Our skin is always changing. Fueled by age, lifestyle factors, and our environment, the rate of change varies from person to person; the one thing that remains constant is that it never stays the same.
Perhaps the most dramatic changes we see in our skin, regardless of lifestyle and environmental factors, occur with the change of seasons. The most pronounced changes occur when our skin has to tolerate the cold, dry weather of winter. Regardless of where you live and how you live, there are a few things you can do to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy as we transition through the seasons each year.
Know Your Skin Type
If you don’t get this right, nothing else matters. Dry skin should be treated differently than oily skin, which should be treated differently than combination or sensitive skin. Every conversation with a beauty adviser should begin with your skin type.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – Inside and Out
Drinking lots of water is a good start, but you also have to use a good moisturizer. Even in the summer, and even if your skin tends to be oily, you need to hydrate your skin and then lock the moisture in. Not only will your skin feel better, it will look younger and healthier.
Read more about ways to stay hydrated besides water
Cleanse Gently, but Effectively
Dirt and other impurities will cause premature aging, a sallow complexion and dryness. Cleansing is critical, but be sure to use a gentle, pH balanced and sulfate-free product so you don’t damage your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Fight Skin-Damaging Free Radicals
Liberal, consistent use of antioxidant nutrients will help protect your skin from looking tired and worn, and will keep aging at bay. Natural source antioxidants, typically Vitamins C, E and A are best.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet that emphasizes leafy greens, vegetables, fresh fruit and healthy fats will help feed your skin from inside. These foods are rich in antioxidants and long chain fatty acids that will nourish your skin and help protect it from aging.
Move Around, Work Out, Exercise
Sure it’s good for your heart, and it will definitely help you manage your weight, but exercise will also help your skin look better. The increased blood flow will improve radiance and help firm your skin, while working up a good sweat will help release toxins.
Choose Healthier, More Natural Skin Care
Regardless of your skin type or condition, you should try to choose
natural products. Increasingly we are learning that harsh synthetic
chemicals and highly processed skin care ingredients can cause
irritation, redness, and sensitivity. People who move to more natural
products often see an immediate and dramatic improvement in the
condition of their skin.
Exfoliate at Least Twice a Week
Removing dead skin cells is vital to a healthy skin care regimen. Your
skin will look and feel healthier and more vibrant, and your
moisturizers and nourishing serums will penetrate better.
Read more about skin brushing for vibrant health
Get a Good Night’s Sleep, and Prepare Your Skin Properly at Bedtime
When we are at rest our skin is better able to repair itself and regenerate. Take advantage of this by feeding your skin its most potent nourishment at night. Use a simple, natural moisturizer that is packed with nutrients.
Younger, healthier looking skin isn’t difficult to achieve, but it does take discipline. With just a bit of care and consideration your skin will look its best all year round.
Image: martinak15
