TIPS FOR IMPROVING SKIN HEALTH

For complete sun protection, use sunscreen with at least SPF 15, seek shade when sun rays are strong, and wear protective clothing which covers your skin, protecting it from the UV rays.

Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and makes skin paler. This also depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health which makes your skin look old and wrinkly. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, smoking increases your risk of squamous cell skin cancer.

To keep your skin gentle, limit your bath time, avoid strong soaps, shave carefully, pat dry your skin, and moisturize dry skin.

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear, but some research suggests that a diet rich in fish oil and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger-looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated.

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin and a healthy state of mind, take steps to manage your stress. Get enough sleep, set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.