Have no time for a full skincare routine? You can still pamper yourself by learning the basics. A healthy lifestyle and good skincare can help to slow down the aging process and prevent a variety of skin issues. Start with these five straightforward ideas.

1. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen.

One of the most important aspects of skin care is protecting your skin from the sun. Over time, sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.

Follow these steps to get the most comprehensive sun protection:

Apply sunscreen to your face and body. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.

Look for a shady spot. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Put on some “safety equipment”. Long-sleeved shirts with tight weaves, long trousers, and wide-brimmed hats will keep your skin safe. Consider UV-protective laundry additives, which provide an extra layer of UV protection for a specific number of washes, or special UV-blocking clothing.

2. Quit smoking

Smoking causes wrinkles and age spots on the skin. Smoking causes the small blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin to constrict, reducing blood flow and making the skin paler. This reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients available to the skin, both of which are necessary for skin health.

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. Furthermore, wrinkles may be exacerbated by smoking-related facial expressions such as pursing your lips while inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep smoke out.

Additionally, smoking increases the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer. The best way to protect your skin is to stop smoking. Seek advice or treatments from your doctor to help you quit smoking.

 

3. Take care of your skin.

Daily cleansing and shaving will harm your skin. To keep things simple:

Bathing should be limited to a few minutes. Hot water and long showers or baths deplete the natural oils in your skin. Reduce the time you spend in the bath or shower, and use warm water instead of hot.

Strong soaps are not recommended. Strong soaps and detergents deplete the natural oils in your skin. Choose gentle cleaners instead.

Shave with care. To protect and lubricate your skin before shaving, use shaving cream, lotion, or gel. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction of hair growth rather than against it.

Allow to dry naturally. To keep some moisture in your skin after you’ve washed or bathed, gently pat or blot it dry with a towel.

Moisture should be applied to dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type. Daily use of an SPF moisturizer is recommended.

4. Eat a balanced diet

A well-balanced diet will improve your appearance and health. Large amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should all be consumed. Although there is no conclusive evidence linking diet to acne, some research suggests that a diet rich in fish oil or fish oil supplements and low in unhealthy fats, processed or refined carbohydrates may promote younger-looking skin. It’s as simple as drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

5. Take care of your stress

Stress causes your skin to become more sensitive, resulting in acne breakouts and other skin problems. To promote healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Get enough sleep, set reasonable boundaries, reduce your to-do list, and make time for your favorite activities. The results could be more dramatic than you expect.

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