To really take care of ourselves and keep ourselves feeling good we need to be mindful of what we put into and onto our bodies. Body care can mean different things to different people but can include mindfully washing with soap and water after going to the bathroom to prevent UTIs. Using laundry detergent without synthetic fragrances which can irritate sensitive skin. As well as eating foods that promote hair growth such as green leafy vegetables like broccoli since hair is mostly made up of protein. Here are 15 body basics you should know.
1. Use the correct cleanser for your skin type
You can’t just use any cleanser. To keep your skin in tip-top shape, you need to cleanse it with a product that’s formulated for your specific skin type. For example, people with dry skin will want to look for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip their skin of its natural oils, while people with oily or combination skin might want a foaming or gel formula designed to give excess oil a fighting chance. Use these tips and tricks to discover body care which cleansing products are best for you!
2. Don’t use too many products
In addition to knowing your hair and skin type, it’s essential to stick with a few basic products and routines. When we use too many different products or switch them up too often, we run into problems like clogged pores, oily patches, breakouts and more. To have consistently healthy looking skin and hair, stick with just a handful of products—like
- Cleanser,
- Toner and moisturizer for your face;
- Body wash or bar soap for your body;
- Sunscreen for your face and neck.
- Shampoo/conditioner for your hair;
- Leave-in conditioner/oil for frizz control.
3. Moisturize both day and night
Your skin loses moisture every day, even if you’re not aware of it. But there are steps you can take to keep your skin hydrated. Always moisturize both day and night, because that’s when your skin needs it most. At night, it’s best to use a product that contains natural oils, like coconut oil or shea butter. These will help lock in moisture so you wake up with smooth, supple skin. When applying lotion at night, be sure to cover all areas (even those hard-to-reach spots like your back) so you have a layer of protection while you sleep.
4. Don’t touch your face
This is one of those body care basics that so many people don’t follow. We are constantly touching our faces: whether it’s because we’re nervous, bored, or just scratching an itch. Not only can it lead to breakouts and clogged pores, but passing germs from your hands to your face can also cause acne as well. It doesn’t matter if you wash your hands right after touching your face—that doesn’t mean you aren’t still passing along germs! To keep your skin healthy, try not to touch it as much and always wash hands thoroughly before eating. After all, what goes into our bodies is just as important as what goes on them!
5. Hydrate inside and out
When it comes to our health and beauty routines, hydration is one of those things that’s important but often overlooked. Our bodies are made up of 60 percent water, after all—so it’s important to make sure we get enough daily H2O. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day (so if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces). I like to do a quick scan at my fingertips; if they look dry or wrinkly, I know I need more H2O. And while you may not feel thirsty much when you exercise, it turns out that thirst is your body’s way of telling you that you should have been drinking all along.
5. Avoid direct heat exposure
If you’re going to be sweating and running outside, it’s wise to take certain precautions to avoid direct heat exposure. Make sure you wear loose clothing that covers your body, use sunblock when appropriate, and consume water regularly. Most importantly, don’t forget about hydration—your body needs water if it’s going to stay cool and protect itself from things like heat stroke. Exercising outdoors in warm or hot weather can pose a few challenges; just make sure you have everything you need for a healthy workout before you head out of your house! So avoid direct heat exposure for better body care.
7. Exfoliate a couple times per week
Exfoliating is a key step in skin care and can help keep your skin looking young and healthy. There are many ways to exfoliate, but at a basic level, exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells (your body naturally sheds these every time you shower). Dead skin cells build up over time, so it’s best to remove them on a regular basis if you want soft, smooth skin. If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin that’s prone to dryness or flaking after exfoliation, limit yourself to once per week. More often than that could cause irritation.
8. Vitamins should go on your skin, too
Vitamins, as well as other nutrients and vitamins that keep you healthy, can be applied to your skin. When they’re absorbed through your skin in a topical form, they reach your bloodstream much faster than when you ingest them. For example, vitamin C is essential for immune health, which means it may help you fight off colds and influenza more quickly. Similarly, many women use a form of retinol and retinyl palmitate to avoid common signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines; retinyl palmitate works by delivering vitamin A to your skin at night so it can work all night long.
9. Get your greens
Greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens and bok choy are excellent sources of potassium, which helps regulate your blood pressure. Some research suggests that diets low in potassium could be linked to metabolic syndrome — a group of risk factors for heart disease that include high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. These studies also show that people who eat more fruits and vegetables with higher potassium content have lower rates of hypertension. Dark leafy greens are also full of magnesium, another mineral that may help lower blood pressure when you don’t get enough.
10. Maintain a healthy diet
To keep your body healthy, you need to maintain a healthy diet. Skipping meals isn’t an option (you’ll feel weak, cranky and more likely to overeat), so try to eat at least three balanced meals a day. Aim for an even mix of carbs, proteins and fats every time you sit down to eat, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables. Speaking of which.
11. Clean your makeup brushes regularly
Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly will not only help extend their life but also keep your skin clean. The hair on our brushes is porous and acts as a magnet for bacteria, which can lead to breakouts. Even if you don’t wear makeup daily, it’s important to clean them at least once every three months or so (the schedule depends on how often you use them). Cleaning your brushes properly doesn’t take much time and can prevent long-term damage.
12. Wear sunscreen 365 days a year — rain or shine, indoors or out.
There are a lot of different sunscreen products on the market, but they generally can be grouped into two main categories:
- Physical sunscreens, which reflect UV rays, and
- Chemical sunscreens, which absorb them.
Physical sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and chemical sunscreens are made from ingredients like oxybenzone. Chemical sunscreens work great in areas with high humidity, but physical ones are better for blocking those intense summer rays — especially if you’re outside for long periods of time or swimming. Whatever your preference is physically or chemically-speaking (or neither), use it every day to prevent burning that could lead to skin cancer down the road — even if there’s not a cloud in sight.
13. Sun protection doesn’t stop at sunscreen.
Sun protection is important all year round, but especially in winter when our skin is usually dryer. Wearing sunscreen everyday helps keep your skin safe from wrinkles and skin cancer, so don’t forget to apply it! You should also wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to protect your skin and eyes. When possible, stay in shaded areas during peak sun hours (11 AM – 3 PM) – If you’re going out at those times, make sure to apply sunscreen every two hours or so.
14. Simplify your skincare routine.
Skincare is one of those things that can easily get complicated. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to lose track of products and just end up with a bunch of bottles cluttering your bathroom. The first step to simplifying your routine is deciding on a clear skincare goal—or goals. Do you want an anti-aging solution? Something for acne-prone skin? A glow-inducing moisturizer? From there, create a simple step-by-step plan outlining exactly what you need to do in order to reach your goals. So this is also a key measurements of body care!
15. Sleep smarter
It’s a cliche, but true: Sleep is critical to your body’s ability to heal and stay healthy. Your body care cycles through various stages of sleep throughout the night, from light sleep (called stage 1) to deep sleep (stage 4) and back again. The most restorative stage of sleep for your immune system and other bodily functions is deep sleep. If you don’t get enough quality shut-eye at night, your metabolism suffers, your blood pressure goes up, and other health issues can develop.
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