If there were such a thing as a magic potion that would help us get healthy, glowing, incredible skin, we’d be the first in line to buy it. But, great complexion doesn’t come in a bottle (believe us; we’ve tried all of them.) Instead, it’s a combination of eating right, drinking enough water, taking care of your skin, using the right products for your complexion, and, of course, genes.
Wait a minute, you might be thinking, can a few lifestyle tweaks help me get a killer glow? The simple answer is yes. Here are five tips you can follow to get the best skin of your life.
- Change Your Diet
A poor diet will show on your skin. But, the good news is, a healthy one will, too. According to dermatologists, the food we put in our body can cause our hormones to act out. Certain foods, such as dairy, white bread, cakes, and white rice can worsen inflammation and cause breakouts. That’s why you should follow an antioxidants-rich diet to nourish your skin. Include more foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. In other words, load up on eggs, brown rice, dark leafy greens, nuts, and salmon.
Talking about paying attention to what you put in your body, you should probably drink less alcohol too if you want to achieve glowing skin, a la Beyonce. An occasional glass of wine is fine, but regular drinking is bad for your skin. Alcohol dehydrates and can cause your face to look all swollen and puffy.
- Hit the Sheets
One of the toughest things about being a nurse? Getting enough sleep.
According to different studies, less than six hours of sleep per night can affect not only your performance but also your appearance. Lack of sleep will make your face look bloated, especially around the eyes. More than that, your skin gets prone to breakouts, dark circles, and dullness when you don’t get enough sleep.
So, what can you do to ensure you get enough Z’s every night? Create a healthy routine. Go to sleep at around the same hour every night. Use your bedroom only for sleeping and sex. Keep it stress and clutter-free. Keep your bedroom well ventilated and invest in a good mattress.
- Manage Stress Levels
It’s no secret that a healthy mind is vital to maintaining a healthy and vibrant skin. But, that’s easier said than done, especially if you are a nurse. So, what can you do to unwind and relax after a long shift?
- Try aromatherapy. Certain studies have found a connection between smelling a lemon and the decrease of stress hormones.
- Practice forgiveness. According to one study, being forgiving could reduce the side effects of stress.
- Meditation is one of the best ways to disconnect yourself from the world and find inner peace. If you don’t like meditation, you can try progressive muscle relaxation (PMR,) which is a technique that teaches you to focus on slowly tensing and releasing different muscles. One study found that PMR has the same stress-relief benefits as meditation.
- Always Choose Products Suited for Your Skin Type
As with anything in life, the effectiveness of a cosmetic product differs from person to person. While jojoba oil based products can do wonders for your co-worker’s skin, it might irritate yours. That’s why it’s important to use products that are suited for your complexion.
Don’t be afraid to try green products, such as facial oils or organic cosmetic butter. Algae-based products, argan oil, or natural pigments might be a novelty to us, but they’re ancient ingredients, tried and tested through millennia, and praised for their exceptional properties. However, you need to pay careful attention to your skin needs and choose cosmetics with ingredient products that are suited for your skin type.
It’s crucial to be able to see past the marketing messages and look for the best formulations for your skin-care concerns. That way, you can save money and protect your skin.
- Use Sunscreen
Don’t let cooler temperatures fool you. The sun’s rays are harmful throughout the entire year, even if you can’t feel it on your skin. Apply sunscreen every day, sunny or cloudy.
There are many things you can do to keep your skin healthy and vibrant all year-round. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make the best choice for your skin.
How do you keep your skin healthy and vibrant? Share your tips in the comments section below.
All of the above are a start and I do use them but… you also need to add the kind of fun with family and friends that provides laughter. The kind of laughter that truly revives the mind and soul. For me that works as well as any kind of physical or mental exercise. Its the kind of connection that can alleviate those harried work day stresses. There’s sunshine in those smiles.