Skin protection is a lifelong pursuit requiring daily vigilance. One jar of anti-wrinkle cream will never be enough to keep your skin’s healthy look. Learn skin care practices that keep your skin looking beautiful every day and protect it from potential damage.

Never Skip Sunscreen 

Sunscreen protects you from the UV rays that cause skin cancer. Those UV rays also cause premature wrinkling and age spots. To keep your skin beautiful, apply sunscreen to your face and the exposed areas of your body daily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology you need at least SPF 30, and you need an ounce of it (about the amount that will fit into a shot glass) to cover your exposed skin. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, and 15 minutes before putting on your makeup.

Invest in Organic Makeup

Image via Flickr by vchili

We wear makeup to highlight our skin’s best features while hiding its worst. Some makeup contains harsh chemicals that contribute to skin irritation and even damage the endocrine system. Phthalates, parabens, BHA, and other ingredients common in makeup are some of the culprits. Read ingredient labels before purchasing makeup. Go organic to ensure your makeup contains only natural ingredients.

Don’t Dry It Out

Using a daily and an evening moisturizer will keep your skin from becoming dry and flaky. If you find you have to apply moisturizer more often than the label recommends you might have a humidity problem in your home. Low humidity causes dry air, which sucks moisture from your skin and can cause dry skin and irritation. When your skin is dry, fine lines and small flaws become more obvious. Give your moisturizer some assistance by getting a whole home humidifier

Drink Lots of Water

Your skin requires both internal and external hydration to stay healthy and look its best. While researchers are still studying the exact benefits water offers your skin, if you drink enough water you’ll start to notice better skin hydration and slightly more plumpness. The key is drinking enough water on a regular basis. Water doesn’t prevent wrinkles, but it does help your skin look its best. Get in the habit of rehydrating so your skin always has an extra hydration boost.

Nix the Cigarettes

Image via Flickr by SmartSignBrooklyn

Along with various types of cancer, throat ailments, and respiratory problems, cigarettes are also rough on your skin. When you pucker your mouth around a cigarette several times a day you create a pattern of fine lines. After years of smoking, those lines become ingrained around your lips in a feathering pattern. The tobacco in cigarettes dries out and discolors your skin. Ask to see the hands of a long-time smoker. You’ll be able to tell where they hold their cigarettes thanks to discoloration.

Caring for your skin is not a one-step process. Engage in the right behaviors morning and evening to keep your skin looking its best. Protecting your skin from UV rays, chemicals, and other damaging elements helps both your skin’s appearance and its health for years to come.

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