How to Have Healthy Skin

Healthy skin relies on nutrition, protection from harmful rays and an appropriate cleansing regimen. Good skin care slows down the aging process and helps avoid unnecessary skin problems. In addition to its cosmetic value, your skin protects and conceals your musculoskeletal system, organs, keep you warm and provides nourishment. It is your body's largest organ and deserves special care. Keep your skin healthy with these tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Protection and Care

1. Protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen and avoid exposure during its most intense hours.
2. Be gentle when you wash your face. Exfoliate regularly and use a moisturizer.
3. Shave carefully. Prep the skin, use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of the hair growth, not against it.
4. Relax in the sauna or steam bath to eliminate toxins. Saunas and steam baths encourage cell renewal.

Nutrition

5. Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of pure water each day. Water hydrates, flushes toxins, relieves puffiness and increases radiance.
6. Eat sufficient protein so that the skin can repair itself. Protein deficiency brings on sagging and premature aging.
7. Include fish in your diet. Essential fatty acids keep skin soft and supple.
8. Limit simple carbohydrates. Refined sugar and flour cause premature aging.
9. Load up on brightly colored vegetables. Vitamins A and C enhance skin strength and metabolism, reduce inflammation and protect DNA.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid harsh cleansers.
• Smoking ages skin by decreasing blood flow and depleting important nutrients.
• Coffee, tea and soda do not count as part of the recommended water intake. Pure water is more effective in flushing toxins from the body.