Taking good care of your skin doesn’t just have aesthetic benefits. The skin is the largest organ in the body and forms a protective barrier that keeps you shielded from infection, harmful UV rays, as well as extreme temperatures.
Your skin allows you to glow from within. Whatever you apply on the surface has the potential to make or break your internal systems. If you want to take better care of your skin, here are 5 essential skincare tips from dermatologists that you can incorporate in your routine.
1. Don’t Skip on the Sunscreen
Contrary to popular belief sunscreen isn’t just needed when you’re outside or when it’s sunny and hot. No matter the weather, you’re never fully shielded from the sun’s UV rays. They will dry out your skin and significantly alter the nature of your skin’s cells.
You might wonder whether the rays of the sun are still a threat when it is cloudy outside. Yes, even when it snows, or when the sun is shielded by clouds, and when you’re simply lounging around near a windowsill, the UV rays are working on your skin!
Dermatologists often recommend an ounce of at least SPF 30 applied to your skin every two hours for maximum protection. Don’t forget to check the labels to ensure it hasn’t expired and opt for clothing that gives you additional protection against the sun.
2. Keep That Skin Moisturized
As your skin ages the oil glands on the surface get less active. This is why we tend to experience drier skin as we grow older. Moisturizing more often replenishes those oil glands and keeps your skin healthy.
The best tip is to moisturize your skin right after you get out of the shower. It is also recommended not to take too many hot showers as that can dry up your skin fast.
3. Quit Smoking and Reduce Drinking
Smoking doesn’t just affect your vital organs. It can in fact have negative effects on your skin. The more tobacco you consume the greater the level of stress to your skin cells as the blood vessels within your body start to constrict.
Increased consumption of alcohol can also negatively impact the skin which ultimately causes dehydration, inflammation, and accelerated aging. These effects can emerge in the form of dryness, wrinkled skin, redness, and generally an unhealthy-looking complexion. If it isn’t possible to quit alcohol altogether, we highly recommend reducing consumption.
4. Avoid Picking at Your Skin
If you find it particularly hard to quit picking your skin, invest in pimple patches or benzoyl peroxide to help your skin recover from any pimples. Once you pick at a pimple, pop it, or squeeze it, you increase your chances of developing scars.
The best dermatologists also recommend using cleansers that compliment your skin type. So, if you are prone to dryness use the cleaners and moisturizers that can combat that.
In case you have oily skin, look for products that work for that. If you are finding it particularly hard to get rid of acne, consider visiting a top-rated dermatology clinic near you to get to the root of the problem.
5. Avoid Makeup or Skincare Products with Harmful Chemicals
Before you invest in an expensive skincare or makeup product, don’t forget to check all the labels. For instance some body and face creams have added fragrance that may get you to smell good but may not be healthy for your skin.
Creams with a lot of chemicals suck the moisture right out of your skin, making it much more likely for you to contract allergies or rashes.
This isn’t just true for skin products but also detergents, fabric softeners, and your soap or oils that you use on your hair. Anything that may come in contact with your skin should be carefully inspected for harmful ingredients before it is used.
Key Takeaways
Look for a dermatologist you can rely on and visit them for regular checkups if you are facing issues with your skin. Moreover, keep checking your skin for any abnormal moles and visit your trusted healthcare provider if you suspect skin cancer, which is much more common if you skip on that SPF or spend a lot more time in the sun than advised.
Skin can be beautiful and elevate your look if you stay away from chemicals that suffocate it. Let your skin breathe from time to time and if you notice a lot more breakouts than usual, perhaps it is time to lay off the makeup for a while!
