Skin can lose elasticity for several reasons, and it’s not always a simple case of aging. Weight loss, sun exposure, poor diet and unhealthy habits such as smoking or abusing alcohol regularly can all contribute to skin damage. To keep our skin looking and feeling its best for as long as possible, we need to be proactive in our skincare regimen. While some may choose to undergo surgery or cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines or tighten loose skin, there are several more natural ways to improve the condition of our skin. Here are five simple steps to incorporate into your lifestyle.
1. Eat the right foods
To keep the skin firm and supple, you need to maintain a nutritious diet featuring key food types which support skin health. For example, brazil nuts and pomegranate juice contain selenium and anthocyanins respectively, which promote strength and elasticity. Foods like blueberries, which contain a high level of antioxidants, can help to tackle toxicity in the skin. If you’re really keen on overhauling your diet to improve the appearance of wrinkles and get firmer skin, take a look at this article on the Huffington Post, 8 Foods That Fight Wrinkles.
2. Boost your vitamin intake
Increasing your intake of certain vitamins can improve the skin’s elasticity and prevent sun damage. Specifically, vitamins A, B, and E have been found to be particularly helpful in the maintenance and protection of healthy and firm skin. In fact, recent research has shown that Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C from Abundance & Health can make skin up to 61% firmer. Vitamin B can also improve skin hydration which is why it is often used in skin creams.
3. Get regular exercise
While exercise is essential for our health in general, it can also help to keep skin firm by promoting circulation and toning muscles which will keep the body tight. Squats, lunges, push-ups and working with small weights are all simple but effective ways to tone the body, but you can also exercise your facial muscles and your neck without setting foot inside a gym.
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4. Drink plenty of water
To keep the skin hydrated and supple, you should try to drink plenty of water each day. Between 1-2 liters is typically recommended, but this will vary from person to person depending on their age, weight and activity level. Drinking water also helps to flush out toxins in your system which could contribute to blocked pores and acne.
5. Use a high-quality moisturizer
Your daily skin care regimen should also include facial masks, exfoliation, and a high quality toner and moisturizer. For example, tretinoin is an FDA approved retinoid which increases collagen in the skin which is responsible for the elasticity and plumpness. It can also promote and stimulate new blood vessels, which helps reduce the appearance of age spots and gives the skin a rosy glow. A couple of ingredients you should look for in a moisturizer includes glycolic acid, retinol, and resveratrol.