How’s the age of urban pollution, cosmetic chemicals, unnatural diets, and hormonal imbalances treating your skin? Typically speaking, the answer to that question is “quite terribly” and “quite terribly” really means dryness, blemishes, and wrinkles.
Interestingly enough, this is also the age in which pretty much anybody, including practicing dermatologists, can feel overwhelmed by the amount of available skin care products to choose from. You hardly have to go to a high-end cosmetic store. Just go to that drug store around your corner and you will surely be bombarded by “revolutionary treatments” and “breakthrough” cures that will help eliminate this and help improve that – only they don’t.
Picking out what product works for you and what does not work is hard work, but maybe you do not have to do it. Here are a few ways you can inexpensively improve the condition of your skin with just tiny changes to your lifestyle.
(1) Drink More Water, and then Drink More Water
According to recent research, the “eight glasses a day” may have been a bit high after all. However, that does not change the fact that many of us are still dehydrated though hydration is important for all aspects of health – especially dermatological health.
Your skin does a great job of naturally flushing out dead cells and toxins – if you are well hydrated. When you do not drink enough water, nutrients travel more slowly through your blood, toxins stagnate in your body, and your skin becomes a disaster zone. The single, best thing you can do for your skin is to drink at least two liters of water every day.
(2) Increase Fiber, Probiotics, and Omega-3 Oils in Your Diet
Believe it or not, regular bowel movement and a strong immune system is literally the cornerstone of skin care. You can keep your skin purified from the inside out while improving your long-term overall health and combating bloating by adding fiber and probiotics to your diet. Omega-3 oils are the rare oils that are great for your skin: they keep your skin looking youthful by helping your skin’s cells push waste out and take nutrition and water in more effectively.
Many fiber supplements can do more harm than good, but it is easy to add traditional sources of fiber to your diet: oatmeal, nuts, leafy greens, and many fruits will all help push toxins out of your body. Probiotics help keep your intestines functioning well and can also be found in common food items including yogurt, sauerkraut, and dark chocolate. Omega-3 oils can be found in many kinds of fish, walnuts, and flax seed, or they can be purchased in tablet form at pretty much any health store.
(3) Use Natural Products and Keep Moving
Many modern health problems are just that – problems that human beings traditionally never faced. We did not thrive as a species that hardly exercised while slapping on preservatives, petrochemicals, and acrylic polymers. On the bright side, this essentially means you can avoid many skin problems simply by returning to humanity’s natural state.
Regular exercise will improve blood circulation and also help every major system in your body run more effectively. Additionally, your body will achieve levels of hormonal balance that reduce stress and prevent acne while naturally increasing collagen production which delays the onset of wrinkles. For women, trying to use organic skincare products rather than chemical-based ones will always mean better results over the long run.
Dr. Steven Zimmet is a dermatologist in Austin, Texas. He enjoys prescribing non-invasive methods like diet and exercise to help his patients improve their skin.
Filed under: Beauty and Fashion, Featured Press
