Taking good care of your skin begins with a daily regimen of proper care. There are three basic steps:
- Cleansing
- Moisturizing
- Sunscreen
CLEANSING
Don't be too aggressive, such as using a rough washcloth, as this will cause irritation. Use only lukewarm water for washing your skin. This should generally be done twice daily. Skin-cleansing products should be alcohol-free and sulfate-free to avoid dehydrating the skin. If you have been using a lot of makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing is a good idea. Avoid products containing abrasives, and avoid excessive scrubbing as this will lead to irritation.
MOISTURIZING
Avoid excessive exfoliating as this can promote excessive drying of the skin. It is usually sufficient to exfoliate once per week. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:- Drink plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated. It's a good idea to drink at least two liters of water per day (around 68unces).
- Avoid the use of excess salt in your diet.
- Consider the use of a humidifier in your bedroom.
- Look for products with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides listed on the label.
- Avoid long, hot showers as these will tend to draw moisture out of your skin.
- Using toners after cleansing but before moisturizing helps to remove trace amounts of dirt from the skin.
SUNSCREENS
Using sunscreen products protects your skin from harmful UV rays. This is extremely important in order to protect your delicate skin. An SPF 15 sunscreen will be adequate for many people, at least if they're not exposed to the hot sun for a prolonged period of time. Of course, SPF 30 or greater affords better protection.If you're heading to the beach and plan to "soak up the sun" for awhile, definitely use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 50 rating. And don't forget to re-apply it every few hours for maximum protection. You need to protect your skin from both UVA rays and UVB rays. Long story short, the UVA rays have to do with aging, while UVB rays have more to do with burning. If your sunscreen mentions both UVA and UVB protection, you can rest assured that you'll be getting maximum protection. These products that offer protection from both types of UV rays are referred to as "broad spectrum" sunscreens.
While we all enjoy some sunshine in our daily lives, it is important to recognize being a "sun worshipper" can really cost you later on in life in terms of age spots, wrinkles--and yes, even skin cancer! So, enjoy your fun in the sun, but don't forget the sunscreen!
While the above tips provide a brief overview of skincare essentials, the internet offers a vast amount of useful information pertaining to all aspects of skincare. These include information about specific ingredients, techniques, and so on. Many people don't think of seeing a dermatologist until a problem arises, so it's best to visit one before a problem occurs. Remember that these doctors deal with all matters concerning the skin. They can help you with a treatment plan.
A few additional thoughts . . .
In addition to your basic daily regimen of skin care, it is important to embrace a healthy lifestyle. These include not smoking, getting adequate rest, and limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The steps you take today will pay off significantly in the years to come.
Even if you're in your twenties, a full body skin exam is a good idea. A visit to a dermatologist provides the benefit of early detection. Ask your doctor how often a follow-up test is recommended. Dermatologists will often recommend a yearly skin test. Proper skin care at an early age is crucial, as is being aware of certain risk factors such as being fair-complected, having blond or red hair, and having blue or green eyes.