The skinny on skin: How to keep looking healthy and youthful

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Beauty, as the saying goes, may be only skin deep. But, whether we like it or not, much of the way we see ourselves and others see us rests in how skin looks. And it may explain why the global skincare market is expected to reach $135 billion this decade, with a virtually endless supply of often high-priced anti-aging creams, sunscreens, body lotions and other products and regimes designed to protect our body’s largest organ.

Faddish and tried-and-true concoctions aside, the Shop Talk team decided to go back to basics and look at what we actually know about taking care of our skin. Here’s what we found:

Never on a sun day: Sunlight isn’t all bad – it’s needed, of course, to help our bodies make vitamin D. But too much, as research clearly shows, is bad thing. Always wear sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30, even when it’s not summer. Hats and protective clothing also help.

Out, out, damn spot: By the time we reach our 30s and 40s, our skin is often dotted with a variety of moles, beauty spots and other blemishes. It’s a good idea to get a complete once-over by a dermatologist, to look for anything out of the ordinary and catch melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, before it can become life-threatening.

(Make)up, up and away: Don’t wait till bedtime to remove your makeup. As soon as your home for the evening, gently clean your face. You’ll notice healthier skin.

Invest in your skin: Just because a moisturizer is expensive doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin, of course. But a lot of cheaper creams aren’t very effective either. Ask your dermatologist for suggestions for moisturizers that protect your skin from chemicals and pollutants and nourish it.

You are what you eat – your skin too: A variety of hard-to-digest foods, especially dairy, can find their way out of your body through your skin as acne, and trigger excessive oil production. Watch what you eat, and if you suspect your diet is affecting your skin health, speak to a dietician about healthier food options.

Sleeping beauty: Every cell and organ in your body benefits from rest, including your skin. Seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night can have a positive impact on the health of your skin.

How do you keep your skin healthy? Share your own tips and suggestions with the Shop Talk Blog community forum.

 Did you know: Cell off

Your skin sheds about 30,000 cells – every minute! In fact, it’s estimated that more than half the dust in your home is really made up of dead skin cells  (Source)

53 thoughts on “The skinny on skin: How to keep looking healthy and youthful”

  7. I have dry skin and copd so I need the best for the least outside is important (I am a woman 71) active and my ciatica is bothering me and my skin is dry started using citus lemon lotion with no perfume its helping need some youthful looking skin no matter how old I get need this greatly it helps my mental and looks good and clean not perfumey just good. I eat veg and fruit but need help my hair is thin I take medications for my lungs but am not giving up the good lord is in charge and there are things and ways He has for me just don’t know the ins and outs .

    2. Take BIOTIN daily and HAIR, SKIN & NAIL SUPPLEMENTS or PRE-NATAL VITAMINS. KRILL OIL is good for your skin and memory, also. I hope you are feeling better.

  8. Before this year I had never consistently used a serum before but now that it’s become part of my regular skincare routine I can definitely see a difference. Granted, not all serums are created equal but I’ve found a few gems that really do wonders for my skin! There are some great high-end ones out there but also some affordable drugstore formulas as well so there’s something for every budget. It’s definitely become a daily staple for me!

  14. I’m 54 and taking care of my skin is very important to me. People tell me I look younger and I think the most important thing I’ve done for my skin is to not lay out In the sun go to a tanning bed. Years ago a class I took showed a South American woman who spent much of her life in the sun. He skin had deep wrinkles. The picture next to it showed a Buddhist monk who was never in the sun and his skin was perfectly smooth. Later I learned that the sun causes 90% of the wrinkles we get.

    1. REDHEADS know how damaging the sun can be and taught from early childhood to wear a hat and to avoid the sun. Dermatologists will tell you that a “sunburned skin” is a damaged skin and warn all that lying in the sun or going to a “tanning salon” will result in damage to your skin. Stay out of the sun!

  15. I liked this article, it was well written and informative. I will definitely be using a few of these skin care tips

  20. Drinking 8 oz of water each day help keep our body hydrated and your skin will look plumping and youthful.

    1. Drink not just 8 ounces (one cup) of water daily, but 8 times that, for a total of 64 ounces, more or less! Coffee and other liquids (not alcohol) count in fulfilling your water requirement.

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