Follow these simple tips for radiant and healthy looking skin
BY ZEBA JUNAID | FEB 8, 2010
1. AVOID EXPOSURE TO SUN
The best way to keep your skin harmless is by avoiding exposure to sun. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause severe problems/disease, such as skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection:
• Keep away from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Wear comfortable protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You might also opt for special sun-protective clothing, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
• Use sunscreen when you're in the sun. Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.
2. STOP THAT SMOKING
Wrinkled and old looking skin are a result of smoking. The tiny blood vessels narrows in the outermost layers of skin, which minimizes blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. Also, the facial expressions that you repeat when smoking — like pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.
If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.
3. BE GENTLE TO YOUR SKIN
Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin, so keep it gentle:
• Minify your shower time. Long showers or baths with hot water removes oils from your skin. Control your bath or shower time, and use warm water.
• Keep off intense soaps. Intense chemical in soaps can strip oil from your skin. Go for a mild cleanser.
• Groom cautiously. To safeguard your skin against cuts and to keep it moist, apply shaving lotion,crèmes or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean and sharp razor. Never shave in the direction against the hair growth.
• Caress. To retain the moisture after bath, or shower ,pat dry and caress your skin with a clean towel.
• Moisturize dry/dull skin. Apply a moisturizer that fits your skin type that deeply moisturizes your dry skin and makes your skin look and feel soft.
4. EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Develop likeness towards a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits,vegetable ,whole rgains and lean proteins can help you look and feel great.A diet rich in vit c and low in fats and carbs may maintain your skin to be a younger looking skin according to researchers.
5. BE A STRESS MANAGER
Acne breakouts and skin problems are result of too much stress that can eventually cause dull looking skin, bad hair and tired eyes. For a healthy skin and healthy mind –body combination, learn to help your self manage stress. Reshedule your to-do list, set your limits and do things that you enjoy. This will definitely result into unexpected magic to your life.
