It’s a common myth that getting smooth and healthy skin is only about using the right skin products. In reality, achieving healthy skin and maintaining it isn’t about just the skin care products you use—it’s also about being able to eat right, protecting the skin from harsh weather conditions, and doing exercises.
The skin is the outermost layer of the body. It shields the body from harmful substances that may try to penetrate the body, such as harsh weather, chemicals, irritants, etc. It is exposed to so many things that may cause damage to it or cause the skin to age faster.
There are three layers of skin; epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. They all play roles in maintaining the integrity and the general well-being of the skin and for the skin to appear healthy and smooth. The epidermis is the outermost part of the skin; it creates a skin tone and provides a waterproof-like barrier. The dermis is just beneath the epidermis; it contains sweat glands, hair follicles, and connective tissue. The hypodermis contains fat tissue.
Taking care of the skin to be healthy and smooth is a long and continuous process. It involves using the right type of skincare routine both inside and outside.
Many factors such as stress, sun exposure, weather, diet, and pollution influence the skin’s health. These factors may affect the skin complexion, cause sagging, wrinkles, roughness, age spots, etc.
Here are some tips to help you achieve smooth and healthy skin.
1. Moisturizing
The skin thrives on moisture. It helps balance sebum production, and the skin needs enough moisture both inside and outside to appear supple, smooth, and young. So, using a good moisturizer suitable for your skin type is vital.
There are different skin types, and the way you care for them also varies. For dry skin, it requires heavy moisturizers and consistent application to restore the skin moisture content and prevent the skin from drying out and appearing less flaky.
In contrast, oily skin requires less moisturizer to prevent clogging of the skin pores and requires frequent cleansing, while normal skin requires moderate moisturizing. Ingredients you should look out for when choosing moisturizers for effective skin hydration include; hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
For moisturizers to work effectively, it is important to note that moistures are trapped in the skin with oils and butter. They act as sealants, and they help protect the skin. Butters such as cocoa butter and shea butter is good for the skin, while oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, and other essential oils are also good to add to your skincare routine.
2. Exfoliating
Exfoliation should be an essential part of your skincare routine to achieve radiant and glowing smooth skin. The skin cells die off and are constantly replaced; this leaves rough patches on the skin and therefore requires some effort to maintain the skin’s smoothness by removing those dead cells using exfoliating materials to rejuvenate the skin.
It helps unclog the skin pores and removes excess oil that may have formed on the skin. This can be done either chemically—using chemical peels or mechanically—using scrubs and sponges.
3. Protecting the skin from the weather
The weather is one factor that affects the skin, especially in extreme weather conditions. Cold temperatures can cause drying out of the skin, making it appear rough and flaky; it is best to switch products during this period. You can manage this by moisturizing daily. It is also important to wear protective wear during this period to help prevent the escape of moisture through the skin in cold weather.
4. Limit hot baths
Hot baths are so enticing and soothing, but they are not so good for your skin because they strip the skin of its moisture and lipid layer, which protects the skin from dryness and helps retain moisture. When hot water is used too often, the skin is prone to dryness, making it less smooth and radiant.
5. Resting
Yes! Resting is very important in a skincare regimen. It helps rejuvenate the skin. Resting helps relieve stress which is very harmful to skin health. Sleep is good because the body repairs itself and recovers from stress during sleep. Stress and not getting enough sleep can cause premature ageing and eye bags; getting enough sleep, 8 hours of sleep, is vital.
6. Proper diet
As it’s widely said, we are what we eat. This is especially true because the body works with what it is provided with. Eating a proper and balanced diet helps improve the skin making it smooth and healthy.
Some foods make the skin supple and smooth. Foods like fruits and vegetables are good for the skin and foods rich in antioxidants. They help boost the skin’s defenses against free radicals that affect the skin, which causes aging, wrinkles, etc. They also help repair the skin.
7. Regular exercise
Exercise improves blood circulation, which helps circulate micronutrients to the skin, and helps to speed the rate of repair of the skin. It is also good because exercise makes you sweat, and it helps unclog pores of the skin caused by debris.
8. Avoid sun
The UV rays coming from the sun are responsible for so many skin damages, such as skin discoloration, dark patches, sunburn, and destruction of collagen and elastin that the connective tissue is made up of. The use of protective wear, such as sunscreen while under the sun, is very important. Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or a UV umbrella helps protect the skin.
Getting smoother and healthier skin is achievable when a skincare routine is taken seriously and practiced consistently while using the right product suitable for your skin type.
