Everyone dreams of having baby-like delicate skin, but as time goes by, everyone's skin becomes rougher. What is the reason for this? Is it related to our lifestyle habits?
【Causes of Good and Bad Skin】
The skin is constantly regenerating as the cells in the lowermost layer of the epidermis keratinize and push up to the outermost layer, the stratum corneum. The cells that form the stratum corneum lose their nuclei, or in other words, they are dead cells that stay on the epidermis for a certain period of time before shedding. Although they are dead cells, they play a significant role in protecting the entire body's epidermis from UV rays and dryness. Additionally, because the corneocytes cover the outermost layer of the skin, when we talk about good or rough skin, we are referring to the condition of the stratum corneum.
The condition of the skin is generally influenced by the four-week cycle of cell turnover, which includes the regeneration and differentiation of skin cells and the smooth shedding of old corneocytes. If the stratum corneum protects the entire body's epidermis well, it can maintain the skin's moisture and elasticity and deliver nutrients through capillaries, resulting in a rosy and healthy complexion. However, if the cell turnover is not smooth, it can lead to rough skin, weakened stratum corneum, and susceptibility to external irritants. Exposure to UV rays can cause freckles and sunspots, while evaporation of moisture can lead to dry skin.
【Skincare in Daily Life】
1. Hydrate the skin with water
Wash your face with alternating hot and cold water. First, use warm water to moisten the face, then use cold water to pat the face. This helps reduce the sensitivity of facial skin to low temperatures. When washing the face, use less soap and preferably use a facial cleanser. The temperature of the shower water should be around 38 degrees Celsius, which is beneficial for relieving skin itchiness and preventing the removal of useful substances like sebum from the skin. Adding a small amount of vinegar to the bathwater can reduce the damage of alkaline substances to the skin.
2. Use skincare techniques
After washing the face, apply skincare products with high oil content and massage for a few minutes to restore the skin's elasticity weakened by cold air stimulation. Making fruit masks is a good way to moisturize the skin in winter. Choose apples, pears, and bananas that are rich in vitamin C as mask ingredients and use them 1 to 2 times a week for about 20 minutes each time.
3. Nourish the skin through diet
Drinking plenty of water is the primary prerequisite for maintaining smooth and soft skin. The recommended daily water intake is about 8 cups. The daily diet should include a variety of vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, and vegetable oils, as these foods contain many beneficial vitamins for skin health. In addition, it is necessary to consume some minerals to help eliminate fatigue, aid digestion, and promote blood circulation, which is beneficial for beauty and hair care.
【Natural Skincare Foods】
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain carotenoids and vitamins A and C, which have the effects of removing freckles, beautifying the skin, anti-aging, and skincare. They can also treat infectious skin diseases. Tomatoes can balance the pH value of the skin and whiten the skin. Additionally, the lycopene in tomatoes can protect the collagen in the skin, preventing it from peeling off. German research has found that lycopene helps smooth out wrinkles and make the skin tender and smooth. Regularly consuming tomatoes can also reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts have extraordinary beauty effects. The α-linolenic acid they contain can moisturize the skin and maintain its elasticity. The vitamin E in walnut kernels can protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, making it a recognized anti-aging substance in the medical field. Therefore, walnuts are known as "longevity nuts".
3. Almonds
Almonds are rich in fiber and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. The mineral magnesium in almonds is essential for energy production, muscle tissue formation, and blood sugar maintenance. Almonds can also stabilize blood sugar in dieting, effectively preventing overeating and obesity caused by excessive hunger. However, the most magical function of almonds is that they can prevent the absorption of calories by the body. Research has found that the components of almond cell walls can reduce the absorption of fat by the body. Eating a handful of almonds every day can increase vitamin E levels, which can inhibit skin aging and prevent pigmentation.
4. Dark Chocolate
The fat in cocoa promotes blood circulation. A study showed that if women drink cocoa powder containing 2 tablespoons of flavonoids daily for 12 weeks, their skin becomes noticeably smoother, retains more moisture, and has better blood circulation. Eating 1 ounce of dark chocolate rich in flavonoids daily can achieve the same skincare effect.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is an annual or biennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family. Six lettuce leaves can provide the daily requirement of vitamin A, which promotes cell metabolism. Lettuce also contains a certain amount of trace elements such as zinc and iron, especially the iron in lettuce is easily absorbed by the body. Regular consumption of fresh lettuce can prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia. In addition, the potassium in lettuce can promote blood circulation and provide more nutrients to the skin.
