The summer’s biggest trend is healthy-looking skin, and it’s no secret that it starts from the inside out. Uncovering the road map to summer glow can be a challenge, so we’ve got some tips to make sure you’re beaming all year long.
Drink water
Skin cells, much like your other cells, are made up of water. Without it, skin can become dry, flaky and lackluster. Dehydration, the effect of not drinking enough water, can weaken your skin, making it less resilient to toxins, and playing directly against your goals of having healthy, glowing skin. It can be hard to tell how much to drink, or how often. Since the water you drink will reach all of your internal organs before it hits your surface organ (yes, your skin is an organ), it’s important that you drink at least 8 glasses a day to ensure your cells are being well nourished.
Moisturize
You owe a lot to your moisturizer. A good one keeps your skin quenched and nutrients a-flowing, which can help you achieve more radiance overall. As the seasons change, so do your skin’s needs, so it’s important to switch them up throughout the year. While thicker creams may suit dry, cracked skin through the winter months, this may give you more coverage than needed during the hotter ones. There are many moisturizers on the market, some including ingredients that promise an instant plump or perk, others with extra markings we can’t pronounce, but our advice? In the summer, opt for a water-based formula with SPF. It’s the perfect antidote to envelop your skin with moisture without overwhelming it with product, leaving it happy, healthy and protected. Alternatively, a hydrating gel like this one can help restore radiance to your skin tone and promote skin elasticity and firmness.
Eat your greens
You are what you eat, and when it comes to skin care, there is no exception. Foods high in vitamin C and antioxidants work hard to support your immune system, but they also fight free-radicals and infection, ultimately aiding in blemish-healing. Vitamin C is also crucial for collagen production, strengthening the blood vessels that support your skin, resulting in a healthier, more youthful glow. Try this smoothie for a great lift in beauty-boosting nutrients.
Exfoliate
Your skin is in a constant state of renewal. Though it means fresh skin is coming to surface, it also means it is forced to fight through the dead skin piled onto dead skin. This leaves you with a buildup, resulting in dull, rough, dry-looking skin that could use a buff. Exfoliation, or the removal of that dead skin, is an important part of any anti-aging routine and should be a mainstay for anyone experiencing blemishes or clogged pores. Though this may sound like something you should leave for the experts, it can be just as easily done at home. For instant glow, a sugar scrub should do the trick! Grab half a cup of organic brown sugar, ½ a cup of coconut oil and a couple of drops of the essential oils of your choice. Mix ingredients up and store in an airtight jar. Use 1 tablespoon once a week in the shower. Scrub skin and rinse well. We promise, your skin will thank you!
Sleep
Beauty sleep is anything but a fairy tale. Your body does so many things while you rest, including making sure you look your brightest for the day to come. Your skin creates collagen while you sleep, so skimping on the z’s can invite more wrinkles than are welcome. Ever notice those bags under your eyes when you’ve had less than 20 winks? That’s no accident. Sleep allows your body to reset its hydration levels. When you don’t get enough, your skin pays the price. Make sure you’re getting at least 8 hours of shut- eye to make sure you beam all summer long. If the sandman isn't quite sweeping you away, try supplementing for sound, restful sleep.
Sources
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. (November, 2016) The Benefits of Drinking Water for Your Skin.
- The Importance of Exfoliation. (2013, November).
- The BBC Good Food. (2016, March). Eat your way to fabulous skin.
- Jacob, S. (2015, November.) WebMD. The Truth About Beauty Sleep.
