While it is no secret – your skin is the single largest organ in your body – sometimes it can be extremely difficult to keep it looking and feeling its absolute best! Whether you are seeking skin care advice for skin disorders, protection, or cosmetic purposes, the following tips and tricks are an excellent starting point.
To make sure your skin looks amazing, get enough rest. Scientific research has found that skin cells renew themselves faster while you’re sleeping. Getting a healthy amount of sleep also improves overall health, which helps prevent breakouts. Doctors often recommend that adults get seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but the proper amount of sleep varies by individual, so get to know how much sleep your skin needs to look great.
To improve aging skin, cut down on your sugar intake. Too much sugar in the blood stream over a long period of time can cause glycation, which is when sugars damage the proteins that make up collagen, an essential component of skin and other parts of your body. Damage to collagen increases wrinkles and dryness and decreases skin elasticity, so get rid of the sugar as an investment toward a beautiful future.
If conventional face care techniques do not work (washing, toning, moisturizing), try using an over the counter topical medication. Products such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are specially formulated to kill acne bacteria. They are somewhat strong, especially to those with sensitive skin, so you should apply them in small amounts.
To keep your skin healthy, don’t smoke. Smoking causes your skin to age and it can cause wrinkles on your face. When smoking it makes the blood vessels in the outer layers of skin more narrow. This decreases the blood flowing in your face and depletes the skin of oxygen and important nutrients, needed for healthy skin.
If you use sunscreen to protect your delicate skin, try making your own, by adding pomegranate extract to your diet. Surprisingly enough, there are compounds in pomegranate that can help your skin protect itself from sun damage, even without an extra layer of sunscreen. You can increase your skin’s protection against the sun up to 25 percent, by consuming about 60 mg of pomegranate extract daily.
If you have problems with enlarged, empty pores, apply a small amount of milk of magnesia over the affected areas. This helps by absorbing excessive oil and creating a smooth surface over which you can apply your foundation. For an enhanced matte effect, apply an oil-absorbing toner after the milk of magnesia and before applying foundation.
Whenever you go outside, remember to use plenty of sunblock. If you fail to do this, your skin could undergo something called photo aging. The sun damages the cells in your skin and will cause your skin to prematurely age, leading to more wrinkles in your skin as you age.
When buying skin care products, always read the label carefully. The fewer the number of ingredients in the product, the healthier it is for your skin. Products that have more natural ingredients instead of pharmaceuticals and chemicals are less likely to cause allergic reactions, unwanted irritation, or other rebound effects.
To prevent the skin on your hands from drying out in the cold winter months, you should always wear gloves when you go outdoors. Gloves will protect your hands from wind and moisture. If the material of the gloves is scratchy, like wool, wear a thin cotton glove under them.
Take a consultation appointment with a dermatologist to learn more about your skin. Everyone’s skin is different and a product that works on your best friend may do nothing for you. A consultation will allow you to find out what kind of skin you have and what type of products you should be seeking out.
If many regular products irritate your skin, opt for a sensitive skin line instead. Try to find products have no dyes and are hypoallergenic. Any type of perfumes or chemicals can cause irritation to your skin, and you may breakout or develop a rash.
Using too much makeup or sleeping with makeup on, can irritate your skin. Makeup products contain ingredients that can irritate your skin and should be used sparingly. Leaving makeup on overnight is not recommended. The makeup will seep through your pores, clog them and then congest your skin.
To protect your cells from oxygen damage, be sure to eat foods that contain riboflavin-B2. Riboflavin-B2 helps the glutathione molecule, which prevents oxygen-based damage, to function properly. Without it, joint tissue and cell membranes can be damaged. Foods high in cell riboflavin-B2 include spinach, soybeans, and beef liver. Goat’s milk is also a good source.
When applying sunscreen to the face, a handy hint is to use a cosmetic sponge. Not only will it ensure that the product is evenly applied and penetrates all the contours and creases of the skin, but it will also prevent any germs and bacteria on your fingers, from being applied to the facial surface.
Stay away from hot baths; they can damage your skin. Hot water destroys the lipid barriers in your skin, drying it out. Use warm water, and don’t stay in the shower very long. Particularly in the winter months, this technique can help save your skin from cracking and itching.
A little bit of sunshine can help your skin clear up. Not only does going outside help lower your stress levels, but the vitamin D your body creates when it’s exposed to sunlight, also helps skin stay healthy. Oxygen flow is also increased to your skin, which leaves you glowing and acne-free. Don’t forget a light, oil-free sunscreen to protect you from rays which can be harmful.
Now that you are more familiar with some of the tips and tricks used to protect, maintain, and improve the texture, tone, and appearance of your skin, apply this information to your daily skin care regimen. Take good care of your skin! Someone has to look out for your largest organ! Your time and effort, doing so, will be well spent!
