Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Do's and Don'ts for Healthy-Looking Skin

Do:
Avoid the sun. Nothing is more damaging to your skin than UV exposure. It sets off a chain of adverse and cumulative reactions that lead to wrinkles, discoloration, loss of tone, and dehydration. Whenever you're outdoors, even if you're just running errands or strolling through the park, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.

Drink plenty of water. Proper hydration is essential for flushing out impurities, fostering the development of new cells and enhancing circulation. Try to drink six-to-eight glasses a day.

Sleep well. Nighttime is the right time for skin. That's when cells get busy renewing themselves and repairing the day's damage. A minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night is ideal. Any less and your skin will wear the signs of fatigue.

Eat right. You truly are what you eat, so it stands to reason that the better your diet, the better your skin will look. A healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and complex carbohydrates is recommended for most people. Check with your doctor to determine if you should make special dietary adjustments, or take vitamin or mineral supplements.

Stay fit. Regular exercise keeps your heart and your muscles fit. It also keeps your skin in shape by revving up your circulation, which eliminates toxins and promotes a healthy glow. Experts recommend a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to maintain your current weight and fitness levels; 30 minutes or more to lose weight and improve your conditioning. Walking, running, biking, swimming and dancing are all excellent aerobic activities.


Don't:
Smoke. Smoking destroys the underlying structure of the skin, which quickly leads to premature aging. It creates wrinkles and destroys elasticity. The repetitive physical action of smoking creates lines around the mouth. Over time, smoking causes skin to thicken and discolor.

Drink too much alcohol or caffeine. Moderation is everything when it comes to caffeine and alcohol. For example, a glass of wine is relaxing, but too much wine dehydrates your system, robs you of vital nutrients and may interrupt healthy sleep patterns. Caffeine actually functions as a diuretic and may prevent you from getting enough rest.

Stress out. Even if you try to appear calm, cool and collected, stress has a way of making its presence known. Anxiety leads to a number of surface manifestations, including blemishes, hives, impaired circulation, itching, irritation and under-eye circles. So relax! Adopt sensible time management strategies, take up stress-busting activities like jogging, yoga or meditation, stay connected to friends and family and see your doctor or a counselor if your stress is getting the upper hand.

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