(GoHealthier.com) – Skin care is a challenge for most people because it’s something that can change considerably with diet, age, hormones, general health, climate, season, and time. With so many factors at play, it’s not always easy to get a handle on skin care. Some people spend nearly an hour per day on their skin care routine, while others just rinse with water and go.
However, skin care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. These universal tips can help anyone improve their skin care routine and keep their skin feeling and looking nourished and bright.
Protect the Skin
Damage to the skin can dull it. The skin is meant to protect the body from drying out, harmful chemicals, harsh environments, UV rays, and germs. Since we’re not fully covered by fur like most mammals, our skin plays a very big role in keeping us healthy. And that’s why it’s vital that we protect our skin. Fortunately, protecting the skin also makes it look as healthy as it is.
You can protect your skin by eating vitamins and minerals, hydrating properly, sleeping enough, and exercising, especially when you’ve eaten a lot of sugar. Always use sunscreen and shade to keep those UV rays away from your skin, especially with global warming in play.
Genetics also play a role, but you have a considerable amount of control when it comes to how your skin looks and feels from day to day. You can also do the following to protect your skin:
- Don’t go out in midday: The sun is at its harshest midday, when the UV rays are strongest. This is when it has the potential to do the most damage to your skin.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat: Protect both your eyes and your skin by shading them.
- Clothing: Choose longer swimwear and invest in sun-protecting clothing and gear.
Those who are around a lot of blue light, even at night, should also consider protecting their skin with SPF lotion. Furthermore, those who use products like Retin-A and other acid-based formulas should be sensitive to their sun exposure, as these products cause skin sensitivity that makes the skin more vulnerable to the sun.
Apply the Three Basics
Basic skin care should cover three components to support the skin. They are:
- Emollients: Emollients soften the skin and help it contribute to self-repair processes.
- Occlusives: Occlusives contain oils, and they help the skin seal in moisture. Note that some occlusives may cause sensitivity in some people, but not others, as they are often petroleum-based.
- Humectants: Humectants pull up moisture from the skin’s lower layers. If you’ve seen hyaluronic acid in everything recently, that’s why — this function helps skin look and feel beautiful.
Again, skin care doesn’t have to be expensive: you can find basic products that contain all three of these in one lotion.
Don’t forget to clean your skin in addition to these tips. Your skin secrets normal oils that snag bacteria and pollutants from the environment or from your hands, and you need to rid your face of those harmful components. Makeup and sweat are also things we often have on our skin due to beautification and workout practices, and those need to be removed to prevent clogged pores.
Always feel free to speak with your dermatologist if you notice changes in your skin or seasonal issues. It’s possible that you have specific sensitivities and need to change things from time to time. Additionally, you might have cycles or imbalances that present you with unique skincare challenges — however, these basics should get you off to a good, healthy start!
Copyright 2024, GoHealthier.com
