As you get older, the days of going to bed with full makeup are left behind. With each wrinkle and blemish that occurs, you realize that your skin is much more important than the clothes you wear. In fact, your skin is the largest organ of your body. Yes, it’s an organ, and it has certain nutritional requirements and practices to remain healthy. And healthy skin makes you look better. Take a look at someone who smokes or never washes or moisturizes their skin, as opposed to someone who does, and you will see a big difference.
Luckily, with the knowledge we have today, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be difficult. There are millions of skincare products available, some expensive and others more affordable, all aimed at helping you maintain youthful-looking skin. Before you choose a product, make sure to do some research to ensure it fits your needs and budget. Quite often, you’ll find that the drugstore variety of skincare products will work just fine.
Key Steps to Healthy Skin
The first thing you should know about taking care of your skin is how to wash it properly. Your body should be exfoliated daily using a sponge or brush designed specifically for that purpose. However, hard scrubbing on the sensitive skin of your face can actually cause your skin to wrinkle more quickly. Instead, use alcohol-free cleansers that help clean out the pores gently. In other words, you shouldn’t feel sore after washing your face. Many skincare products that are too astringent or coarse can cause broken capillaries. You should always wash off your makeup and refrain from wearing it when it’s not necessary. Makeup tends to build up in your pores, causing them to expand and become more noticeable.
Your next step is equally important: moisturizing. Moisturizing is a critical part of taking care of your skin, and it should be done at least daily — more so if you live in an extremely dry climate. The moisturizer you use is just as important as the act of moisturizing itself. Try to find one that contains Q10 enzymes and other ingredients that promote elasticity in your skin. This is especially important as you age, but starting this routine at a younger age will go a long way in keeping you looking youthful. When you moisturize your face, use soft circular motions and be sure to include the eye area. Think of it as giving yourself a nightly massage. Additionally, make sure to use lotion on your entire body to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming chafed.
Most dermatologists recommend exfoliating your face only once a week, and you can find an inexpensive product at your local drugstore to help with this. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, which can make fine lines more noticeable. Look for products that contain retinoids, as these help remove dead skin particles. For those with stretch marks, using topical creams and oils can help diminish their appearance. With regular application, you may decrease the visibility of workout-related stretch marks, ultimately boosting your confidence in your skin’s appearance.
Another critical aspect of taking care of your skin is using sunscreen — and yes, you should use sunscreen even in the winter. Sun damage doesn’t show up immediately, but in a few years, all those days spent lying out by the pool will catch up with you. While the sun is great for providing Vitamin D, you should avoid overexposing yourself if you want to maintain nice-looking skin as you age. Many skincare products contain sunscreens, and some foundations and makeup already have them included, making applying sunscreen a no-brainer! Additionally, skin cancer is on the rise and can be just as dangerous as any other type of cancer. The number one cause is excess sun exposure.
Just as it’s important to care for your skin externally, it’s also vital to nourish the skin organ by eating healthy foods and drinking ample amounts of water. People who drink plenty of water tend to have more elastic, durable skin that’s less prone to drying, cracking, and wrinkling. Aim to drink around 60 ounces of water a day (or more) to keep your skin hydrated. Eating green leafy vegetables and foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants is also crucial. Your skin acts as a shield against the toxins you encounter every day. Over time, these toxins can build up, causing your skin to appear dull, dry, or unhealthy. By maintaining a colon cleansing routine and eating antioxidant-rich foods, you can help eliminate these toxins from your body and improve the health of your skin.
Protecting your skin and taking steps to preserve it is an essential part of overall body wellness. Many people focus on caring for their facial skin for aesthetic reasons, but it’s important to take the same cautious steps for the skin on your entire body. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider consulting with a dermatologist to determine your skin type. They can recommend products tailored to your specific needs, providing you with a comprehensive skincare regimen that will help address skin concerns. Before you spend a small fortune on skincare products, make sure to do your research. The key to finding good products is understanding the ingredients and knowing what each one provides. Often, products that advertise a “miracle” cure contain only a small amount of the touted ingredient.
