ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKIN

Your skin is your primary defense system against diseases. When was the last time you thought about your skin beyond worrying over a wrinkle or a pimple hoping it would be gone before an important event? The reality is that your skin is far more than just the top layer to be washed and moisturized.

SKIN: THE BASICS

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It provides a thin, yet very effective, barrier to so many health threats known as pathogens. These pathogens can make you sick when they sneak past your skin’s defense mechanism. Hence, the need to take care of your skin on a daily basis to avoid letting it become dry, rough and chopped, providing an opening for pathogens that could harm your health. The skin also plays a major role in your overall health by maintaining body temperature, storing energy and providing sensation though touch.

MAINTAINING SKIN HEALTH

Skin as a body protector requires regular care to stay in good and healthy condition. It is necessary to know about the type of your skin so that the treatment is more personalized and effective. Maintaining healthy skin is not only limited to the use of various care products and supplements. A healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and nutritious food consumption is one way to maintain the health of your skin.  Numerous factors in the environment are harmful to your skin. Environmental pollution, ultraviolet rays, extreme temperatures, wind and using the wrong skin care products are major determinants in damaging the skin.

Restore the skin you’re in by incorporating these steps

Clean your skin properly:

Using soap base washes can result to clogging of the skin, itching, redness, flaking and dryness. Instead, you should opt for gentle soap free foams, gels, washes that can maintain skin’s PH balance. Incorporating mild exfoliants with low concentrations of glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid is a good way to unclog pores, leaving the skin exfoliated and refreshed. You need to note to avoid using very hot water on the skin, make sure to use luke-warm water to wash the face at least twice a day.

Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV Rays): this will require the use of sun protection factor SPF50+ on your skin daily, even on days you don’t plan on being outdoors and even on days the sun doesn’t shine. The reason is simple, you’re still exposed to damaging UV-rays though the windows and clouds.

It is important to note that, sunscreens last only 2-3 hours, therefore, you will need to re-apply during the day for full coverage and protection.

Protect your skin from dryness and dehydration: the epidermis is made up of about 30 percent water, much of which is bound in the hydrolyphic layer that prevents the water from evaporating. You can increase your skin’s ability to bind with water by hydrating with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and locking in moisture with a good moisturizer containing ingredients like urea, shear butter, lactate citrate and amino acids.

Check in with a licensed skin professional:

It is important to note that, while, over the counter products are a great way to start a safe skincare regimen by selecting safe brands and avoiding harsh ingredients such as steroids and mercury or high concentrations of hydroquinone. Booking a consultation and discussing safe and effective way of maintaining the skin, based on your skin’s unique needs is the safest option.

Remember, your skin is one of the most important organs in your quest for good health. Just as you take care of your body from the inside out by eating well and exercising, you need to take care of your body from the outside-in, by nourishing and protecting your skin as an important barrier.