EXPERT SKINCARE TIPS FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE!
Updated: Mar 26, 2022
Certified dermatologists are experts when it comes to the skin, hair, and nails, diagnosing and treating more than 3,000 diseases and conditions, including skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Here in this article, we highlight the importance of skin care based on different skin types and some handy skincare tips that everyone can follow.
WHY IS GOOD SKIN CARE IMPORTANT?
Skin being the largest organ of body, is not only your identity in the world but is also exposed to challenges of external and internal stressors maximally.
Good skincare shouldn’t be considered a luxury; it is rather, affordable and should be everyone’s priority.
Wear it clear : We shed our skin cells throughout the day, and our epithelium (uppermost skin layer) is renewed every 28-30 days normally. A conscious and effective skincare routine can help prevent acne breakouts, prevent early signs of wrinkles, and help keep your skin well-moisturized yet clear.
Age gracefully : As we age, our skin’s cells turnover rate slows down, this makes it look dull and less radiant. It thus becomes important to adopt a smarter skincare regime as we get older. This includes simple yet golden rules of maintaining sufficient hydration by drinking enough water, cutting down on alcohol and sweetened food, using sunblock religiously and catching up a good, relaxed night sleep.
Prevention is better than cure : Every new acne breakout prevented or managed early on in adolescence amounts to another step away from distressing, resistant acne scars in future.
There is no “one-solution-for-all potion” when it comes to skin care.
It’s important to identify your skin type to understand the appropriate skin care regime or product for you.
Skin types are classified based on the oiliness, sensitivity to common allergens and thickness of keratin layer due to difference in epidermal cell turnover rate.
While sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use; normal skin is clear and not sensitive; dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough; oily skin is shiny and greasy and combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.
Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to take care of your skin and select skin care products that are right for you.
The basic underlying golden rules of skin care include :
Sunscreen is skin god : Sunscreen is one of the single most important things you can do for your skin. When applied correctly, sunscreen protects your skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots. For the best protection, choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to apply on all sun-exposed body parts and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. To save time and money, consider using a moisturizer that also contains SPF. For acne-prone skin, water or gel-based sunscreens are preferable. Investing in a lip balm with SPF is also a smart idea for protecting your lips from sun damage. Also, remember that no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, hence it is important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing when outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, whenever possible.
Less is more : When it comes to skin care, fewer the product, the better. Using too many products, can irritate your skin and cause acne and dermatitis while serving no good. Instead, focus on the basics, such as a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Establish morning and night-time skin care routines that work well for your skin and stick with them.
Tailor your skincare regime : A dermatologist can help you identify your skin type and products best suited for you. For dry skin types, oil or cream-based products are better while for acne prone oily skin, go for gel or water-based products. Do not change your skincare products very frequently (including shampoo, body cleansers and lip balm as well). Do not try every homebased treatment suggested by a friend or relative and resist the urge to try every fancy bottle of cosmetic you find in your hotel room or friend’s place. Sticking to the same skincare regime and products might sound boring but believe me, it is the smarter choice!
Avoid too frequent skin procedures : Resist the temptation of very frequent visits to parlor or skin specialists for skin procedures. Always ensure a time gap of at least 4-6 weeks between two such sittings, for the skin layer to renew and the effects to show.
What you eat, shows up : Food is the essence of good skin. Period. Adequate water intake, good balanced diet, avoiding refined, processed, fried, sweet food products is known to all, followed by few. Exercising or meditating regularly, helps relax, release stressors, helps you sleep better and shows up on your skin too. Untimely, unhealthy food intake upsets your metabolism and can disrupt the skin-gut axis thus causing various kind of skin issues from acne to skin allergies. Although there is a plethora of information on internet and social media, it’s advisable to talk to your dermatologist to find out more about the food items suitable for your skin condition.
Keep your hands off your face : Whenever you touch your face, you transfer dirt, germs, and oil from your hands to your face. Do your best to your skin and leave it alone! Avoid picking, popping or squeezing pimples, as this can cause ugly, long-lasting scarring.
Self-skin surveillance : Skin cancers are common in west and melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be fatal. Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day. However, when detected early, skin cancers including melanoma are highly treatable.
It is thus, important to check your skin regularly for new spots or moles, spots that look abnormal, change in shape and color of such spots, even on your nails, as these are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
Being skin conscious and taking a good care of skin should be everyone’s priority. Beautiful skin should not be confined to fairer skin tone or female gender only. Clear, healthy skin that reflects the internal healthy body metabolism and makes you feel ‘confident in your skin’ defines a beautiful skin and is in everyone’s reach.
If you have questions about your skin type or how to take care of your skin, talk to a dermatologist.
Hope this article is informative and will help you in some way. Stay tuned for more articles on a variety of subjects related to Skin care.
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