Eating Habits To Keep Your Skin Healthy
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Article by: Dan Matthews
The importance of a first impression is common knowledge. No matter if you’re getting ready for a job interview, a coffee date with friends, or a romantic getaway with your partner, your skin will make an almost immediate impression. The good news is that healthy skin doesn’t have to be elusive.
For skin that looks youthful and radiant year-round, it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunblock when necessary. But you can also cultivate healthy skin by being selective with your dietary choices. Further, the link between healthy skin and your diet is even backed up by science.
According to Healthline, “…what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin.” You can help combat aging and blemishes by eating a diet that’s rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. You can even take your skincare regimen a step further by staying active, getting the proper amount of sleep, and avoiding fad diets.
Keeping Your Skin Healthy Year-Round
No matter where you live, the outside climate can significantly affect your skin. Thus, daily moisturizing should become a habit alongside eating well-balanced meals. The use of moisturizers helps protect your skin from wind, cold air, and UV rays, in addition to eliminating dryness.
It’s important to note that the best moisturizer for your needs is dependent on your skin type. Those with combination skin may find that lotions containing hemp seed oil provide noticeable, positive results. More notably, the hemp plant has been used in a variety of applications since ancient times, and it has become much more widespread in the U.S. since the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018. Hemp is an ideal ingredient in moisturizers due to its status as a humectant, which means that it helps retain moisture.
Hemp lotions and salve are also a promising choice among those with oily skin. That’s because those with oily skin are more susceptible to acne, and hemp oil moisturizes without clogging pores. But your diet is also a factor in regards to acne: If you have oily skin, for example, you should avoid over-consuming sugars and dairy products.
Making Positive Dietary Choices
Interestingly, what we put in our bodies can also impact the appearance and health of our skin. Paying attention to your diet is essential to your overall health and wellness, especially if you have recurring health conditions. You should also do your best to avoid so-called fad diets, which can be dangerous, often causing malnutrition, dehydration, and even more serious conditions.
Many fad diets require that you avoid most fats altogether, which may indeed result in weight loss. However, your weight is just a small factor in the picture of your overall health. In regards to healthy skin, it’s imperative that you have at least a basic understanding of the power of healthy fats. Looking at all fats as “bad” or unhealthy is a common misconception that could be detrimental in the long run.
In fact, essential fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s help build strong cell membranes and may contribute to hydrated, younger-looking skin. You’ll find these types of fats in a variety of foods, including walnuts, soybeans, eggs, and salmon.
But some foods are best used on the outside of the body. For instance, the popular herb turmeric has become a common beauty regimen ingredient in recent years. The yellow-hued spice may have anti-aging benefits and helps diminish the appearance of scars and blemishes.
Healthy Habits for Youthful Skin
It may take more than a balanced diet and natural moisturizers to keep your skin healthy, however. By taking a holistic approach to skincare, you’re more likely to see lasting results while maintaining your health from the inside out. “Holistic” refers to the whole body, from your skin and hair to internal organs, even including your mental health.
An easy way to maintain holistic health is by getting the proper amount of sleep for your age and activity level. And just as your skin can be affected by your dietary choices, so can your sleep quality. For more vibrant skin and improved sleep, reduce your intake of carbs and sugars, especially in the evenings, and practice portion control.
It’s easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle into the new year and beyond. When you wake up in the morning after a restful sleep, don’t skip breakfast. And don’t forget to moisturize: Your skin will thank you for years to come.
Dan Matthews is a writer with a degree in English from Boise State University. He has extensive experience writing online at the intersection of business, marketing, lifestyle, and health. You can find him on Twitter and LinkedIn.
