As another year winds down to a close and we begin to think about our resolutions for the upcoming year, we’re typically left asking ourselves one question: how can we be healthier? And on top of that, how can our skin be healthier, too?

Thankfully, there are quite a few healthy habits you can pick up that are good for your mind, body, and skin. Take a look and see which healthy habits you’re going to resolve to bring with you into the new year.

Eat Well

Just as the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” This continues to be true as study after study has revealed that what we put into our bodies has a large impact on how we feel and how we look. Foods that have been shown to help improve your skin include lean proteins such as salmon, yogurt, eggs, and beans. Lean protein will also help you have more energy, fight hunger pangs and maintain a healthy blood-sugar balance. 

Sleep More

There is nothing quite as important as making sure you are getting enough sleep at night. A good night’s sleep can affect your mood, your metabolism and, of course, your skin. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night to keep yourself from looking and feeling cranky, depressed and negative. Every system in your body, including your inner-beautification capabilities, is affected by the quality and amount of sleep you get.

Get Active

Elle Woods said it best, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” In addition to boosting your mood, regular exercise will also help you stay calm, boost the activity of your white blood cells, and increase your level of beta-endorphins, which is good for your skin. It also has immense anti-inflammatory benefits that help fight stress hormones. A good goal is to add at least 30 minutes of exercise to your routine, five days a week.

Slow Down

Oftentimes, our days are filled with distractions and stressors. From staying connected to work through phone calls and emails, to packing our schedule full of events, errands, and obligations, it’s no wonder that most of us have little to no downtime. But one of the most important things you can do for your health is to take a timeout. Set aside at least 10 minutes every day to just sit and unplug. Give yourself a break and help your mind slow down — the health of your mind, body, and skin depends on it.

Moisturize More

We say it time and time again: moisturize! Especially now that the weather is getting colder and the air is drying out, it is extremely important that you keep your skin moisturized. Additionally, you need to make sure the inside of your body stays moisturized, too. Fill up on water and make sure you stay hydrated. There are many different ways to calculate the appropriate amount of water for you to drink based on your age, height, and weight. However, a good rule of thumb is to strive to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Looking for more healthy skin habits? Schedule an appointment with Charleston Dermatology today!