Taking care of your skin can help prevent rashes and other maladies, including skin cancer, which can be life-threatening. Assist your skin, the largest organ in your body, in doing its job of shedding toxins and contributing to your overall health. Adopt a routine that involves eating the right foods to promote healthy skin and protecting it daily. For effective normal or sensitive skin care, choose products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Significance
If you don't practice skin care and you do experience periodic bouts of dry, flaky, itchy, red skin or other flare-ups, start taking care of yourself now. Visit the dermatologist or the cosmetics counter and get a professional opinion of your skin type and condition. Persistent acne, surface inflammation or cracked skin and fingernails can be tamed with the right facial products. A follow-up skin care regimen will encourage healthy skin growth and prevent future problems.
Time Frame
Outbreaks of acne, canker sores or extremely chapped skin caused by irritation or allergy may take two to four weeks to resolve. Chronic skin problems will require ongoing treatment. In any case, a daily program of cleansing and protection with facial products and body lotion is recommended by beauty experts and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for optimum hygiene and a healthy skin appearance.
Cleansing
Cleansing removes surface grit and grease to reduce the risk of clogged pores. Regular soap is fine for the body, but your face is more delicate and more susceptible to irritation. Use a gel- or cream-based cleanser especially formulated for your facial skin type, and use it twice a day. An occasional scrub with baby oatmeal or a gentle cosmetic exfoliator will remove dead skin, keep pores clear and allow the skin to discharge metabolic wastes.
Protection
Cleansing also removes the skin's natural protective oils, so replenishing your skin with moisture is important. Facial products are geared to moisturize normal, oily, dry or sensitive types. The AAD suggests moisturizing with face cream or hand lotion while skin is still damp from cleansing. It also recommends using an SPF 30 sunscreen on all exposed skin, every day, no matter the weather, to reduce your risk for skin cancer.
Support
In addition to daily skin care, healthy skin depends upon vitamins and antioxidants that you get from food and dietary supplements. Learn how to support good skin tone and condition by getting nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Find the facts in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans (see Resources).
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