Blemishes. Zits. Acne. Pimples. No matter the name, they are a fact of life. Most people have dealt with these facial flaws somewhere along the line. Then there is dry skin, oily skin and wrinkled skin. What's a person to do? Since skin is the largest organ of the human body weighing in at about seven pounds, taking care of skin is important and should not be taken lightly, according to www.drdonnica.com, a Web site dedicated to health. Here are some tips from the Web site to help keep skin not only looking but also feeling healthy. The site lists not smoking as the No. 1 tip to help keep skin healthy. Smoking can cause premature aging and yellowing of the skin, according to Donnica Moore, founder of the site. Tobacco smoke released into the air dries out the skin, and inhaled smoke constricts blood vessels, depleting skin of important nutrients needed for health. Diet also plays a large part in skin health. Drinking a lot of water is an important step, according to Moore. Water keeps skin moist, and she recommends people drink eight to 10 glasses per day to prevent premature wrinkling. Food also has a role. "Your outside reflects what's inside," states the site. "Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables." Another big influence on skin health is sun exposure. "Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in developing skin cancer," states the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov. Moore states that there are many ways to protect skin from the sun. Generously applied moisturizers with an SPF of at least 15 should be worn when the skin is exposed, along with hats and sunglasses. If at all possible, avoid exposure during peak times, which are generally considered to be between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Andrea Glessner (freshman, speech and language pathology) agreed with this tip. "I stay out of the sun," she said, talking about her personal methods for skin health. Wash your face. If you wear make-up, make sure to remove it thoroughly, she said. But pay special attention in making sure the skin is not over-washed, which does damage of its own by stripping the skin of surface oils. Exercise regularly. This helps with tone and elasticity, according to Moore. Exercise also increases blood flow resulting in a healthy glow. "I moisturize a lot," said Brittney Shope (freshman, accounting). Proper amounts of sleep, taking vitamins and using moisturizers are also listed as beneficial habits for skin health.
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