Your appearance is this first thing people notice about you. And after a long, difficult year, plus the winter weather, the toll may be starting to show in the condition of your hair and skin. We can actually tell a lot about our health from the condition of our hair and skin. Brittle hair and dry skin are usually an indication that not all is well in the body. Whether it’s from stress or vitamin deficiencies, there are ways to head into the New Year with shiny hair and glowing skin.
Food Is Where It All Begins
Our body gets what it needs for survival from the food we eat. Food provides us with vitamins, minerals, and different nutrients which are essential to our health. When we are lacking in these nutrients, we will start to feel it or it will start to show in our appearance. Healthy hair, skin and nails need a variety of different nutrients. We need to eat enough protein as this is the building block of the cells in our body including the cells that make up our hair, nails, and skin. Protein will help prevent wrinkles by maintaining the elasticity of the skin and also provide strength to the hair. Also make sure you get enough:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These essential fats are known to help reduce inflammation in the body and are beneficial for dry and itchy skin and scalp. You can get this essential nutrient from seafood. If you don’t like to eat fish, a supplement is important to make sure you are covered as the body can’t make this fat. Authority Reports provides details for choosing an effective supplement as well as some other health tips.
- Iron – When you are deficient in iron, not only will you feel tired all the time, but your hair is more likely to fall out and your skin will also be dry and flakey. Your appearance will also look pale and washed out. Red meat is the best source of iron.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is both important for the absorption of iron in the body and also the production of collagen. Collagen is important for maintaining the elasticity of our skin, keeping it looking firm and plump.
- Vitamin A – This includes foods such as pawpaw, carrots, and spinach. Here, it comes in the form of beta-carotene and is then converted to vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A helps produce skin cells to keep the skin firm, slows down the signs of aging, and protects against sun damage.
- Water – For your skin and hair to stay hydrated, it is important for you to stay hydrated too. Not drinking enough water will show in your skin’s appearance.
The Rest Lies In Your Habits
We can also improve (or harm) the appearance of our skin and hair by following certain behaviors. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation are big no-nos for healthy looking skin and hair. For skin that glows, it is important to wash your face every night to get rid of all the dirt and grime that collects over the day, particularly if you wear makeup. Ideally, you should first clean your face with an oil-based cleanser to remove the grime and then wash with a foamy cleanser to remove any remains of dirt. Follow this with a moisturizer to lock in moisture. Keep your eyes open for antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C, E, resveratrol, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It is also important to put on sunscreen each day to protect from sun damage.
Your hair can also be damaged by the elements. You can protect your locks by wearing a hat or shading yourself under an umbrella. Conditioners are important for locking in moisture to your hair just as moisturizers do for the skin. But don’t apply this to your scalp as it may just make your hair extra oily. Ideally, use the same brand of conditioner as your shampoo. For lustrous hair that doesn’t break easily, avoid brushing your hair when it is wet or tying it up tightly.
Achieving that healthy glow and long, shiny locks is all about making some lifestyle changes. Make sure to eat well and do the necessary things to pamper yourself. You deserve it!