Timmmi

Might have been asked before, I did a search but there were more results than google.

Since I moved out of home 6 months ago my skin has been slowly but surely getting worse. Most of it is probably down to the long hours I work as a bartender and my 'student diet' of noodles and pasta and lately abit of dehydration as I adjust to summer. My skin basically just looks tired out and at 18 it's not the best look.

Although I can not completely change my diet and lifestyle, I was looking for a little help on the sort of food and vitamins that I should be having in order to have the best skin I can possibly have.

Also visiting the supermarket its obserd the amount of differnt products there are, claiming to do differnt things. I'm not to sure what to get as I have always used my sisters and now shes overseas. So what have people had luck with, like I mentioned my main problems are tired looking skin aswell as redness.

any help would be appreciated,
thanks

maleficent

The best cure for dehydration is to drink more water... and get enough rest...

The worst problem wiht bartending, is being around a smokey are... smokers skin always looks a lot older than it - wash your face with a mild cleanser when you get home and you should be good.

If you are a typical student -- a multi vitamin wouldn't hurt you none either..

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Willravel

I also lived through life as a really, really poor student. I survived on fruits and veggies (fresh/canned/frozen). I suggest you try the same. Stay away from raman noodles and such. I also found that on my walk home from school, I passed by 12 apple trees, 3 citrus trees, and a rasberry bush that had grown out of control. Just make sure you have some nuts, eggs and meat every once in a while. Just yesterday I bought a Pur water pitcher that I can put in my fridge for like $20. The thing holds about a galon(?) of water and fits into the door of most refridgerators. Knowing that cold, clean water is in there makes it easier to drink more.

Timmmi

Im kind of lucky, New Zealand bars are smoke free. It's not so much the dehydration anymore I have been drinking more water, Ill invest in some multivitamins tho

lafemmefatale

Generally speaking your skin reflects your lifestyle so the standard diet and exercise answer applies. Get more vitamins in your food by having more fruits and veggies, or at least try something like centrum if you haven't got time to eat properly. I find that exercise is really good for my skin as the sweat flushes out all the junk (plus the added benefit of feeling great overall ). And to make things complete maybe you can consider a good, nutritious moisturizer?

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thingstodo

Outstanding advice.

I started taking DualTabs by Twinlab nearly ten years ago. I rarely ever get a cold since then and beleive I have other benefits. It has all the good stuff including minerals, thus the name "Dual" tab. It is time released and you take one in the am and one in the afternoon. The extra B vitamins goves you an energy boost in the afternoon, so don't take before bed! I think it has as much of the Bs as that 5-hour energy drink by Chaser.

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Batski

what about some cleansing and cooling herbs. echinacea will help cool your system and remove the redness. and some dandelion and burdock will flush out toxins that may be making you look lacklustre. you should be able to buy some tincture in your local health food store, add a few drops to a big glas of water twice a day. I really think it will sort you out - alongside the improved diet.
good luck.

snowy

Modifying your diet will help your general, overall health, which shows in your skin. Drink lots of water, steer clear of junk (despite how cheap it is), and take a multivitamin. You don't need to take anything fancy or expensive. Oh, and sleep is a must! A good night's sleep is essential to good skin.

But to help you negotiate the massive amounts of products available at your local supermarket:
As far as topical cleansers go, you want to find one that's gentle, will remove oil, but also won't leave your skin dry. Neutrogena makes a basic foaming cleanser that is perfect for this (they have two that are good, their Fresh Foaming Cleanser and their Extra-Gentle Cleanser). Cetaphil is also a good one (though I'm not sure if it's available in NZ). As for getting your skin to "perk" up, any moisturizer (and yes, you should use moisturizer, male or not) with soy compounds is good. The soy isoflavones promote a more even, brighter complexion. Look for anything that says "skin brightening" on the label and then check for the soy isoflavones. Using a moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid, glycolic acid) can also promote a brighter, more even complexion. The alpha hydroxy is also good for clearing up acne

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

BAMF

Clean your bedding and use clean towels for your face. ANd dont eat fast food, and dont buy prepacked food from the market.