The skin is the body’s largest organ, and also the one that can be subject to the most damage if not properly cared for. By taking care of your skin, you’ll be helping to keep it looking youthful and keep a wide range of skin-related conditions — such as skin cancer — at bay. Plus, having healthy-looking skin can simply serve as a confidence booster; after all, most people look better when they have clear, glowing skin.

So that’s why you should be looking after your skin. The question now becomes, how do you do it? We’ve rounded up a few tips which, when all combined, ensure that your skin is as healthy as can be.

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Maintain Healthy Habits

Your lifestyle contributes massively to the overall health of your skin. Ensuring you follow some core habits, including eating a skin-boosting diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough exercise, really can lead to a noticeable improvement in skin quality in a matter of weeks.

As well as doing the things that your skin wants, it’s also important not to do the things that your body doesn’t want. Smoking and drinking alcohol, for instance, have been shown to negatively impact the skin. Cut them out, and your skin will thank you, and you’ll also find that you notice a bunch of other benefits, too.

Practice Sun Safety

It can be tempting to spend sunny days soaking up the rays, yet while you may be pleased with the temporary tan that it produces, you’ll also be exposing your skin to damage. Sun exposure is the leading cause of ageing skin, making it essential to keep yourself protected. Dermatologists recommend wearing sun lotion every day, even on cloudy days, during which 90% of UV rays can still pass through. Sun protection can also considerably decrease your risk of getting skin cancer.

Check Your Skin Regularly

Checking your skin regularly for moles and other skin-related issues is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It’s particularly important to be on the lookout for any suspicious moles. Skin cancers like melanoma have been on the rise in the UK in the past decade, a trend that is expected to continue into the future. If you do notice a suspicious mole, then book an appointment with a private dermatologist to have it checked out. It’s also generally recommended to have a regular checkup with a dermatologist each year (or more frequently if you’re at a higher risk of skin cancer).

Improve Your Sleep

Finally, if you’re looking for an easy way to look after your skin and improve many other areas of your overall well-being, then consider upgrading your sleep. Consistently getting 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night can do wonders for your skin’s health and appearance, since it’s during sleeping hours that the skin does the majority of its repair work. If you struggle to sleep well, then a few lifestyle adjustments, such as upgrading your bedding, avoiding screens in the evening, and limiting caffeine to before 2 pm, can all help.

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