10 Ways To Have Beautiful Skin
Article and Video By Dr. Willie T. Ong (Internist and Cardiologist)
While
it is true that the aging process cannot be stopped, there are still
many things we can do to delay and slow down aging. So no matter what
age you are, let us learn how to have beautiful and healthy-looking
skin.
1. Avoid the sun -- Sunlight is the primary cause of wrinkles
and aging. Thus, we should avoid the sun from 10 AM to 3 PM. Use a
sunscreen daily that has at least an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30.
It may seem that young people are immune to the deadly rays of the sun.
However, be aware that the wrinkles and age spots will come out 15 to 20
years after sun exposure. Therefore, wear a hat, bring an umbrella, and
avoid the sun.
2. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol -- Studies show
that cigarette smoking can double the fine lines on your face. Smoking
also decreases your cell's oxygen content and slows down the skin's
ability to repair itself. Constant puffing will cause wrinkles to form
around the mouth area. Similarly, alcohol can damage your blood vessels
and dehydrate the skin. Heavy drinking can result in puffy and wrinkled
skin, giving your skin a dull and lifeless look.
3. Be
weather-conscious -- Skin can be damaged by very hot or very cold
weather. Strong wind, dust and pollution cause wrinkles to form in your
face. By all means, avoid riding a motorcycle because the wind, sun and
dust will damage your beautiful skin.
4. Get enough sleep -- Sleeping
and resting are the easiest way to boost your energies. At night, try
to go for 8 hours of sleep. This will help your body regenerate and give
you a vibrant-looking skin.
5. Limit stress -- Stress and too much
work are factors that hasten the aging process. If you're a workaholic,
it is possible that your calendar age is 40 years old, but you already
have the arteries of a 55-year-old man. Conditions like diabetes and
heart disease can age you faster than normal.
6. Clean your face --
After a long day, you should clean your skin thoroughly. My wife, Dr.
Liza Ong, uses cotton balls dabbed in an alcohol-based astringent to
clean her face. Cleaning the face will remove dirt, excess oil, make-up
and dead skin cells.
7. Moisturize your skin -- After cleaning your
face, you can use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizer
is especially helpful if you have dry, flaky skin. The cheeks and neck
areas are the usual dry areas, while the eyebrows and nose area are the
usual oily areas.
8. Be gentle -- When touching your face, like
washing or applying creams and make-up, be sure to use gentle strokes.
The skin around the eyes is particularly thin and prone to wrinkles. Use
light, upward strokes, rather than dragging your skin downwards. As we
age, the loss of skin elasticity and the pull of gravity cause our skin
to sag.
9. Use clever make-up -- Choose make-up products containing
UV filters and skin-nourishing ingredients. Use the latest
light-reflecting kinds of foundations, concealers and powders. These
products bounce off light and make your skin look younger and smoother.
10.
Eat wisely -- Eat lots of colorful fruits, vegetables and salads.
Choose high-fiber foods. Foods with vitamins A, C, and E are beneficial
for the skin. Vitamin A, found in carrots and spinach, repairs skin
tissues. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits like orange and lemon, is
used for collagen production and keeps the skin firm. Moreover, drink 8
to 10 glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated and firm.
Finally, it's wise to consult your dermatologist for your skin concerns. Good luck.