The basic principles of skin care are the same for most people, but a customized approach to skin care is most beneficial at maintaining skin health, preventing premature aging and alleviating common skin disorders. In addition to eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise and drinking plenty of water, taking proper care of your skin will ensure it remains healthy and vibrant throughout your life.
Cleansing
Wash your skin twice each day with warm water and a mild cleanser. If your skin tends to be naturally dry, avoid using soap unless your skin becomes oily or soiled. Washing too often can trigger dryness, flaking, itching and irritation. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel or let it air-dry when possible.
If you suffer from flaky or acne-prone skin, try exfoliating with a fine-grained product every few days to remove accumulated dead skin cells and unclog your pores. Be careful not to exfoliate too often, as doing so can lead to redness, irritation and a worsening of acne.
Moisturizing
Applying a hypoallergenic, water-based lotion to your skin after bathing is an important part of skin care. The skin needs to stay hydrated to remain healthy and supple. Using lotion once or twice each day is generally sufficient for most skin types. Very dry skin may require more frequent moisturizing with an oil-based product.
To prevent dry skin, avoid long showers and baths and wash your skin using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Hot water dissolves your skin's protective oils, thereby making dryness worse. Increase environmental moisture at home and work by running a humidifier during winter months.
Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, and sunscreen is an essential part of skin cancer prevention. It also helps prevent wrinkles, age spots and other signs of premature aging. To protect your skin, apply sunscreen to all areas of your body about 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every couple of hours and after swimming or sweating.
To reduce damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet, or UV, rays, wear protective clothing and stay indoors as much as possible when the sun is at its peak, or between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Common Skin Conditions
If you suffer from pimples, scaly patches or other skin symptoms, you are not alone. Acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea are all common skin conditions that affect people of all ages. Although most common skin conditions are treatable at home, some require evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist. If you develop any new spots, rashes, patches or other problems, consult a doctor for advice. Attempting to treat these problems at home may worsen your skin problems or cause scarring or infection.
Considerations
Expensive skin care products are rarely any more effective than cheaper brands, and most are unnecessary. In fact, many such products can actually damage your skin. Some anti-aging products, for example, contain retinoids and other ingredients that can irritate dry and sensitive skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Unless you suffer from a skin condition that requires specialized care, standard over-the-counter moisturizers, exfoliants and cleansers are likely more than adequate at preventing and treating skin problems. Before using any new product on your skin, consult your dermatologist for advice. This is especially important if you suffer from sensitive skin, acne or another skin problem.
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