Healthy skin comes (mostly) from the inside out.
To maintain healthy skin, here are some points you may want to consider.
- The antioxidants in colorful fruits and vegetables can help you maintain radiant skin. Omega 3 fatty acids, which can be found in flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and seaweed, may also help your skin stay smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Smoking is a stress on your skin, and can damage it, leading to fine lines and sagging skin.
- Want to avoid bags and dark rings under your eyes? Make sure you get the right amount of sleep for you. Everyone’s needs are different, but getting fewer than six hours of sleep a night will make you feel, and look, tired.
- Stress increases your cortisol levels, which has a number of effects on the skin, from decreased moisture to inflammation. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness exercises, can relax facial muscles, decrease inflammation, and restore essential moisture to your skin.
- And now for the thing that comes from the outside. If you spend time outdoors, use a sunscreen to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. And remember, the winter sun has the same damaging rays.
Finally, some things that may sound healthy, could actually be problems for your skin. Relying on juicing to the exclusion of real foods can deprive your skin of needed nutrients. And hot yoga can result in heat rashes, skin discoloration and breakouts. So always discuss latest trends with your doctor or dermatologist before you make them part of your routine.
Dr. Lauren Adams is a board-certified dermatologist and lifestyle medicine physician at Westchester Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Mount Kisco. For an appointment, call 914-242-2020.
Dr. Lauren Adams is a board-certified dermatologist who sees patients at her office at her office in Mount Kisco. For an appointment, call 914-242-2020.