There are so many new serums, moisturizers and miracle cures on the market that we often forget to go back to the basics when it comes to skincare. It can be so easy to simply pick up products from the store that offer almost instant results, but did you know proper skincare can be as simple as changing a few things in your daily life? Save money and reap the benefits of natural solutions to your skin troubles.
Eat more nuts (Warning for Eczema)
A handful of the right nuts each day can give your skin exactly what it needs to be at its best. The most nutritious nuts for healthier, glowing skin are brazil, macadamia and walnuts. Be careful for those with Eczema or have allergies, as for myself I am extremely allergic to almost all nuts especially Brazil nuts. The only nut I am okay with are almonds, so be sure to get an allergy test especially if you have Eczema like myself.
1. Brazil nuts – these are rich in selenium which is perfect for skin elasticity
2. Macadamia nuts – full of quality oils and fatty acids, macadamia nuts are perfect for skin repair and to give
you that special glow
3. Walnuts – these lower inflammation, reduce breakouts and have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids
Go to bed earlier
Forget those late night chores and seeing the end of that movie, head to bed earlier and reap the benefits. Sleep deprivation can leave you looking pale and washed out because it can lower your circulation. Better sleep cycles also give your body time to rejuvenate your skin cells – all which contribute to a fresher, brighter and happier you in the morning!
For eczema sufferers, it is extremely crucial that we get a good night sleep as I explained in an article here.
Eat watermelon
Whichever way you prefer to eat it – pureed, fresh, in salads or on fruit kebabs, watermelon is a great source of nourishment for your skin. Because it’s rich in lycopene, it can reduce damage from sun exposure and even has the ability to prevent wrinkles!
Wear sunglasses
Whether you’re out in the sunshine, at the beach, or even driving, it’s beneficial to wear sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from harsh rays, but they also provide protection against under-eye wrinkles and aging.
The skin around your eyes is much thinner than anywhere else and is more prone to lines. You can help counteract this by wearing sunglasses to prevent squinting. The best options are those that are wide enough to cover not only your eyes but the skin under it too. And do not forget to put on your sunscreen especially on those high UV index days.
Drink more water
Many of us drink far less water than we should on a daily basis, but it’s not hard to get into the habit. Water helps to clear toxins which are main players in inflammation and blemishes, as well as helping transport nutrients and oxygen to skin cells.
Dehydration can also cause premature aging so drink at least eight glasses of water a day and notice the results!
Eat more vegetables
There are so many vegetables that aid in skin revitalization and the key is to know which ones have the most benefits. One of the best vegetables for your skin is broccoli. Broccoli is full of vitamin C which can help with wrinkles, skin sagging, wounds, sun damage, fine lines and skin discoloration. Not only is it great for your skin but eating just half a cup of broccoli is equivalent to 65 percent of your daily vitamin C allowance!
Don’t touch your face
It’s so easy to absentmindedly touch your face, but did you know you could be damaging your skin? Touching, scratching, picking, it can all irreversibly damage your skin. By disrupting your skin you can push bacteria into your skin and burst oil glands. This can all cause acne, discoloration and scarring. See a pimple? Leave it. Touching it can do more harm than good.
Easier said than done, especially for us Eczema sufferers where we constantly want to scratch. You can minimize the discomfort if you follow these tips from my old article on dry skin.
Give up smoking
Smoking has long been considered an unhealthy habit, but it’s not just your lungs that are suffering. Smoking causes your skin to wrinkle due to the narrowing of the blood vessels in the skin. Your skin will then lose oxygen and nutrients which normally keep your skin in tip-top condition. Aging of the skin is also evident, so see a healthcare professional and get support with quitting.
Stress less
You cannot escape stress, but if you can take steps to manage your stress, your skin (and your health) will be better for it. Stress can trigger outbreaks of acne, eczema flare-ups as well as a myriad of other health problems.
Please click here to read more on its effects on Eczema and how to minimize it.
Try the following to relax:
• Set achievable daily goals
• Find more time for leisure
• Write lists to feel in control
• Wind down properly at the end of the day with a good book or a hot bath
Use seasonal moisturizers
We all have that favorite moisturizer, but did you know you should change with the seasons? Your skin needs more moisture in the winter, and less in the summer. You can buy heavier moisturizers for when your skin is suffering, and something a bit lighter for when the sunshine hits! If you have Eczema, then make sure to click the creams or lotions tab located at the top of this page to learn more on which products to try.
