Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is perhaps the most important key to maintaining healthy skin.  Most reputable sources suggest drinking between 4–8 cups of water each day—more if it is a particularly hot day or if you are involved in activities that make you sweat.  Drinking water allows your body to hydrate from the inside out, preventing dry, irritated skin and aiding in the formation of new skin cells.

Aside from drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables with high water content such as berries, citrus, melons, celery, and fresh peppers can also ensure that you stay hydrated.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

While some sun is necessary for bodily health, too much of it can be the skin’s worst nightmare, especially for those with fair complexions.  It is recommended to apply some form of sun protection, whether it be a moderate SPF sunscreen or even a moisturizer with added SPF protection, anytime you expect to be out in the sun for more than half an hour.

Keep in mind that if you plan on swimming, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every so often even if the product claims to be water resistant.  During the summer, wide-brimmed hats and loose, breathable clothing can also help limit overexposure to harmful UV rays.

Eat Healthy

To get the most out of your skin, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet with the proper vitamins and nutrients.  Because the skin relies on a thin layer of lipid beneath the surface to stay looking radiant, there are many foods that will make the body’s job easier. Omega-3s, commonly found in fresh fish, some nuts, eggs, and canola oil, help guard against sun damage.

Antioxidants such as vitamins A,C, and E are found in leafy greens, fruits, and most vegetables.  These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals which can harm skin cells and contribute to wrinkling.

Exercise

While it may seem strange that working up a sweat can help keep skin healthy, the fact is that exercise can contribute greatly to fantastic skin.  Cardiovascular exercises which activates the circulatory system gives skin a healthy, vibrant glow, while also working to flush free radicals and other cellular waste products.

Working out also does double duty by relieving stress, which is one of the foremost causes of acne breakouts.  Those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea have also seen marked improvement after starting a new workout program.

Dial Back on Coffee, Alcohol, and Soda

Just as water is essential to keep skin looking young and bright, too much coffee, alcohol, or soda can have the opposite effect.  Because those beverages are considered diuretics, consuming them prompts the body to flush its fluids, sometimes to the point of dehydration. The result is that your skin is left looking dry and dull.  Alcohol has the additional risk of dilating facial blood vessels, causing redness that could eventually lead to permanent spidery facial veins.  Those with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may find themselves experiencing flare-ups after alcohol consumption, as well.

Maintain Cleanliness

It is important to maintain cleanliness if your goal is good-looking skin.  A person’s face is especially sensitive to build-ups of dirt or sweat, and this can cause dryness or breakouts.  Something as simple as washing your face once or twice each day with a moisturizing soap and water can significantly reduce the likelihood of acne or greasy-looking skin.

Many dermatologists recommend trying soaps without a fragrance, since the perfumes in some products can irritate skin.  In addition, it is generally better to wash with warm water, as water that is too hot has been shown to cause dryness and itchiness.

Being smart about skincare is a simple and effective way to make sure you are always looking your best.  With minimal effort and some basic changes to diet and lifestyle, anyone can keep their skin looking soft, healthy, and vibrant without spending a fortune of high-end creams and cleans.