A vital organ of the body, your skin acts as a defense against foreign particles and protects the internal organs from the external environment. Your skin needs plenty of care and nourishment to stay healthy. Lack of sleep, excessive smoking, and exposure to sunlight are harmful conditions that can damage and irritate your skin. A proper skincare routine and healthy lifestyle can help delay natural aging and prevent various skin problems. Here are some dos and don’ts of skin care:
Dos
- Stay Hydrated – Always keep your body hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water. Proper hydration helps in maintaining the skin’s elasticity and overall health. Drinking liquid foods helps flush out the toxins from the body and nourish the skin.
- Cleanse Gently – The skin pores get clogged throughout the day from dirt and oil. Cleaning your face twice a day helps remove this dirt and oil and keep the skin refreshed. Try to use a gentle cleanser that perfectly suits your specific skin type. However, avoid hot water and over-washing as this can irritate and dry out your skin.
- Moisturize – Moisturizing your skin is an essential step in any skincare routine. It helps to keep your skin hydrated, supple, and healthy. Apply moisturizer to damp skin to enhance hydration. Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, so use a moisturizer with 30 SPF or higher.
- Consider using a Separate Eye Cream: The skin around the eyes is delicate and more prone to dryness. If you have specific eye concerns like dark circles or fine lines, consider using a dedicated eye cream to provide extra moisture and address those concerns.
- Use Sunscreen– Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important ways to take care of the skin. Excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and re-applying sunscreen at least every 2 hours can help protect the skin from the harmful UV rays. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. It’s important to use moisturizer every day, even on cloudy days. In addition, wear protective clothing like tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats, to block the UV rays.
- Get Enough Sleep – Lack of sleep can lead to premature aging of the skin, acne breakouts, and increased skin sensitivity. Create a proper sleep schedule that helps keep your skin healthy and refreshed. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – Healthy habits go a long way towards achieving a good skin. Regular body exercise, healthy eating and staying hydrated can help improve the skin tone and texture. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.
- Exfoliate every Week – Incorporate exfoliation into your normal skincare routine. Exfoliate your skin weekly to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Use a gentle exfoliant and limit it to once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation.
Don’ts
- Never Over-wash – Follow a gentle cleansing routine twice a day. Excessive washing of the face can strip the skin of its natural oils that can affect the moisture balance.
- Never Skip Sunscreen – Use sunscreen daily to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Sun damage can lead to premature aging, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Don’t Overdo it – As skin is a sensitive part of the human body, it is important to use the right products for your specific skin type. Do not overdo your skin by using too many chemicals on the face as this will lead to rashes. If you must use them, choose gentle and hypoallergenic cosmetics. In any case, don’t overdo it.
- Don’t Forget to Remove Makeup – Leaving makeup on overnight can cause many problems such as clogged pores, breakouts, and blackheads. So, remove your makeup before going to bed. Use a gentle face wash to remove the dirt, excess oils, and dead skin cells which cause breakouts. Be sure to avoid over-cleansing and don’t forget to moisturize afterwards.
- Quit Smoking– Smoking accelerates skin aging and can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and dryness. Smoking also blocks the blood supply that keeps the skin tissue looking supple and healthy. Quitting will benefit your skin and improve your overall health.
- Don’t Touch your Face frequently – Your hands have the highest number of germs and bacteria. So, avoid touching your face frequently. Constant touching of your skin can transfer all the dirt on your hand to your face and make your skin look dull and dirty. Often, your skin may develop pimples due to the increased secretion of skin oil. Do not touch, pick or squeeze pimples or blemishes with your nails as they can become infected and also leave marks.
- Don’t use Medications without Medical Advice: Medications are primarily prescribed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used for cosmetic purposes without proper medical supervision. Medications to improve acne or reduce inflammation should be used only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Self-medication or using medications without medical advice can lead to side effects and complications.
By adhering to these skincare tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant. It is crucial to prioritize your skincare routine and ensure your body receives proper nourishment through a healthy diet and ample hydration. These practices collectively contribute to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
