Do you long for glowing skin, healthy hair, and beautiful nails? With so many personal care products on the shelves, advertisements online, and self-proclaimed influencers giving advice on social media, it can be difficult to discern what is actually good for you.
Understanding the science and biology behind your skin, hair, and nail health, as well as the ingredients in these products, should inform your beauty regimen.
The Science Of Skin Health
The skin comprises multiple layers that protect your body from a wide range of hazards, including harmful sun rays, moisture, the cold, and germs. Your skin, however, can’t properly perform its natural protective role if you don’t take good care of it. If you want to keep your skin healthy, smooth, and glowing with fewer wrinkles, try out these self-care practices:
- UV Light Protection– Excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles or unsightly spots on your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. You can protect yourself from harm by applying sunscreen on your skin, wearing protective gear, and seeking shade on sunny days.
- Choose Skincare Products Carefully– Always use solutions with trusted and safe ingredients. That means watching out for harmful chemicals in any trendy lotions, sunscreens, serums, or other skincare products. You can click here to read the Cleveland Clinic’s review of common skincare ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids, hydroquinone, retinol, and beta hydroxy acids.
- Know Your Skin Type– Be sure to choose the right solution for your skin type. For example, you’ll want to focus on moisturizer if your skin tends to dry out and prioritize exfoliation if you have oily skin. You can click here to identify and learn more about your skin type.
- Take Collagen Supplements– One of the most effective ways to take care of your skin is to focus on your internal health. For example, taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements can help strengthen, smoothen, and moisturize your skin from within. You’ll also want to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids essential to skin health. Lastly, don’t forget to drink plenty of water so you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Treating Hair With Proper Care
Yes, strands of hair are composed of dead cells, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your hair looking lively and fresh. To support hair growth and prevent damage to what’s already there, consider these haircare tips.
- Shop Products Based on Your Hair Type– Just like with skin care, proper hair care practices depend on your hair type and texture. According to Health line, there are four primary hair types: straight, wavy, curly, and coily, with three subtypes each. Beyond that, gauging the porosity and density of your hair should also influence what products you use.
- Watch How Often You Wash– While it’s essential to keep your hair clean and tidy, you don’t want to over-wash or over-shampoo it. Recommended washing frequency is primarily determined by hair type. For example, someone with oily hair may find it helpful to wash with shampoo every day. In contrast, someone with dryer hair may want to shampoo their hair less frequently, instead emphasizing conditioning and supplying their hair with much-needed moisture.
- Minimize Heat Damage– You may want to apply a protectant all over your hair to shield it from heat damage while blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Or, opt for heatless hairstyle.
- Lifestyle Changes- Certain habits and lifestyle factors, such as consuming too much alcohol or excessive stress, can contribute to poor hair health.
Be Nice To Your Nails
You may not always notice it, but your fingernails help you perform many day-to-day tasks, from firmly gripping an object and scratching to turning a book’s page. They start developing from the nail root beneath the cuticle and are made up of multiple protein layers.
How do you take good care of your fingernails and toenails? You might be able to strengthen weak nails using biotin or nutritional keratin supplements. A few other practical suggestions include:
- Eliminate Bad Habits– Breaking bad habits, such as nail-biting, is always easier said than done. But there are practical steps you can take to gradually defeat this habit, such as applying bitter-tasting nail polish to deter biting.
- Cuticle Care– Moisturize your cuticles with a hand lotion, and avoid picking at these sensitive parts of your nails. Also, be sure to push your cuticles back before painting.
- Skip the Salon– According to the Mayo Clinic, covering up your natural nails with gel or acrylic alternatives carries an infection risk. Getting artificial nails can also aggravate existing nail issues.
Self-care Is Healthcare
With these simple self-care routines, you can achieve healthy hair, glowing skin, and strong nails. Keep in mind that skin, nail, and hair health is a direct reflection of overall physical health. Make it a point to focus on nourishing your body from the inside out so you can always look and feel your best.