As many as 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year.
That makes acne the most common skin condition in the US. As invasive as acne can be, it's not the only skin condition that millions of Americans contend with.
Regardless of what the issue with your skin is, there are a few key things everyone can do to have better skin. It doesn't come from miracle products or expensive treatments, but it does take maintenance and commitment.
Keep reading to learn how to get amazing skin in just a few easy steps.
What Causes Bad Skin?
There are many different ways your skin can be imperfect. You might be dealing with aging, acne, or damaged skin.
Aging skin is a natural byproduct of getting older. Our body stops producing essential proteins as we age, we also lose hydration and the effects of the environment on our skin begin to show.
Acne can be caused by a number of factors. These include excess oil production, bacteria, inflammation, and clogged hair follicles.
Damaged skin is often the result of too much sun exposure. This can lead to hyperpigmentation and sunspots.
How to Get Amazing Skin
The good news is, for every skin concern there is a skin solution. And any of the above skin concerns can be improved with only a few simple steps. Read on for specific tips on how to get amazing skin.
1. Use Sunscreen
Your skin absorbs sunlight and, through that process, creates vitamin D. This vitamin is essential to our wellbeing. But too much sunlight can be more damaging than helpful.
Sunlight contains UV rays that damage your skin and connective tissue over time. This not only causes wrinkles and lines, it can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
So whether you live in a year-round summer climate or experience all four seasons, you should be applying at least an SPF 30 every day. And remember that UV rays penetrate clouds, which means you can get sun damage when you can't see the sun.
2. Stay Moisturized
Your skin needs moisturizer, especially after cleansing. Cleansing strips the skin of its natural balance of oils. Without a moisturizer, your skin will overproduce sebum which could lead to breakouts.
Your skin also needs moisturizer because it helps the skin cell regeneration process. Applying moisturizer allows new skin cells to reach the surface and old ones to be shed.
Moisturizers come in many different varieties. If you wear makeup on a daily basis, consider moisturizing cosmetics, like BB or CC creams. If you're just looking to replenish moisture and restore balance, look for oil-free formulas.
3. Stay Stress-Free
When you're under stress, your body produces cortisol. Increased levels of cortisol are associated with oily skin and a decreased ability to fight acne-causing bacteria. If you struggle with acne, it's therefore essential that you minimize your stress.
Stress can also impact your sleeping patterns. Your sleep plays a big role in how bright or dull your skin is, too.
4. Watch What You Eat
Foods like spinach and brocolli actually have the ability to cleanse your skin from the inside out. But pretty much any vegetable will benefit your skin. Especially those with vibrant colors, because they're rich in antioxidants which help with aging skin and inflammation.
While the idea that chocolate causes acne is a myth, it is true that sugar can cause skin problems. Too much sugar means your body produces less insulin, and that can lead to clogged pores.
More Health and Lifestyle Advice
There's no big secret to how to get amazing skin. All it takes is maintenance in terms of your moisturizing and sunscreen routine. It doesn't hurt to change up your diet and lifestyle as well, which will have more than just skin benefits.
And for more advice that benefits your life, be sure to check our blog regularly.