Ways to Keep Skin Firm
While genetics and environmental conditions are strong determinants in the quality of skin tone, there are many strategies you can employ to help keep your skin firm. Starting early is the best defensive measure. However, no matter your age or the current state of your skin, taking a proactive stance can make a noticeable difference.
Practice Healthy Habits
Practice a healthy lifestyle. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and berries, which have antioxidants that protect the skin from the damaging effects of pollution and extreme weather. Exercise regularly, focusing on getting a daily dose of cardiovascular movement. Raising your heart rate improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen to your epidermis.
Eliminate Toxic Habits
Avoid skin-damaging habits. Fast food, processed food, fatty foods and salty foods are the enemies of good skin tone. They contain additives, chemicals and substances that clog pores, inhibit healing and dull the complexion and reduce elasticity. Smoking and excessive drinking are other enemies of healthy skin.
Hydrate
Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of uncarbonated, unsweetened water per day. Green tea is another beverage beneficial for the complexion as it boosts collagen production to help skin stay elastic and firm. Hydrate the surface of the skin as well by applying moisturizer. Some formulations, such as those made by Burt’s Bees and Aveeno, contain all-natural ingredients for nutrition-starved skin while avoiding the chemicals and fillers that create rashes or clog pores.
Apply Natural Treatments
You can purchase or create all-natural skin masks and exfoliants for hydrating skin, improving elasticity and sloughing off dead skin cells that can result in troubled skin. Try a sugar scrub as an exfoliant. Combine two parts sugar to one part olive oil. Briskly rub the mixture into the skin. Rinse it off with cool water. Other great ingredients for facial masks that firm and tone the skin include avocado, honey, aloe vera, oatmeal, banana and beaten egg whites.
