Many factors impact the skins overall health and appearance, but as a teenager sometimes the basics go missing along with the English homework from last week, never to return. Here are 5 simple and effective habits to help eliminate problematic or irritated skin.
1. Check what is going onto your body.
Skin is the largest organ of the body, it protects you, holds you together and dictates how you look and feel on a daily basis. What we put onto our skin is just as important as what we are putting into our bodies which is why natural products are becoming more popular, accessible and affordable. There are so many external factors that harm our skin, like UV damage and pollution, which makes it more important to protect your skin with healthy products, because they are absorbed into the body and also sit on your skin for a long period of time. Choose products that contain no parabens and other nasties!
2. Be conscious of what you are putting into your body.
Diet and hydration can be the making or breaking of skin irritations. As teenagers, sleeping in and rushing to finish last weeks homework makes it easy to skip the most important meal of the day – breakfast! Breakfast kick starts your metabolism, and if you don’t fuel your fire for the day you won’t be able to concentrate. This increases temptation to reach for starchy carbs and artificial sugars for energy – yes we’re talking about energy drinks! The body breaks down these carbohydrates into sugar causing spikes in energy and blood sugar levels, which can lead to irritation of the skin, and more blocked pores.
Essential fatty acids in your diet like nuts, avocado, fish and olive oils, are really important to for a clear complexion and also improve hydration. TIP: Remember that ‘water is the solution to pollution’ try and keep up the recommended intake of 2L of water a day to help flush waste through the kidneys and bowel.
3. Consistency.
Getting into a routine and sticking to it is one of the most important factors in achieving healthy skin. Your routine does not need to be complicated, it can be as simple as cleansing, toning and moisturising and can be incorporated into your showering routine each morning and night. These three should be considered staple steps in a routine – cleansing rids the skin of built up dirt and toxins (yes, this occurs while you sleep so the morning is as important as the evening!). A gentle toner replenishes the skins deeper layers of your pores with essential minerals & vitamins, and a moisturiser protects the skin for the external factors in the environment we face daily.
4. Exercise and sweat!
Exercise can positively impact your skins appearance and health as increasing blood circulation and oxygen within the body helps keep metabolic waste and the lymph moving in the body, helping to unblock clogged pores. Whether you are just jogging because you’re late to school or rolling in the mud at rugby, this sweat will be sitting on your skin full of built up oils and dirt, so the importance of cleaning the skins surface ASAP is extremely important in relieving problem skin.
Tip: take a small towel in your bag and gently wash the skin with warm water directly after exercise, before heading home to cleanse, tone and moisturise!
5. Hair & general hygiene!
Ever noticed your forehead seems to be your main problem area? Or perhaps it is that area around your nose? Oils from your hairline and bacteria from your fingers can be the biggest contributing factor to problematic skin. Take a moment today to recognize every time you touch your face and then think about every surface you have touched since washing them – gross right? The bacteria can get into small incisions or inflammation on your face and cause acne and blemishes. Keep on top of washing your hands and make a conscious effort to keep them away from your face! Keeping up with regular washing of your hair is also extremely important, excess oils from the hairline transfer to your forehead causing an imbalance in oils and acne.
By Olivia Riley-Oldham
Oxygen Skincare Brand Manager & Teen ambassador
TAPS No: PP9914
Oxygen produce a range of skin care products designed especially for teenage skin. Oxygen products contain only natural ingredients found in plants and essential oils, from the highest of quality sources. Shop for Oxygen skin care now at our secure online shop.
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