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

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)