The skin is the single largest organ of the human body. Caring for it is not a matter to be taken lightly. Healthy, well-treated skin is attractive and a source of self-esteem. Taking care of this great big organ is really a matter of simple little tasks – here are just a few of them.
Keep your skin well moisturized by applying lotion liberally every time you get out of the shower or bath. The moisture that seeps into your skin during baths and showers is lost quickly if not sealed in with a good moisturizer. A good rule of thumb is to put on lotion within 5 minutes of drying off.
Taking care of your overall health will help you have clearer skin. If you are well rested, well fed, and well hydrated, the results of this hard work will show with a healthy glow. Adjust your schedule to allow for extra sleeping hours.
Planning your meals ahead of time will also help, because this will give you more time for needed rest.
Your hands have some of the most sensitive skin on your body. During colder times of the year, it’s very easy for them to dry out and crack so make sure you keep them moisturized. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your skin when you go out in the cold. If you like to wear wool gloves, make sure you put a think cotton glove underneath it to keep the wool from irritating your skin.
To protect your skin from sun damage you should always wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when spending time outside, especially between the hours of 10AM and 4PM. Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to wrinkles, age spots, rough skin, or even skin cancer.
Having a clean pillow that you sleep on every night is a good way to keep your skin clean. The oils from your face get on your pillow, and sleeping on that night after night will leave you with a case of acne that is very easy to prevent by just using clean sheets.
If you are trying to moisturize your skin properly, you need to make sure that you apply your lotion or moisturizer right after you take a shower or get out of the bath. By doing this, you can lock in the moisture into your skin, causing your skin to look healthy and beautiful.
Apply your products to damp skin in order to maximize absorbency and effectiveness. When you just step out of the shower (or steam room), your skin is more absorbent and sponge-like than it is when it is dry. However, there is one exception. Do not apply sunscreen with a mineral-base to damp skin. You will get uneven coverage.
To develop an in-depth, high quality skincare regimen, you should consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist will provide you with a strong understanding of your skin, and can recommend or prescribe products that are ideal for you. Dermatologist visits are often covered by insurance agents, and seeing one can lower the amount you spend on beauty products in the future.
Change your moisturizer with the seasons. To keep your skin from drying out in the winter, switch from a light water-based moisturizer to a heavier oil-based one. The best oils for the face are avocado, primrose, almond, or mineral oil as these won’t clog your pores. Avoid using shea butter on your face.
Facial creams are a great skin care regime that can help you to treat dry, scaly skin. Creams and lotions can also help to rejuvenate skin and tighten loose skin that can start to sag over time. The more supple and tight your skin is, the younger you will look.
Fish oil can help extremely dry skin. Taking a single fish oil capsule every day will significantly improve dry skin by moisturizing from within. Not only this, but it will help to improve the texture of your hair and also strengthen brittle nails. Fish oil is particularly helpful for older skin as it maintains the production of collagen, thus decreasing the formation of wrinkles.
If you use cologne or body spray during the course of the day, make sure that it does not come in contact with your face. These products are packed with chemicals, which can clog your pores and corrupt your skin. Tilt your head back and apply to your wrist and chest, avoiding your neck and facial skin.
Soaking your hands in dishwater or cleaning products can cause your skin to become cracked, dry and painful. Avoid this discomfort by wearing rubber gloves. Your hands are usually washed and scrubbed more than anywhere else on the body, so you need to moisturize them daily. You may want to use a night cream about once a week so that your hands are taken care of.
Find natural products to use on your skin. The chemicals that are in many skin care products can aggravate acne-prone skin and cause even more breakouts. If you dry your skin out with chemicals, the skin will produce more oil to replace what you are stripping from it and cause more acne.
When moisturizing your body, don’t forget your neck and chest. These areas tend to age earlier than other parts of the body, as they have fewer oil glands. Use a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as retinols, copper, kinetin and Vitamin C. Moisturize every morning and night using circular, upward motions.
Skin care is like any big job – really it is just a bunch of little jobs. The preceding tips are only some of the little jobs you can integrate into an effective skin care routine. Take advantage of the ones that feel right to you, and always be on the lookout for more little skin jobs.
