These “good fats,” found in foods such as salmon, flaxseed, and almonds, boost hydration, which keeps skin supple and firm. The same is not true, however, of the saturated fat in dairy products and meats, which increase free-radical damage that makes skin more susceptible to aging. Advise patients to limit their intake of saturated fat to about 17 g per day.
8. Exercise regularly.
Studies find that women who work out regularly have firmer skin than non-exercisers. The reason: Exercise infuses skin with oxygen and nutrients needed for collagen production. Patients who aim to keep skin toned should make time for at least three, 30-minute, heart-pumping workouts per week.
9. Wash your hair.
Curly hair cannot be washed as often as straight hair because it dries out more readily. However, decreased hair washing leads to increased scalp sebum production, which can lead to increased breakouts.
If hair cannot be washed, patients should wrap their hair at night so it does not touch the face, and they should change their pillow cases frequently. In addition, many persons of African descent apply oils and pomades to their hair to keep it soft and manageable. Here, hair wrapping or increased washing is also essential to avoid “pomade acne.”