There are some things that are beneficial for skin care and others that are not. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
The appropriate skin care can make or break a person’s complexion on their face and all over their body. An individual has a great deal of control on whether their skin remains healthy over their lifetime or becomes diseased and old before its time. Here are some guidelines for how to achieve and maintain proper skin care:
Must do:
- Wash: Washing should be done with the appropriate cleanser for your skin type of neutral,
dry, oily or combination. Neutral skin is neither too greasy nor dried out and should be washed daily with a mild soap. Dryness can be alleviated by cleansing with a cream based product or one that has moisturizer in its ingredients. Oily complexions should be washed twice a day with a product designed to be an oil zapper. Following with an astringent will help to give your skin care that it needs, as well. Combinations are quite common and may need to be washed with more than one product in the various regions.
- Sunscreen: Applying a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen should be as much a part of every person’s grooming regime as brushing teeth. Applying sunscreen only on days you’ll be at the beach is not enough. Damage from the sun is cumulative and occurs even when a person walks from their car to the grocery store. It should be applied every single day, no matter what.
- Other sun protection: Broad brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts, beach umbrellas and seeking shade are all important in keeping the skin youthful looking and damage-free. A bit of daylight is good for one’s health but this should be in moderate doses as it will interfere with any other steps you may be taking for adequate skin care.
Might do:
- Facials: A person might want to treat themselves to a facial once in a while. This luxurious treatment includes deep cleansing, moisturizing, facial massage, extractions and aromatherapy.
- Tightening masks: A tightening mask is another extra-special treat for one’s face. It can be a pore tightening or wrinkle eliminating mask and is fun to apply. Walking around with fluorescent green or purple on one’s face is the next best thing to dressing up for Halloween.
- Resurfacing techniques: There are various resurfacing agents that a dermatologist or plastic surgeon may apply to create a fresh facial palette. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion and laser peels are just a few of the options for getting rid of scars, fine lines and discoloration.
Don’ts:
- Cigarette smoking: Do not smoke, and if you do, take steps towards smoking cessation. Cigarette smoking, next to sun exposure, is the most damaging thing you can do to your complexion. It also hampers your immune system in general. While nicotine addiction may be something hard to sever yourself from, attempt to remove smoking from your daily routine, and attempt to remove yourself from any potential sources of second hand smoke.
- Forget to drink water: Water is cheap and readily accessible. It is also a key component to beautiful skin. Staying hydrated keeps skin naturally moisturized and helps in ridding toxins through perspiration. Drink up!
- Unhealthy diet: The old adage “you are what you eat” is rooted in truth. Eating a diet of junk or processed foods is guaranteed to take its toll on your complexion, body and mood.
Following a list of do’s and don’ts will keep skin care on target. Your dermis will reward you with health.
