A healthy lifestyle is of paramount importance in today’s society. The health benefits of living a healthy life go far beyond physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), engaging in preventative health measures can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases by as much as 80%. Furthermore, Harvard Health Publishing has found that a healthier lifestyle may help increase longevity, reduce medical expenses, improve moods and energy levels, and promote better overall health.
Exercising regularly is one of the main components of a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight and keep weight-related diseases such as diabetes at bay. Nutrition plays another crucial role in staying healthy. Eating various nutritious foods from all five food groups – vegetables and fruits, grains, proteins, dairy products, and oils – will help ensure that our bodies receive the essential vitamins and minerals they need to function correctly. Adequate sleep is also necessary for sustaining good health as it helps our bodies to recover on a cellular level after an entire day’s activities. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults should aim for 7–9 hours each night for optimal functioning during their day-to-day activities.
However, many are quick to dismiss skincare as part of health maintenance. It is essential to overall health, as it serves to lubricate and protect our bodies from the sun, chemicals, and other environmental hazards. Here are a few tips to help you set up a basic skincare routine for a healthier you.
Understand Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is the first step in building an effective skincare routine. People generally have one of four skin types: normal, dry, oily, or combination. Knowing which one you are will help you pick products that suit your needs and give you the best results.
- Normal Skin: Normal skin tends to be soft and supple with no significant problems. They may experience occasional blemishes but nothing too serious.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin lacks natural oils and tends to feel tight, flaky, and itchy after washing. It can also become easily irritated by strong soaps or cleansers with harsh chemicals.
- Oily Skin: Oily skin produces excess oil, which makes it more prone to acne breakouts due to the buildup of bacteria and dirt. It tends to look shiny and has visible pores.
- Combination Skin: A combination skin is a mix of dry and oily areas, usually on the forehead, nose, and chin (known as the T-zone). It can be tricky to get this type of skin balanced as it requires products that cater to both types.
It will be challenging to diagnose yourself when you don’t have a dermatologist to help you. The best way is to look at the areas of your skin most affected and note what they feel like, how greasy it is, or if there’s any redness or irritation.
Choose Your Products Carefully
Once you know your skin type, it’s time to pick the products that suit you best. A good skincare routine should include a cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and sunscreen.
The cleanser removes dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin while maintaining its natural oils. Choose a gentle product that suits your skin type, and avoid using soap, as it can be too harsh for most people’s skin. Look for ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that help keep your skin’s moisture balanced.
Moisturizers are essential in any skincare routine regardless of skin type, as they provide hydration and protection from environmental stressors. Be sure to pick a moisturizer that matches your skin type and use it day and night.
Toner helps to balance the pH level of your skin, removes any residue after cleansing, and prepares the skin for other products such as serums or oils. Avoid toners with alcohol, as they can be too harsh and dry for most people’s skin.
If you have dark circles under your eyes, you might have to add another product to your skincare regimen. Pixi eye patches for dark circles will help hydrate, reduce puffiness, and brighten the under-eye area.
Finally, you should apply sunscreen every morning before you go outside as it helps protect your skin from damaging UV rays. SPF 30 is recommended for adequate protection.
Be Consistent With Your Skincare Routine
Once you have picked the products that suit your needs, it’s time to build a consistent routine. The essential step would be to cleanse, tone, moisturize (with an eye cream if necessary), and apply sunscreen daily. For extra hydration or spending a lot of time in the sun, add a serum or facial oil before applying sunscreen for added protection and moisture retention.
It is important to remember that your skin will take time to adjust to the new routine. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. With consistency, your skin will eventually thank you for it!
Final Thoughts
Having a consistent skincare routine is essential for healthy and glowing skin. Knowing your skin type will help you pick the right products that suit your needs, while consistency will ensure that your skin has the hydration and protection it needs to thrive. So choose wisely, be consistent, and watch as your skincare journey starts to bring out the best in you!
