Skin is the largest organ of our body and the most neglected one too. We are very careful with eating healthy and exercising to lose weight, but little do we realise that we should also take care of our skin, as healthy skin leads to a healthier you! We forget to take care of our skin because following a different morning or evening routine to take care of our skin becomes a tedious task-this is added when you have many products in your skincare routine, and you have to use all of them- it becomes confusing to understand using which product before and which one after! The result- you tend to opt out of the routine and leave your skin uncared. Taking care of your skin is of utmost importance, and if you are a beginner, planning a routine or want to simply do your previous tedious routine, use these 10 basic routines to get healthy and glowing skin. 1. Use Sunscreen We are always told to go out in the sun to get Vitamin D, but excessive exposure to sunlight is also harmful. The ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) emitted from the sun can lead to age spots, wrinkles, discolouration, freckles, pigmentation, tanning and even cancer; this can damage the elastic and collagen present in your skin and cause the skin to lose its lustre and glow. Wearing sunscreen while going out in the sun (SPF 30 as directed by your dermatologist or above) is advisable. Sunscreens help filter out harmful UV rays and prevent them from reaching your skin and causing damage. You should apply sunscreen every two hours for maximum protection and avoid sunburns. You can also wear full sleeves shirt and full pants and don them with a hat while going outside in the sun to protect your skin. 2. Stay Hydrated Water is the answer to most of the problems as your body needs to be hydrated to carry out essential functions of the body, including keeping your skin healthy and supple. Water helps remove toxins from your body that can cause acne, blemishes, etc. It also reduces inflammation, prevents dehydration and keeps the skin’s moisture intact, reducing signs of ageing. Your skin has two main proteins that keep it strong and elastic - elastin, collagen, and water help in regular production. You should consume 8 to 10 glasses of water daily (consult your doctor on the amount of water to be consumed daily if you have ailments like heart disease, kidney problems, etc.) to get flawless and healthy skin. If you cannot consume water by drinking, you can also eat foods with a high quantity of water in them, like cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, etc. 3. Quit Smoking Active or passive smoking is bad for your health- Smoking damages your lungs and can lead to cancer, but smoking also affects your skin. Studies have proven that smoking delays wound healing and cause the early development of wrinkles, making your skin looks old and saggy (the skin loses its elasticity) due to the loss of elastin in the skin. Research has also shown that smoking worsens existing skin diseases like psoriasis. 4. Manage Your Stress Levels Most of the time, when we are stressed, anxious or worried, we can see pimples developing on our faces- the reason for this skin breakout is stress as it has an impound effect on the skin. When you are under stress, the steroid hormone cortisol is increased, which causes your skin to become oily and decreases your body’s immune system’s response in fighting off the infection. Uncontrolled stress leads to premature skin ageing, DNA damage, etc., resulting in pale and lustreless skin. Skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc., develop due to stress initially. Stress can also cause the flaring up of acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. It is advisable to control your stress for healthy skin. You can try yoga, listening to music, drawing, painting, cycling, dancing, etc., to reduce stress in your daily life. 5. Always Moisturise The Skin Moisturising your skin is an essential part of the routine. You should always use a moisturiser irrespective of your skin type- whether it is oily or dry, as it keeps your skin glowing. Moisturisers keep your skin hydrated and lock in all the previous ingredients you have applied to your skin. You should use a lightweight moisturiser with sunscreen(SPF 30). At night, as your skin is restoring nutrients while sleeping, you can use a thicker moisturiser containing hyaluronic acids, lipids and proteins. 6. Keep a Good Skin Routine Keeping a skin routine can be challenging for some, like removing makeup after a party when you are tired or changing skin products occasionally- but you must realise that your skin remains healthy only when you are consistent. A good skin routine is: Wash your face twice a day using a gentle cleanser. Follow it up with a moisturiser/ serum/toner that is best for our skin texture and complexion. Exfoliate your skin 2 to 3 times a week. Make sure to use a gentle exfoliating scrub if your skin is sensitive. Do not exfoliate too hard or too long, as it will erode the skin. Exfoliation removes the dead cells, dirt and debris from the skin that makes the skin look lustreless and dry. A good and regular skin routine will give your skin a glowing effect! 7. Sleep Well Your skin rejuvenates while sleeping. Sleeping for a minimum of 7 to 9 hours daily is essential for overall health. If your sleep is disturbed, it reflects on your skin - dark circles, puffed-up eyes, and dull and dry skin. Sleep nourishes your skin from the inside out, promoting healthy and glowing skin. 8. Give Your Skin Relaxation Time We all get burned out by working constantly, as does our skin. Our skin also needs a break- Once in a while, you should let your skin detox - to let it breathe. You can go on a fast or detox program. You can even go for a facial and massage of the skin. This will help your skin will rejuvenate and become more supple and fresh! 9. Eat Healthily You should eat a healthy and balanced diet with all the essential nutrients and minerals and not skip meals or go on a crash diet, as it can affect your overall health. This can affect your skin (drying and peeling of the skin, loss of texture, pimples, white spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, etc.). Healthy food gives rise to healthy skin, so have a nutritious diet for glowing and youthful skin! 10 Exercise Daily Being fit not only improves your health but your skin's health too. Physical activity helps control your blood sugar levels, which helps flush away toxins and bacteria from the pores. Moderate exercise is important, improving your sleep quality and reducing your stress levels. This results in glowing and healthy skin. Moderate exercise is important, improving your sleep quality and reducing your stress levels. This results in glowing and healthy skin. You can opt for walking, yoga, cycling, aerobics, jogging, etc., daily for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. However, ensure not to overdo it and follow proper post-exercise hygiene measures (taking care of your skin) to prevent any pre-existing skin disease from worsening. This could be attributed to the excess sweat produced during your workout regimes. It is advisable to consult your doctor before embarking on these exercises, especially if you are suffering from any medical condition.
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