Originally written August 11, 2020

Your skin is one of the most visible parts of your body and your body’s first major defense organ. Keeping skin healthy is important for more than just your appearance. It prevents germs from entering your body and provides protection for your bones, muscles, and internal organs. It also helps regulate your body temperature.

With the heat continuing to pick up this summer, let's dive into six ways to protect and nourish your skin.

In This Article...

1. Wear sunscreen
2. Remove makeup
3. Moisturize
4. Avoid smoking
5. Eat a healthy diet
6. Reduce alcohol consumption and increase hydration

1. Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen protects our skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. An overexposure to UV rays can cause a range of issues from sunburn to skin cancer, not to mention fine lines and loss of elasticity, which makes skin age prematurely. If you’re going to spend time in the sun, you should wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. Anything less is ineffective. The lighter your skin, the higher the SPF should be. SPF 30 to 50 sunscreen should be applied to the face, scalp, ears, and neck, where the majority of skin cancers occur.

2. Remove makeup

According to Dr. Neela Rao, a CEENTA facial plastic surgeon from our Fort Mill office, "Removing makeup every night is necessary for skin health. Build-up of dirt and grease can clog your pores, leading to acne and blackheads. It is important to use a gentle make-up remover without alcohol, which strips the skin of essential oils."

3. Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated prevents dry, red, and itchy skin. Stick to non-greasy and water-based moisturizers and those that contain hyaluronic acid or vitamin C for additional support.

4. Avoid Smoking

Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin, making it look dusky and impairing its ability to regenerate and heal. It also deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients that healthy skin needs. Additionally, it damages the collagen and elastin that make your skin strong and elastic. In addition, smoking can increase your risk of skin cancer.

5. Eat a healthy diet

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are known to promote healthy skin. Foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 oils are particularly beneficial. 

On the other hand, foods that are high in sugar or dairy products may contribute to inflammation and breakouts, so enjoy those in moderation.

6. Reduce alcohol consumption and increase hydration

"Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can make your skin look volume-depleted," says Dr. Rao. Staying well-hydrated can help your skin look more vibrant and supple. The simplest way to keep your skin hydrated is to increase your water intake. Typically, it is recommended to drink at least eight cups of water per day. The summer heat will naturally cause that number to increase, so plan for around twelve cups minimum just to be safe.

Skin care at CEENTA

If you want to give your skin a more youthful look, schedule an appointment at CEENTA. From skin care products to cosmetic facial plastic surgery, our doctors can help give the work you do to keep your skin healthy an extra boost.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.