Tips for Skin Care

Skin is the largest part of our body. The area covered by skin is 19.5 square feet. It protects our muscles, bones and internal organs from bacteria. Besides protection the skin performs other functions - sensation,regulation of temperature, Vitamin D synthesis. There are 3 skin layers- epidermis( Outer layer), dermis(middle layer), subcutaneous layer (inner layer). The whole area of skin is covered by hair follicles. You may or may not have hair. There are three skin types - Oily, Dry and Normal.The best skin care tips will not only protect your skin from diseases but also keep your skin young and free of wrinkles.

Your skin is a mirror highlighting internal health and well being. These skin care tips will ensure a long way in achieving beautiful skin.

1)Determine the type of skin
The most important step is to find out which type of skin you have oily/dry/normal or combination. As different skins require different health care tips.This can be done by washing your face with a cleanser. Use soft towel to dry the face. Wait for half an hour for your face to be completely dry. Now use a tissue paper to cover your face. Gently press the tissue with your hands. Now remove the tissue paper. Check the paper for the oil. You will have the following skin
a) Dry Skin: If you don't see any trace of of oil on tissue paper.
b) Oily skin: If you see lot of oil evenly scattered on tissue paper.
c) Normal Skin: If you find small traces of oil on the paper.
d) Combination Skin: The "T" area is forehead, nose and chin. The "T" area could be oily whereas the other area could dry or normal. Or it could be different combination. So you need a different products for different areas.

2)Use Cleanser and moisturizer
Now that you have found out what skin type you have, it become very easy to select the cleanser needed for cleaning your skin. The cleanser will remove surface dirt and make up. After cleansing use moisturizer to make your skin soft.

3)Peace of Mind
If you have a worried mind, all your efforts to get beautiful skin will go waste. Destress your mind by meditating, praying, listening to your favorite song, reading a novel, walking or deep breathing exercises. I do relaxing yoga every day as it keeps me relaxed and tension free. When your mind is tension free the benefits will pass on as a beautiful skin.

4)Exercising
You may question as what is the relation between exercise and beautiful skin. When you do exercise you increase blood flow to your skin, it prevents oxidation of cells, aids in removal of toxins,keeps wrinkles at bay as your muscles are toned up and much more. Apart from these exercise also manages your stress level. So you need to visit a gym, do aerobics, yoga, go for a walk, play games etc. One thing you need to keep in mind that when your exercising outdoors in sun always apply sunscreen. Wear loose fitted clothes, no make up when going for exercise.
After exercise go for bath and then apply a moisturizer.

5)Healthy Food Habits
Another very important aspect for having a healthy beautiful skin. A diet consisting of vegetable, fruits, grains and legumes helps in long way in keeping your skin young and wrinkle free. Other benefits of balance nutritious diet is it prevents skin diseases. Healthy food should include vitamins and minerals. Diet rich in Vitamin C will prevent wrinkle formation

6)Adequate Sleep
7-8 hours of sound sleep every night is the adequate amount needed for healthy skin. As body repairs and rejuvenates itself during a restful sleep.

7)Drinking Sufficient Water
Drink 5-7 glasses of water everyday which is equal to 2.5 litres. Drinking water keeps the skin hydrated, removes toxins from body, keeps the skin clean and toned leading to reduction in wrinkles.You would look young as you have a glowing skin.

8)Sun Protection
When you go out in sun you need to protect your skin from harmful effects of ultra-violet(UV) rays. UV rays damage your skin by causing burns,dryness, rashes, wrinkles and in extreme cases cause skin cancer. A good sunscreen cream +15 is best friend for your skin. Other things you can do is wear hat and sunglasses.

9)Stop smoking
Smoking is very bad for skin health. When you smoke cigarettes it cause the skin to sag, causes wrinkles This cigarette smoking is a sure recipe for aged and old looking person. There are approximately 4000 toxins in cigarette smoke. The free radicals in smoke eat up your body's Vitamin C which is responsible for healthy skin and strong immunity. Smoking prevents your body's storage and usage of Vitamin A leading to dry and peeling of skin. So for healthy beautiful skin quit smoking today.

10)Restrict Alcohol intake
Alcohol dilates the blood vessel in the skin. These blood vessels are seen like fine net of veins around various parts of body. Alcohol also leads to hyper-pigmentation.There will will more dark spots around eyes, lips and more dark freckles. The skin looks aged as alcohol increases aging process.Your skin becomes dry and dull.There is vitamin deficiency and your immunity is weakened leading to increase in skin infections. Those suffering from eczema and psoriasis should not drink alcohol as it increases the existing skin problem.

1) Avocados - One thing is assured on eating avocados is that you wont have a dry skin, brittle hair or nails. Applying avocado juice on dry/ parched skin re hydrates and enhances skin beauty.

2) Strawberries - Being vitamin C rich fruit it prevents wrinkles and acts as an anti- aging tonic. Other benefits are that strawberries enhances collagen production . As collagen is responsible for firm skin

3) Green Tea - This beverage is rich in antioxidant polyphenols. Besides being skin friendly it also helps in weigh reduction.

4) Tomatoes - This vegetable contains lycopene which protects your skin from skin burn. Eating tomatoes in food dishes or having tomato juice will do wonders in this front.

5) Salmon - It contains carotenoid astaxanthin which leads to good skin elasticity. Other beneficial ingredients it contains is omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and selenium.

6) Eggs are protein rich food repairing cell damage caused by free radicals and prevents dry skin.

7) Pomegranate

The information provided in this article is for education and information purpose only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should use the advice of your family doctor or physician before using any home remedies, supplements or for starting any new health program.