Proactive Steps for Beautiful and Healthy Skin

By Donna Stark 

You've spent hundreds of dollars on products and procedures to improve the appearance of your skin, but do you still find yourself wondering if any of them are holding true to their promises? If so, you may want to consider a different approach. Maybe, instead of slathering cream all over your body after the fact, you should try to see what you can do before the sun's rays can cause any damage in the first place. Take a look at the suggestions below on how you can proactively reduce the risk of skin damage.

Minimize Time Outdoors

This won't be an easy step if you work outdoors or just love to spend your time there, but by bringing awareness to the matter, you may be able to work out a compromise that sits well with your lifestyle. Here are some tips to consider.

• Avoid being outdoors during peak daylight hours, generally from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Utilize natural shade as much as possible or pull out an umbrella or tent
• Try to adapt your schedule so that you can take advantage of early morning and evening hours

Choose Appropriate Clothing

Choose to wear clothing that will protect your skin by blocking the sun's rays. This includes long sleeves, pants, sunglasses, and a hat. But make sure the weave of the clothing is tight enough or that it is designed specifically to be a protective garment. You don't want to think you are protected when you really aren't.

Apply Sunscreen

Be sure you are applying sunscreen, and enough of it, every day. Cover your skin generously and make sure you are hitting every spot that is exposed. From the top of your head to your ears and nose to the back of your neck and beyond, sunscreen is definitely not something to be skimpy with. The other thing to get in the habit of is to apply it repeatedly while you are outside, especially if you have been sweating or swimming a lot. Keeping a bottle by your front door serves as a great reminder!

Maintaining Beautiful and Healthy Skin

The sun provides many benefits to your overall health and wellness so go ahead and take advantage of everything it has to offer, but be particularly mindful when doing so. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to find the right balance of sunshine and protection. It's the only way to keep your skin both beautiful and healthy at the same time.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Citrus Heights, Calif.