Many people invest a lot of time and effort to achieve healthy, glowing skin. They use all the creams, serums, and treatments on the market but rarely see the desired results. It could be because their skincare routine is not supported by the right lifestyle changes. It includes healthy eating, avoiding stress, indulging in regular physical activity, and cultivating certain other habits that benefit the skin in the long run.

Choose the right foods
Our skin and body reflect what we eat. So, make a conscious effort to add nutrient-rich foods to your everyday meals that can boost physical and mental health. Vegetables and fruits are healthier than carbohydrates like rice, bread, or any form of refined flour. Further, some nutrients in foods have unique benefits for the skin:

Vitamin C
Foods rich in vitamin C help achieve a clear, bright complexion, thanks to their natural properties that boost collagen. The best vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, bell peppers, parsley, kiwis, berries, and papaya.

Iron
You should also include iron-rich foods in your meal plan for better skin health. Iron enhances oxygen flow throughout the body, promoting healthy and radiant skin. Spinach, kale, legumes, liver, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa are the best options.

Vitamin E
Avocado, walnuts, almonds, beet greens, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and red bell peppers are rich sources of vitamin E. This vitamin is essential for skin health because it has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties that help combat free radicals produced by food and toxins in the environment. It helps enhance collagen production, fades fine lines, and keeps the skin naturally moisturized.

Get eight to ten hours of sleep
Practice this if you do not already. After a week, you may see a difference in the texture and radiance of your skin. It is mainly because quality sleep gives the body enough time to rejuvenate and repair damaged skin cells. The ideal hour to be in bed is before 10 pm, as the body tries to relax and rejuvenate between 10 pm and 2 am. Besides improving skin health, a well-rested body and mind can boost energy levels the next morning, making the day more productive.

Drink sufficient water
It is vital to keep yourself hydrated for great skin and general well-being. If possible, carry a bottle of water everywhere you go and track how much you have had during the day. Some people love adding a little natural flavor to the water by dropping in some peppermint leaves or a slice of cucumber or lime. Besides providing taste, these ingredients benefit the skin as they are a potent source of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and other skin-friendly nutrients.

Get some exercise
Regular physical activity is rewarding not only for the skin but also mental health and overall well-being. Pick your choice of workout; it could be dance, cycling, yoga, playing a sport, running, or simply hitting the gym. Exercise gets the blood flowing through the entire body, delivering oxygen. It also rids the body of excess toxins in the form of sweat and releases happy hormones that make one feel good.

Find a way to unwind
Stress can lead to sleepless nights, deepening those wrinkles and making the skin visibly dull. You may frequently find yourself in everyday problems, but it is necessary to make a conscious effort to destress. Indulge in your passion project, listen to some upbeat music, or go dancing if that is what you enjoy the most. These activities may seem insignificant but instantly elevate mood and make a person feel positive and relaxed.

Always wear a quality sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is not enough. Only an effective sunscreen will save your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Wear at least 50 SPF, and reapply if necessary. Also, avoid going out when the sun is at its peak, as it can cause more damage to the skin than you would imagine. Sun rays can contribute to aging, cause pigmentation, and manifest various skin diseases. Instead of repairing the skin, which could take forever and cost a lot, take preventative measures and follow healthy practices.

Avoid hot water and long baths
Hot water can make the skin extremely dry, increasing its sensitivity. It may also severely damage the top layer of your skin over time. Similarly, long baths play a catalyst in making the skin dry and cause it to lose its natural oils. Lukewarm water is advisable to maintain the essential oils that give the skin its elasticity and texture.