You may not think of skin as being a defensive organ, but it is! Our skin provides a layer of protection from head to toe against all the crud the environment throws at us every day. Maintaining a strong skin barrier is the first step to help prevent damage, stress, dehydration, or anything else that can compromise the skin. A critical part of that step includes a healthy microbiome, or invisible eco-system of good bacteria that lives on the skin, to help keep it in fighting condition. When skin is in a balanced, harmonious state, it’s a winning combo for keeping good stuff in and bad stuff out. But when skin health is off, the guard comes down. Keep skin in a healthy place with these five happy-skin habits:
Be gentle to skin. Harsh cleansers can mess up the healthy balance of good and bad bacteria and rob skin’s ability to protect itself. Skin redness, dullness or super dry or oily spots are all telltale signs your microbiome is off. Keep defenses up with a pH skin balancing, conditioning cleanser that removes pore-clogging dirt and face makeup effectively (hint: look for sulfate-free surfactants on the label). We recommend Artistry Youth Xtend™ Rich Cleansing Foam for the face or G&H Nourish+™ Body Wash for the body. After washing, gently pat skin dry with a towel so you don’t lose all that helpful hydration. And always follow up with a moisturizer, like Artistry Youth Xtend™ Enriching Cream for the face or G&H Nourish+™ Body Lotion that improves skin’s moisture levels (up to 129%!).
Pack skin with protection. Skin is our largest organ and needs to be protected for optimal skin condition. Start every day with a skincare routine that includes free-radical busting antioxidants and a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30+. We recommend essentials by Artistry™ Multi-Protect Lotion SPF 30 UVA/UVB. And when it comes to the sun, take breaks in the shade or wear protective clothing, like a hat or long sleeves too. Not going outside? Sunscreen still matters for skin protection from blue light on devices and screens.
Repair skin while you rest. Night-time is an excellent time to revitalize skin, so it is ready for the next day of potential insults. Adopt a nightly skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and a deep moisturizer for moisture barrier repair. We recommend the Artistry Youth Xtend™ skincare products that fit your skin type. Pay attention to skin often exposed to the environment or frequent washing too, like hands. We recommend using a gentle exfoliator, followed by the Artistry Signature Select™ Hydrating Mask and G&H Nourish+™ Hand Cream while you snooze.
Focus within for visibly healthy skin. Skin health is not just an outside job, a healthy diet on the inside makes a big difference in your skin’s condition. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins help the body function its best – and look great too. We recommend adding a multivitamin like, Nutrilite™ Double X™ or Nutrilite™ Daily to make sure your body (and skin!) gets all the nutrients needed. And always drink plenty of water to keep skin well hydrated.
Stress less for your skin’s sake. Lifestyle plays an important role in skin health too – hello, stress skin! Stress can trigger skin sensitivity, irritation, acne and other skin problems that cause an imbalance. Managing your stress can do more than clear your mind, it can help clear your skin too. Try getting a good night of sleep, delegating a to-do list or going for a walk with a friend. And if skin struggles persist, we recommend Artistry Hydra-V™ Replenishing Cream to help soothe and calm irritated skin.
Don’t underestimate the power of your healthy skin! Develop healthy skin habits now to keep skin’s defense on guard and win with optimal skin condition.
