Your skin, the body's largest organ, does an amazing job of protecting you from pollutants, bacteria and viruses. It offers feedback in the form of sensations. Weighing up to 9 pounds for an average adult, your skin also assists in regulating your body temperature. With all these jobs to do, it's imperative that you treat your skin with kindness. Good skin care includes protecting your skin from damage and keeping it healthy so it can continue to do its job.
Clean and Moisturize
Washing removes airborne toxins and substances on your skin that may clog pores but some soaps may contain additives, including fragrances, coloring agents or preservatives that may irritate the skin.
Use a gentle cleanser or soap and rinse skin thoroughly after washing. Exfoliant scrubs may help remove dead skin cells that increase acne but Skin Care Guide.com warns against using every day to avoid skin damage that may result in redness.
Applying a moisturizer to your skin after washing will reduce moisture loss. Smooth on a thin layer and add another thin layer later. Reapplying moisturizer frequently will prevent skin from drying, especially during cold weather.
A water-base moisturizer will absorb quickly on the face, leaving your skin looking smooth but an oil-base moisturizer is better for your hands since it will remain on the skin longer, protecting it even through a hand washing.
The Sun Factor
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests taking steps to protect your skin from the sun's rays, which will reduce premature skin aging, discoloration and the risk of developing skin cancer.
When you're going outdoors, wear a wide-brim hat, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. In addition, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat a lot or go swimming.
Healthy Skin Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help your skin stay healthy. The Mayo Clinic suggests including plenty of fresh fruits in your diet, especially berries, apples, pears and melons as well as leafy green vegetables, celery, onions, eggplant and asparagus. Eat beans and nuts and include olive oil in your diet.
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fresh water daily to flush toxins from your body and keep your skin hydrated.
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