Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It’s more than just a canvas for tattoos or makeup. Your skin is your body’s first defense against infection, protecting you from the germs of the world. It’s a major factor in regulating your body’s temperature. It even helps your body detoxify through sweat. Keeping your skin healthy is an important part of your overall health. It’s more than just skin deep.
There are things that you can and should do every day to keep your skin at its best. Let’s look at some important ways you can keep your skin healthy and looking young.
The American Academy of Dermatologists estimates that one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Every day, 9,500 people get the news from their dermatologist. The sad fact is, they didn’t need to. Using sun protection every day can prevent most forms of skin cancer. The great news is that using protection does more than just prevent cancer; it also prevents wrinkles, sunspots, and uneven coloration. To prevent everyday sun exposure, choose skincare products that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. When you work or play outside, remember “Slip, Slop, Slap.” Slip into a sun-protective shirt. Slop on sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
Bathing and washing your face every day are important habits to cultivate. When you wash, use soft terry cloth to gently exfoliate your skin. Use soap and water on your body. Choose a facial wash that works for your skin type, depending on whether your skin is dry, oily or combination. Use the same criteria for choosing an appropriate moisturizer, and moisturize your skin every day. Don’t just moisturize your face and ignore the rest of your body. Make sure that the skin is healthy, without being too oily or too dry. Frequently check the skin on your hands, and keep lotion handy. Frequent washing can result in dry and cracked hands, making them appear aged and leaving your body open to infections.
Your skin is delicate; treat it that way. Your skin stretches, but it can be stretched out of shape. When it loses elasticity, your skin hangs off your body in wrinkles. They might be small wrinkles around your face or larger wrinkles on your hands or arms. Use caution when choosing harsher exfoliants such as scrubby sponges or loofahs. These can pull and stretch your skin. In addition, use special care when shaving. Choose shaving products that protect your skin and prevent nicks and cuts.
Smoke, both tobacco and cannabis, is really tough on your skin. It dries it out and can, over time, actually begin to change the texture of your skin. Think about it; people put hams and fish in a smokehouse, and they come out tough. That isn’t the way you want your skin to look. Though looking at our habits, consider watching how much and how often you drink. Alcohol dehydrates the body, pulling fluid from your skin. Keeping your body hydrated keeps your skin at its best.
Like any other part of your body, your skin reflects your overall health. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all help keep your skin healthy and young-looking. Maintaining a healthy weight prevents your skin from stretching and shrinking and creating wrinkles.
If you aren’t sure how to keep your skin healthy and vibrant, stop by Elite Dermatology, and talk with Dr. Wang. She can advise the best way to keep your skin healthy.
