Cindy Barshop Explains How To Keep Skin Healthy and Hydrated

by Cindy Barshop, founder of Completely Bare

It’s well known if you take care of your insides, it will reflect well on your outsides. Healthy skin doesn’t start just with a face cream. The key to showing your best face is by keeping yourself hydrated.

Drink Water

Obviously drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is not only beneficial to your complexion but also to your body. Cells need water to carry all nutrients we get from our foods and to aid in flushing out toxins from our bodies. Without proper hydration our skin can look dull and even the finest of lines can be much more noticeable. Can’t stand the boring taste of water? Then throw a slice of lemon or cucumber to add a hint of taste.

Eat to Hydrate and Nourish

Water is not the only way to get hydrated; water packed foods such as fruits and vegetables are filled with both water and vitamins which aid in hydration while simultaneously making skin brighter.  These include watermelon, which contains vitamin C and is great source of vitamin A. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals, the bad stuff that can make you sick.  Also berries of all shades have phytonutrients, which aid in an array of functions, both as antioxidants and as anti-inflammatory compounds in the body. Eating nuts, avocado and fish aid in delivering necessary fatty acids like Omega-3 and -6 to the skin cells. Don’t like fish? Then opt for fish oil capsules instead.

Cut Out The 3 C’s (Caffeine, Cocktails and Cigarettes)

Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol because they are diuretics which tend to absorb the water your body needs and it will start to remove it from your skin as a last resort. Avoiding smoking is ideal since it can deplete the skin of nutrients as well as oxygen and decreases blood flow to the skin. This potentially damages collagen and elastin which are responsible for the skins bounce and appearance. Also it can cause premature aging.

Treat Your Skin

To aid in some seriously smooth skin use a loofah; this will exfoliate dead skin cells.  Avoid taking hot showers and opt for a short 15 minute warm shower. The heat and long exposure removes the skins natural oils.  After your shower, apply a moisturizing lotion while skin is still damp to hold in any excess moisture. Lastly, when moisturizing in the morning, always throw on an SPF15 or higher to prevent premature aging.