10 Changes You Can Make Right Now That Will Improve Your Skin, Hair, and Nails

10 Changes You Can Make Right Now That Will Improve Your Skin, Hair, and Nails

Hopefully you’ve already developed some great habits for a healthy lifestyle!

Eating nutritious foods, exercising, and taking care of your body – including your skin, hair, and nails – all requires consistency and, essentially, a routine.

If you’re still not happy with the way your skin, hair, and nails look, there are a few changes you might want to consider making right now for a noticeable difference.

Below is a list 10 of those lifestyle changes you can start making (that don’t require much effort)! Like many things in life, starting a new routine requires patience, focus, and consistency.

Routine Change #1: Wash your face just once a day.

Many people wash their face in the morning and in the evening, if not more than that. However, dermatologists agree that it’s only necessary to wash your face once a day, unless you have a skin condition that requires more frequent washing, such as acne.

If your pillow is clean and your face hasn’t been exposed to dirt, grease, or other residue throughout the night, you can skip washing your face in the morning.

If you’ve gotten into the habit of washing your face to help you wake up and feel invigorated, skip the soap and instead simply rinse off your skin.

Routine Change #2: Apply moisturizer within three minutes of turning off the water.

Did you know that moisturizer does not add moisture to the skin?

This is a common misconception.

Moisturizer actually traps water in the skin and prevents it from evaporating.

When you step out of the shower or are finished washing your face at the sink, simply pat your skin dry and then apply moisturizer right away.

This will help to lock moisture in, helping your skin to remain supple, smooth, and looking its best.

And yes, moisturizer is recommended for oily skin as it can still lack water.

 

Routine Change #3: Add virgin coconut oil to your moisturizing routine.

If you’re looking for a natural, non-irritating treatment for dry skin, virgin coconut oil is the answer for you!

A study in the International Journal of Dermatology indicated that virgin coconut oil helped to reduce moisture loss in the skin among people with atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a topical skin condition or not; virgin coconut oil has been proven to be highly effective at maintaining moisture and helping skin looking its best.

Routine Change #4: Sleep on your back.

If you sleep with your face buried in a pillow, on your side, or on your stomach, you’ll probably notice dark circles and puffiness around your eyes.

These are actually the result of the blood vessels beginning to pool under the thin, delicate skin beneath the eye.

It takes a while for dark circles and puffiness to disappear, and the older you get, the longer it will take for them to leave.

Sleeping flat on your back can help you avoid these common conditions.

You can also use some great skincare products if you want to get rid of dark circles.

 

Routine Change #5: Get adequate sleep every night.

Research indicates that we should all be sleeping at least 7 to 9 hours every night.

While some people claim they can fully function on just a few hours of sleep, it’s not giving their body, skin, or brain a chance to recuperate.

Again, you should sleep for at least seven hours minimum!

If you’re not getting adequate sleep at night, you might notice puffy eyes and pale skin.

There’s also an increased rate of developing fine lines and uneven pigmentation.

Routine Change #6: Exercise.

You’ve most likely heard this before, but exercise helps to strengthen and tone muscle, increase blood circulation, and deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to every organ in the body, including the brain and skin.

Skin is the largest organ in the body. When you develop a good exercise regimen, it will receive the maximum amount of oxygen and nutrients needed to look its best.

It’s a good idea to avoid outdoor exercise between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun is at it’s peak.

Routine Change #7: Improve your diet.

When you start eating more fruits and vegetables, especially darker greens, yellows, and reds, it will have a direct impact on your skin tone, hair, and nails.

Fruits and vegetables with those darker colors combat free radicals and keep skin looking younger.

Research from the University of Nottingham found that people who consumed higher portions of fruits and vegetables had preferable skin color than those who sat out in the sun to tan.

Routine Change #8: Minimize exposure to the sun.

Sure, you want that incredible looking tan, but the longer you spend under the direct glare of the sun, especially in the summer months, the more damage it’s going to cause to your skin.

The sun will definitely ramp up the aging process. Although you may not notice fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots in your 20s and 30s, they’ll show up in your 40s and 50s!

Wearing the right clothing, applying sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher, and wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can keep your skin safe.

Routine Change #9: Consider silica.

Most people have not heard of silica, but a study at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Pharmacy revealed that women’s hair was strengthened, thickened, and improved in elasticity when they were given 10 mg of silica every day for nine months.

While your body only needs a trace amount of silica, it’s essential for your health – especially for your skin and scalp. Silica stimulates blood flow to the scalp which encourages hair growth. It also strengthens nails and is necessary for skin’s connective tissue.

Silica can be found in coffee, mineral water, whole grains, lettuce, and carrots, or you can take silica supplements.

Routine Change #10: Protect your hair from the sun.

When you’re going to be spending time outside, don’t forget about protecting your hair!

The sun’s rays can cause damage from the cuticle to the inner layer.

Excessive sun exposure can cause frizziness, dryness, and weakness. Your hair can become brittle and more prone to split ends.

Believe it or not, sunscreen can be just as beneficial at protecting hair as skin. Use a leave-in conditioner or hairspray with UV protector, or wear a hat or scarf.

Final Thoughts

If you start incorporating these 10 lifestyle changes in your routine now, you’ll see better skin, nails, and hair in no time!