While many people think looking after your skin is only important on the outside, taking a holistic approach to looking after the skin you’re in can help you avoid skin problems in the future.
Working to keep your skin healthy inside and out is the most effective way to look after the largest organ in your body.
Our eCommerce Pharmacist Kylie Bond shares 5 ways to look after the skin you’re in.
1. Drink lots of water
Drinking water helps keep your body hydrated, which in turn helps your skin.
A new study has shown that drinking just two cups of water can increase blood flow, which can help give your skin an even tone1.
Between 50% to 80% of your body is made up of water and if your body is dehydrated, it won’t function as well across the board2.
While drinking more water is always a good thing, it won’t help reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.
Maintaining a skincare routine is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
2. Maintain a good skincare routine
It’s important to maintain a good skincare routine that is gentle on your skin that can also reduce the signs of ageing.
As daily cleansing can dry out your skin, be gentle to your skin and avoid using a harsh or strong soap, especially if you’re repeatedly washing your skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that you should moisturise your skin if it is dry or itchy to help keep your skin refreshed and hydrated.
If you’re older, you may find that moisturising daily can help keep your skin healthy as the oil glands that keep your skin healthy create lesser oils and need to be replenished more often.
3. Use sunscreen to protect your skin
As we live in Australia, protecting your skin from the sun is an important step in your skincare routine.
This is because a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sun spots and more.
Kylie recommends to maintain your sunscreen application even in the colder months.
“Because of the Australian climate, everyone is hyperaware of using sunscreen during the warmer months. However, it’s just as important to use sunscreen in the winter as Australia has a high U.V rating all year round.
“Just because the sun isn’t out doesn’t mean you can’t get burned. This is especially the case if you’re engaging in winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding as the sun can reflect off the snow and burn your skin.”
Using a high SPF sunscreen (SPF30+) daily can protect your skin from the sun as well as prevent wrinkles3.
4. Take supplements that can help your skin
We recommend speaking to your doctor before starting any new supplements, but depending on your skin concern, supplements can help.
“Everyone has their own skin concerns that are individual to them, but there are a range of supplements that can help you. Some supplements support general wellbeing, where others that include omega-3s can help with acne,” explains Kylie.
Supplements that include collagen or omega-3s4 can help reduce the physical appearance of wrinkles, but supplements can’t replace a balanced diet and staying hydrated.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Last but not least, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is highly important for looking after your skin.
“Healthy skin isn’t just what you put on your skin, it also comes from the inside. That’s why maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including limiting alcohol intake, getting enough sleep and eating enough fruits and vegetables, can help keep your skin looking great,” Kylie clarified.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t only good for your skin, but your whole body as well. Your diet and your skin health are closely linked, so making sure you’re eating healthier can help your skin more than you think.
Start looking after the skin you’re in today and explore our range of skincare products.
References
1National Library of Medicine, Effect of oral hydration on skin microcirculation in healthy young and midlife and older adults, accessed 25 May 2023
2Healthdirect, Drinking water and your health, accessed 25 May 2023
3Better Health Victoria, Wrinkles, accessed 25 May 2023
4Healthline, Do you need supplements for better skin? accessed 26 May 2023