The condition of your skin is interconnected with wellness for your entire body and even your mind. Skin is a natural barrier that separates the body from the outside environment, preventing foreign contaminants from getting in and keeping precious resources from getting out. For these reasons, taking care of your skin is a crucial aspect of overall wellness
Many factors can affect the health of this important organ. The climate in which you live plays a significant role in the functionality of your skin. How much time you spend indoors will affect it as well. If you exercise more, you will notice that your skin looks and feels better, so the type of lifestyle you lead plays a role too.
Investing in the health of your skin is investing in yourself. When this organ is in good condition and functioning properly, it can better protect you from exterior elements that could damage your cells, tissues, and organs. Here are a few tips to maximize the health of your skin.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest ways to take care of your skin. It helps replenish lost fluids, flush out waste created by the cells, and strengthen the moisture barrier that prevents foreign contaminants from entering the body. When you do not drink enough water, skin can dry out and appear patchy. You want to make sure, however, that the water that you drink is clean. Depending on your water system and where you live, tap water could become affected by contaminants that will end up hurting your skin rather than helping it. For residents of Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, for example, contaminated water may have caused scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. Get your water tested to ensure quality and stay hydrated to care for the health of your skin.
Spend More Time Outside
In moderation, sunlight is very good for your skin. It can positively affect appearance by improving its vitality and brightness, but it can also help with the development of vitamin D, which occurs in the skin. Spending time outside is healthy for several reasons, but the combination of fresh air and sunlight is what helps the condition of your skin the most. It also encourages a more active lifestyle, which further benefits the largest organ of the body.
Moisturize
There is a reason that the moisturizing industry is thriving. Keeping your skin hydrated by applying moisturizing creams and other substances can make a huge difference in maintaining its functionality for a long time. Though you should not be overly reliant on these products to hydrate your skin, (a good diet and drinking water are the best ways to do so), they can supplement other practices well.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Nutrients are the resources that your cells need to function well. This is true of every cell in your body. The most efficient delivery system for vitamins and minerals is your dietary balance. Does the food that you consume provide your cells with the nutrients that they need? Certain foods are perfect for maintaining healthy skin. These foods include fatty fish, avocados, and certain nuts or seeds. Bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes are also good sources of nutrients that benefit your skin. By including these options in your regular diet, you are investing in healthier skin that will last longer and look better.
Avoid Hot Showers
Though we all know the pleasure that comes with taking a hot shower on a cold, wintry day, this habit may be causing damage to your skin. Hot water strips the skin of vital oils that it needs to stay hydrated and maintain its moisture barrier against foreign contaminants. If you regularly crank up the temperature while taking a shower, the result could be dry and patchy skin. Instead, go for more of a lukewarm bathing experience to protect the condition of your skin and avoid drying it out unnecessarily.
Exercise Regularly
Your blood is responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen throughout the body to supply your cells with the resources they need. Therefore, the stronger your blood flow is, the better your nutrient delivery system will be. Exercise is the best way to improve blood flow throughout your body, as it strengthens the heart and allows it to pump more efficiently. Cardiovascular exercises like biking, jogging, swimming, fast-walking, or playing sports will help your heart grow stronger so that it can pump more nutrients to all your body’s cells. This will make your skin function better and improve its vitality.
Skin Health Matters for Overall Wellness
In your pursuit of well-being for your body and mind, do not neglect your skin. Though you may be focusing on mental health, building muscles, or strengthening your immune system, many of the practices that improve skin health will also improve other areas of health. Stay hydrated, spend time outside, moisturize your skin, eat a balanced diet, avoid hot showers, and exercise regularly to improve the condition of your skin, making it feel and look better.
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
