We all want happy, healthy skin that glows. But despite what beauty commercials may have you believe, there are more (and sometimes simpler) ways to achieve your skin goals. Your skin reflects your inner health and overall well-being, and by adopting some lifestyle changes, you can discover a path that leads to inner and outer health.

Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

A proper sleep schedule is essential for not only feeling well-rested but also for maintaining healthy skin. But why? Let’s break it down right here.

When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies release excess cortisol, a stress hormone that can break down collagen in the skin and lead to acne breakouts. This collagen is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. When we don’t get enough sleep, we can accelerate the aging process. 

In addition to this, sleep allows our bodies to repair and regenerate new skin cells, keeping our skin looking refreshed and glowing. For most adults, a proper sleep schedule consists of between seven and nine hours.

To learn more about its benefits, read our blog on beauty rest.

Drink water to hydrate yourself and your skin.

Did you know drinking water can keep your skin looking plump and hydrated? Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and just like a thriving garden, it needs hydration to remain healthy and grow. 

Drinking enough water helps flush toxins from our body and aids in transporting essential nutrients to our skin cells, ultimately leading to a more radiant complexion. 

Per the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, women should drink at least 11.5 glasses (approximately 92 ounces) of water per day and 15.5 glasses (approximately 124 ounces) for men.

Adopt a nutritious diet.

Eating a nutritious diet is a fundamental step in promoting healthy skin. Nutrient-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support skin health. 

These healthy options act as catalysts for many bodily functions, including:

• Helping repair and regenerate skin cells.
• Combatting free radicals.
• Maintaining collagen production.
• Hydrating skin.
• Reducing inflammation.

A balanced diet also contributes to hormonal balance, wound healing and even skin tone…and more! In short, a healthy diet can help you achieve and maintain a vibrant, youthful complexion.

Adversely, certain foods may also worsen skin issues – spicy foods or alcohol may cause rosacea to flare up. Your board-certified dermatologists can help identify potential trouble foods and, if needed, suggest dietary substitutions so you don’t miss out on important nutrients!

Wear sunscreen daily…year-round.

We all love the feeling of the warm sun on our skin, especially in South Carolina with the sand and sea nearby. However, it is vital to stay vigilant of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Wearing daily sunscreen is a powerful shield against the sun’s harmful effects. 

Among its many benefits, SPF helps you maintain an even skin tone by preventing signs of skin damage – dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 

Visit your local board-certified dermatologist.

If you are searching for solutions to healthy skin, look no further than your local board-certified dermatologist. These highly specialized skin specialists are your one-stop shop for skin treatment. 

A board-certified dermatologist has extensive knowledge and experience in taking care of skin health. They have special tools and techniques to help detect, diagnose and treat any issues that may be impacting your skin’s health and can explain the best ways to practice preventative care for future issues.

Create a clear plan for reaching your skin goals!

Looking for skincare solutions for visible results? Look no further than Charleston Dermatology! Our board-certified dermatologists are proud to serve patients across South Carolina. Contact us today to book your appointment and learn more about our cosmetic and medical dermatological services!