Five Simple Steps to Healthy Skin

Get the skin that you’ve always wanted with these five simple steps. 

Want healthier, younger looking skin?

So many factors in our lives lead to skin deterioration: stress, sun, sleep, and so many more. Combating all those factors can be daunting. There are so many different approaches to skincare that it might be hard to know where to start.

We’ve laid out a few simple things that you can work into your everyday routine to help improve your skin.

These five simple steps can help you on your journey to healthier skin.

1. Take Collagen Supplements

Collagen is the body’s building protein. It acts as a sort of glue and holds our cells together. Collagen keeps skin looking firm, plump, and wrinkle-free.  As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, causing skin to lose elasticity.

Collagen supplements can help reverse some of those effects of aging. A study published this past January showed that collagen supplementation is a safe way to increase skin “elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.” Try top-rated Ideal Collagen and see for yourself.

2. Use Sunscreen Every Day

Sunscreen shouldn’t be saved for those long beach days. You should wear sunscreen every day that you go outside. The sun is one of the leading causes of skin deterioration. UV rays cause fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and premature aging. Even on cloudy, snowy, or rainy days, UV rays penetrate your skin. These conditions actually reflect UV rays and enhance their harmful effects. So even though you don’t feel the sun shining on your face, it is.

Find a sunscreen that works for your skin type. There are many oil-free and sensitive skin options that will keep your skin protected and feeling hydrated. Look around for one that you can add to your daily skin care routine.

3. Cleanse Your Skin Twice a Day

Proper skin cleansing will help to unclog pores and free your skin of all the buildup of everyday life. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria that can cause acne and premature aging.

Wet your face with warm, not hot, water and use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Do not use a washcloth, sponge, brush, or any other tool to wash your face. Your fingertips cleanse best and will not trap bacteria. Wash gently, and resist the urge to scrub. Pat dry with a soft, clean towel. Apply an oil-free moisturizer immediately after.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

A healthy diet will positively affect your whole body, including your skin. What you put into your body is reflected in nearly every aspect of your being—including your complexion. Healthy foods lead to bright, clear skin. Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin.

A diet too high in sugar and fat may adversely affect your skin. Some high-sugar foods are linked to breakouts. Everyone is different and reacts differently to certain foods. Strive to find a diet that makes you feel great.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

One of the best things that you can do for your body is give it enough rest. During the first three hours of sleep, the body produces growth hormones that repair damaged skin. During REM sleep, levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop to their lowest point, and the body can fully relax and recover.

When the body has enough sleep, it heals itself faster and regenerates new healthy cells. Adequate sleep gives the skin time to repair itself before facing another day of stress, dirt, and sun.

Try it Out

You don’t need to be perfect, but be consistent. You’ll be surprised to see how far a little change and a lot of consistency can go. Your skin will thank you.