Your skin is important to your overall wellbeing, as well as being a key marker of your age. As the first line of defence against the world around you, your skin is like a soldier that – as the commanding officer – you need to keep in tip-top shape. Anti-ageing wellness expert Tanisha Herrin, creator of Inspire Creations, explains, ‘The skin can take up to 28 days to replace damaged and dead cells part of skin production. Because the skin is a significant protective barrier constantly working to regulate body temperature and provide essential support to the nervous and immune systems, it is important to make healthy choices when it comes to your skin…Proper skin care includes understanding what your skin needs in order to stay healthy. This includes reviewing skin-related issues and concerns with a dermatologist and how to treat/prevent skin illnesses and disorders.’ Let’s take a closer look at the skincare tips you need to know.
1. Vitamins and Minerals: ‘Consume essential vitamins and minerals,’ Herrin instructs. ‘To help you skin retain its natural glow and maintain moisture, seek vitamins and minerals good for skin health such as vitamins A, E, C, and K. Such vitamins help reduce environmental effects skin is commonly exposed to such as UV rays and air pollution. Essential nutrients can help reduce signs of ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, and skin dryness) and improve skin appearance.’
2. Know Your Skin Type: ‘Have a unique understanding of your skin type,’ Herrin advises. ‘This will make a difference in understanding how skin care products, certain foods, and even lifestyle habits affect your skin health. Discuss skin concerns with a dermatologist or skin specialist.’
3. Adopt Good Skincare Habits: Herrin recommends, ‘Practice good habits with a simple skin care regimen. You can review options available based on your skin type. This can include using a good cleanser and moisturiser in the morning or before you go to bed.’
4. Use Quality Skincare Products: ‘Consider natural and organic skin products,’ suggests Herrin. ‘Take time to read labels and research ingredients you are unfamiliar with. This includes any product you use on the skin including lotions, soaps, cleansers, makeup and sunscreen.’
5. Drink Water: Herrin outlines, ‘Drink plenty of water. Water helps skin stay hydrated and get rid of unnecessary toxins. If you are not drinking enough water this may lead to dry flaky skin.’
6. Eat a Balanced Diet: ‘Eat a well-balanced diet,’ Herrin enthuses. ‘A blend of fresh fruits and vegetables can offer important antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta carotene. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help. A good diet can help the skin repair and protect itself from free radicals that cause skin damage.’
7. Use Proper Skin Protection: Herrin cautions, ‘Use proper skin protection. All year round you should be on guard when it comes to protecting skin from harmful UV rays. Just keep in mind as the season changes you may need to switch skincare products. Use recommended SPF sunscreen protection and consider protective clothing and accessories such as hats, long sleeves and sunglasses.’
8. Exercise More Often: You should ‘exercise regularly,’ says Herrin. ‘Increased blood flow encourages good oxygen circulation through the skin and body. These elements provide nourishment for skin cells that are constantly developing.’
9. Talk with a Dermatologist: ‘Get expert advice,’ Herrin asserts. ‘Talk to your doctor about skin concerns or get a recommendation to see a dermatologist. Get answers to questions about your skin and learn the best options available to help you take good care of it.’