap and start scrubbing away. This is the first problem in that soap is generally too drying for the skin and can also leave a film.

In addition, over-washing the skin will draw out the oils and make the face shiny and greasy. This in turn causes additional acne outbreaks and a vicious cycle begins. Care should also be taken with the temperature of the water that you allow your skin to come in contact with, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, thus cause excessive dryness. Therefore, use warm water instead of hot when taking a shower or bath. I know this is painful, as I love a super-hot shower that gives me the lobster red skin.

One of the best acne skin care tips and tips for healthy skin is to adhere to a daily skin care program that is formulated for your skin type. With consistency, over time the skin will respond favorably, begin to clear and that glowing complexion that one longs to possess will become a reality.


TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - KICK THOSE NASTY HABITS

Whether your vice is smoking, drinking, taking drugs, or any combination of these three, strive to kick the habit. What you choose to put into your body will indeed not only affect your aging process, but will also be reflected on your skin. Who wants to be 35 and look 55 just because of lifestyle choices?

Smoking not only causes cancer but can wrinkle and dull the skin. Illegal drugs can also impact the skin much in the way smoking does. In addition, those who are struggling to eliminate acne will find it becomes exacerbated with continual drug abuse. Some drugs can cause the skin to experience an allergic reaction or excessive drying. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, along with weakening the capillary walls, which will cause the flushed red appearance of the skin.


TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - DIET AND WATER INTAKE

When you feast upon a constant diet of high fat, sugar and carbohydrates can you really expect to have a glowing complexion, let alone a healthy body? My dear, that is wishful thinking. I know because I did it to myself. I have paid dearly and I'm still paying for the sins of my youth.

You can only deny your body the proper nutrients for so long before it fights back, which can result in numerous health issues, along with big-time acne problems. The old adage that you are what you eat is true.

Add to your poor diet a lack of water intake each day and you have a recipe for ill-health and bad skin. Both your body and skin desperately need sufficient water and proper nutrition each day in order to function properly.

Become reacquainted with your kitchen appliances and I don't mean the microwave. Say no to drive-through. Bottom line: Eat healthy. Enjoy a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Lastly, the chances of your food providing all the necessary vitamins and minerals are slim to none, therefore, be sure to supplement your diet with nutraceuticals--vitamins.


TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - CONCLUSION

Strive to make these tips for healthy skin a part of your daily lifestyle and you will find that you not only have a clear and radiant complexion, but will also enjoy good health for years to come. It's never too late to begin.