Choose a dry brush made from natural fibers, rather than plastic bristles. Natural bristles aren’t as rough on your skin. Brush your body using short, firm strokes from your outer extremities toward your heart. Brush your legs, torso and arms. Use a softer, smaller brush for your face. Always start with dry skin and a dry brush. Brushing your skin while wet won’t achieve the same effect. Avoid dry brushing if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, like eczema or psoriasis, since the practice can irritate your skin. Even if you don’t have any of these conditions, you should also stop or decrease how often you dry brush if you notice any redness, pain, or sensitivity afterward.
Generally, you should only shower once a day for about ten minutes. Longer showers can dry out your skin. When you wash your face, splash it with cool water instead of hot water. Save hot baths for special occasions. They’re good for the soul, but not necessarily for the skin.
Make sure to clean these tools regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria. Bacteria can cause blemishes and make your skin texture appear rough. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Try only washing areas of your body that regularly become dirty or sweaty, such as feet, genitals, and armpits. For dry areas of your skin, such as elbows, shins, and forearms, you just need water.
Coconut oil. This sweet-smelling substance melts into your skin and gives it a beautiful glow. Shea butter. This moisturizer is especially good for use on your fragile facial skin. You can also apply it to your lips. Lanolin. Sheep produce lanolin to keep their wool soft and dry, and it acts as an excellent defense against cold winter air. Olive oil. For those occasions when your skin needs a deep-conditioning treatment, smooth olive oil over your body and let it seep in for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Lactic acid lotion is available from drugstores. It leaves dry, scaly skin feeling pliable and soft. Aloe vera gel is a natural option that is perfect for sensitive or sun-damaged skin.
Treat acne, whether on your face or body, with extra care. Avoid dry brushing over acne, and don’t use harsh soaps or chemicals that might exacerbate it. Eczema, rosacea and other issues associated with dry skin must be handled with care. Use products that don’t irritate your condition further, and talk to your doctor about getting a prescription to treat your skin if necessary. [8] X Expert Source Margareth Pierre-Louis, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
Cardio exercises like power walking, running, biking, or swimming. These exercises get your blood pumping and give your skin a healthy hue. Weight training exercises with dumbbells. Strengthening your muscles improves your skin tone, making it look smoother. Yoga and flexibility exercises. These types of exercises tone your muscles and make your skin look tighter.
Avocados and nuts. These contain healthy fats that your skin needs to retain its elasticity. Nutrient-rich plants. Focus on produce that contains vitamin A, E, and C, like sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, broccoli, mangoes and blueberries.
Watery fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers, lettuce, apples, and berries. Herbal tea and other tea that isn’t caffeinated. Try a glass of soda water with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing alternative. If plain water isn’t your thing, you can make flavored water by letting fruit or herbs soak in the water before drinking.
Tobacco. Tobacco stains skin and causes premature wrinkles. When it comes to damaging skin, tobacco is one of the worst culprits. Alcohol. Too much alcohol can stretch skin out, especially around and under the eyes, because it causes the body to retain water. It also reduces Vitamin A in the skin and can cause broken blood vessels. Limit alcohol to one or two drinks a few times a week. Caffeine. Drinking a lot of caffeine dehydrates your body, which has an adverse effect on your skin. Limit your coffee to one cup a day, and follow it with a big glass of water. Dairy. Studies show that consuming dairy, such as cheese and milk, can further aggravate your skin. Acne, for example, is a problem with the inflamed oil glands and the fat from the milk and cheese can further inflame the oil gland. [12] X Expert Source Margareth Pierre-Louis, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.
Apply sunscreen to your face before you leave the house, even during the winter. Use sunscreen on your neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and everywhere else that tends to get more exposure. When you’re wearing shorts or going to the beach, make sure you cover your legs, too.
Don’t scrub makeup off your face, since this can cause it to get irritated and damage the skin. Use a good makeup remover and dab it with a towel instead. Try this trick for removing eye makeup: dab a cotton swab soaked in makeup remover on your eyelashes and around your eyes. The makeup will wipe right off.
Wear gloves during the winter to keep your hands from getting chapped. Protect the rest of your body with appropriately warm clothing. Wear gloves when you’re cleaning with strong chemicals. Protect yourself from callouses by using knee pads, thick work clothes, and the proper safety equipment when you’re working under harsh conditions.
