6 Tips for Healthy Summer Skin

Looking for some proven tips for healthy skin going into the summer? Here is everything you need to know.

The Importance of Healthy Skin

As the largest organ in the body, the skin is the barrier that protects you against a host of germs and environmental toxins each day. In order for this organ to work at maximum levels, it needs to be taken care of so that it is as healthy as possible. Healthy skin will work to keep out potentially harmful viral, fungal and bacterial infections. As a bonus, taking care of the health of your skin will also make it look clearer and more radiant.

Summer can be particularly harsh on your skin. The dry air combined with the heat and the searing sun can damage skin or leave it looking parched and unhealthy. This is why it is especially important to take active steps to take care of your skin heading into this season.

The Difference Between Hydration and Moisturization

Understanding the best ways to treat your skin starts with knowing the difference between hydration and moisturization. Hydration and moisture are two separate influences that your skin needs to look, feel and perform at its best. While hydrating skincare ingredients attract water to the surface on the outermost layer of the skin, products that are moisturizing work by lubricating the skin so that critical water does not escape.

The labeling of skincare products can often make it challenging to discern whether what you are using on your skin is moisturizing or hydrating. The key in choosing the right product is to know what ingredients are best for your specific skincare needs. Ingredients that are known as hydrators include glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids and hyaluronic acid. Conversely, moisturizing ingredients include mineral oil and lanolin.

Although there is some level of overlap in these ingredients, there is a good chance that your skin needs one more than the other. This makes it important that you understand your specific skin type so that you can ensure that you are choosing the best formulated products for your specific needs.

Tips for Healthy Skin

So what can you do to promote healthy skin both now and in the future? Here are a few of the best tips that you can employ today so that your skin is ready for the potentially brutal effects of the summer months.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

The cardinal rule when it comes to skin health is to be diligent about protecting it from the sun. This means that you need to lather up on sunscreen any time that you head outside. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. You can also protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays with protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and by sitting in the shade.

Visit the Dermatologist Regularly

A professional skincare expert will be able to advise you how to best care for your skin. An annual visit to the dermatologists will also boost the odds that you are catching potentially dangerous issues such as skin cancer.

Lean on Supplements

The use of a targeted supplement is another great tool in your arsenal of ways to support healthy skin. A supplement such as Dermachron uses a unique mix of nutrients to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other forms of premature aging. The supplement will also nourish the skin and protect against harmful environmental elements.

Nourish Your Body

What you put into your body has a direct impact on the health of your skin. In addition to eating a diet rich in whole foods, you would be wise to be purposeful about taking in plenty of antioxidants because of the protection that they offer against free radicals. In particular, vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Use the Right Skin Care Products

You will see the greatest success with your skincare routine if you are using the right products for your specific skin type. To do this, you need to know if you have oily, dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin. A dermatologist can help you to zero in on the type of skin that you have so that you can make informed skincare decisions. Like nearly any aspect of your health, you will see greater benefits if you use natural products.

Don't Smoke

Nothing will deteriorate the health of your skin faster than smoking. This bad habit causes wrinkling to happen at a faster rate, making your skin look older in the process. Smoking robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients while also making it appear paler because of the decreased blood flow. Lastly, smoking also damages the crucial collagen and elastin in the skin, making it appear more saggy and less firm.

You do not need to spend hours at the day spa in order to enjoy healthy and beautiful skin. Following these simple tips will provide your skin with the nourishment that it needs.