The pandemic has changed our lifestyle and habits for good. Self-care topped our priority list in 2021. As we step into 2022, why not make a resolution to nurture a healthier-looking skin this year? We present some easy methods and dermatologist tips for skin that’s worth flaunting.
Highlights:
Why Taking Care Of Your Skin Is Important?
1. Your Skin Sheds Daily
Your skin cells shed about every minute and constantly renew. Thus, it is important to remove the dead cells to avoid a dull appearance. You can use different face masks to get rid of your dead skin and keep your skin healthy and glowing.
2. Skin Types Vary
Skincare routines vary from person to person. What works for your friend, might not work for you. Based on your skin type and requirement, you need to practice a proper regimen. Your skincare products can be customized based on your skin type and suitability.
3. Prevention Is Better
Taking care of your skin from the beginning not only makes your skin beautiful and radiant, but also prevents it from any kind of damage now and in the future. With healthy skincare habits, you can keep skin problems at bay.
4. Looking Good Feels Great
A healthy and clear skin makes you feel good. [1] And when you feel good, you look good. Hence, taking care of your skin by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and de-stressing can boost your skin’s health.
5. Health
A regular skincare routine prevents your skin from forming acne, sores, rashes, infections frequently. It resists signs of aging, formation of unwanted lines and prevents skin disorders.
Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Skin
1. Build A Proper Skin Care Routine
A simple skin care routine can help you achieve healthy and glowing skin. Use a cleanser, toner, serum (for a skin concern, if any), moisturizer and sunscreen and you are good to go. Religious practice of a skin care routine can help you combat skin issues like acne, dark spots, tan, aging etc.
2. Cleanse Gently And Moisturize
Are you using a cleanser that’s making your skin feel too dry or too oily? It’s time to switch to a gentle and pH balancing cleanser that suits your skin. Wash your face twice a day to get rid of the dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells on the skin. If you ditch cleansing, your skin will show its ugly side sooner or later.
Soon after cleansing, use a non-greasy or creamy moisturizer based on your skin type. Moisturizing will keep your skin soft and supple, besides strengthening its barrier.
3. Remove Makeup Before You Sleep
You may want to hit the bed without removing makeup after a long, tiring day. But did you know that your sleeping time is when your skin can repair and renew? Imagine the plight of your skin if you sleep with makeup on and do not give it a chance for repair. Make sure you wash off all your makeup with a gentle cleanser and use a toner to wipe off even the last bit of it.
4. Exfoliate Your Skin Once A Week
Consider gentle exfoliation once every week as it removes dead skin cells and pushes a fresh layer of skin to the surface. Do not over scrub as it can strip off the natural oils from the skin and make it dry.
5. Use Sunscreen Religiously
Limit your exposure to the sun. If you have to go out in the sun, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out. Squinting can lead to formation of more fine lines around the eyes. Protect your eyes with sunglasses.
6. Check Skin Care Product Labels Carefully
Decode the labels of your skin care products because the ingredients can make or break your skin. Try and avoid sulfates, parabens, fragrances, alcohol and comedogenic products. The milder your products, safer your skin. You may also want to consider natural, organic, cruelty free and vegan products based on your personal preferences.
7. Load Up On Fruits & Vegetables
There’s a reason why they say, ‘you are what you eat’. Including a diet full of fruits and vegetables can give your skin a natural glow.
8. Drink More Water
Dehydrated skin is like a withered leaf. It is dull and lifeless. Drinking a minimum of 3 litres of water everyday can keep your skin plump and skin barrier strong. A healthy skin barrier prevents water loss and entry of foreign substances into the skin.
9. Get Adequate Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest keeps stress hormones at bay. Many of the growth hormones are produced while we sleep. Sleeping can stimulate the production of collagen, a fibrous protein that keeps the skin cells firm. Sound sleep can prevent premature aging.
10. Manage Stress
Stress can cause your system to go haywire. It can lead to inflammation and breakouts. If you are already having eczema or rosacea, these skin conditions may worsen with stress. Try meditation, music, nature trips and whatever interests you to kick away the stress.
11. Exercise Regularly
Exercising can increase blood flow to the skin and flush out toxins. It is also a great way to destress. Stress can cause a variety of skin issues like acne, dullness and premature aging.
12. Try Face Packs
Whether you are trying to improve your complexion or washing off excess oil, there are a variety of face packs available in the market. Try DIY face packs with natural ingredients and banish those blemishes.
13. Treat Your Skin Problems With The Right Medication
Observe if your skin has any blisters, rash, bumps, sores, warts, redness, discoloration etc. Consult your dermatologist if you notice changes in your skin and seek medical treatment.
What To Avoid?
1. Raw Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is known to lighten the skin. But refrain from applying raw lemon juice, especially before stepping out in the day. It is way too acidic and can cause dark spots after exposure to the sun. You can apply it when you’re staying indoors and dilute it with water or other ingredients.
2. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is recommended for curing breakouts. It does kill germs and reduce inflammation, but can turn out to be extremely drying for the skin.
3. Sugar
Sugar is used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. But it can be too harsh on your skin and can strip off its natural oils.
4. Smoking And Alcohol
Smoking can affect skin cell growth and cause inflammation. Tobacco also accelerates skin aging. Alcohol reduces vitamin A in the body and leads to the expansion of blood vessels in the skin, causing redness.
5. Improper Care After Swimming/Gym/Sports
Showering is a must after hitting the gym or after playing sports to remove the sweat and prevent bacteria formation on your skin. Also, wear breathable fabrics to avoid skin infections.
6. Hot Baths
It is relaxing to take a hot bath when you are stressed. But hot water can strip off sebum from your skin. Use lukewarm water for showers and while cleansing the face.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda can dry up your skin’s water content if used at a pH level of 8. In case you are using it, apply a hydrating moisturizer immediately to seal the hydration into your skin and prevent it from drying.
8. Garlic
If you are using garlic for your skin in its raw form, it might cause irritation, inflammation, skin allergies, and watery blisters. It contains diallyl disulfide (a chemical agent) that tends to irritate your skin and resemble a burn. It might also lead to allergic contact dermatitis, leading to rashes.
Know Your Skin Type
Before you even think of skincare, think about your skin type. This year, let us not have the one-size-fits-all approach for skincare. You are unique, so should your skin care be. Switch to customized skincare products based on your skin type and skin issues.
SkinKraft has a unique skin profiling system that asks you a few questions and gives you a skin analysis based on your responses.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your skin is always a healthy habit. It’s a slow and steady process, but if practiced religiously, it will surely reap benefits. A good skincare routine will not only help your skin slow down the signs of aging and harmful effects of the environment, but will also prevent you from potential skin problems. All you need to do is take out time to involve yourself in a daily skincare routine, follow a healthy diet, practice healthy habits, and use the right products to achieve beautiful skin.
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