Although we have different skin types, there are clear instructions from skin specialists that specify how we can take good care of our skin and delay the signs of aging. Below are proven tips and methods on what to do to have the best skin possible at any age.
Using Skin-Care Products
Start early on a good skin-care regimen. If you haven’t started yet, do so right now.
Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face. There are products for every skin type; use the one that is appropriate for your particular skin type. Don’t go to sleep without cleansing your face of all make-up and accumulated dirt from the day.
In cleansing your face, use warm or cool water, never hot water that can strip away natural moisture from your skin. After washing, pat gently (don’t rub) your face with a towel.
If the creams or skin products that you use irritate your skin, consult a dermatologist. Some people who have sensitive skin have difficulty finding exactly the right products to use. Talking to a professional can help solve this problem quickly.
Use skin products that have retinol or retinoid. This substance lightens or eliminates age spots, fine lines and other skin problems. It also helps to prevent the formation of more wrinkles.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Even if you don’t seem to have dry skin, use a moisturizer daily, especially on your face and neck. For oily skin, use light, oil-free moisturizers. Moisturizing regularly goes a long way in keeping the skin smooth, clear and supple.
Don’t pick at pimples, wrinkles or any facial blemishes. Instead, let skin products do their work and keep your finger out of your face. Use benzoyl peroxide to get rid of persistent acne, and lipo-hydroxy-acid to clarify your pores.
Wear sunscreen at all times. Every time you go out, put on sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA and UVB (two forms of ultraviolet radiation). This helps ensure that your skin does not get sun damaged. It also greatly reduces your chance of having skin cancer. Remember to reapply sunscreen when you sweat or get wet.
It is alright to “layer” skin products, if you are using a few. After cleaning your face thoroughly in the morning, put on first any prescription cream or gels. Next, put on moisturizer, and then sunscreen,and finally your makeup (if you wear it).
Avoid using strong soaps or any product that has harsh chemicals. If a skin product has a strong smell, it probably contains harsh ingredients.
Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle
Stop smoking. This habit destroys collagen collagen and elastin, and lowers the levels of estrogen in the body. All these directly affect the quality of your skin.
Drink lots of water. If your skin is well hydrated, wrinkles are less likely to form. Proper hydration means drinking water, not soda or coffee.
When taking a bath, be gentle to your skin. Don’t stay longer than necessary in the shower, and don’t use hot water that can strip away natural oils from your skin.
Get enough sleep. The person who coined the term “beauty rest” in reference to sleeping hit the nail on the head. There is scientific evidence that sleep does rejuvenate the skin. It helps to reduce skin sagging, puffiness and wrinkles.
The best sleeping position is on your back. You can get “sleep creases” on your cheeks and forehead when you sleep on your side, snuggled against a pillow.
Avoid yo-yo dieting and weight fluctuations. These make your skin lose its natural elasticity. If you are overweight, strive to have a healthy weight, and maintain it with good diet and exercise.
Eat healthy foods. Your skin benefits not just from the creams that you apply on it, but also from the nutrients that it gets from the food you eat. Be sure to take multivitamin supplements, and eat lots of skin-friendly foods such as fatty fish, dark green veggies, nuts and green tea. Stay away from alcohol and high-sugar foods, as these are linked to many skin problems.
Exercise. When you engage in physical activity that makes you sweat, there is increased blow flow to your skin. This encourages a glowing, healthy complexion.
Relax. Stress causes all cells in the body to age faster, including skin cells. Good stress management is therefore helpful in maintaining good skin, as well as in preserving good health in general.
In addition to wearing sunscreen, here are other ways of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun:
Stay in the shade when the sun’s radiation is strongest. This is generally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wear protective clothes when you go out, such as long pants, long-sleeved blouses, and hats or visors.
Getting Professional Treatments
Whenever you get any form of professional skin treatment, ensure that you go to a reputable medical facility that specializes in skin care. Avoid going to nonmedical “skin clinics,” even for simple procedures like facials. Also see to it that you are attended to by a certified, trained skin-care professional or dermatologist.
Exfoliation is necessary to stimulate the growth of skin cells, remove dead skin cells on the surface, and reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. You can exfoliate at home at least once a week, using a soft washcloth or a scrub with synthetic beads. Alternatively, you can have your skin exfoliated by a skin-care professional.
Facials are a good way to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. About once a month, go for a facial to keep your skin looking young and fresh.
