Skin Care Basics
The weather is warming up as we approach the midst of summer, the suns rays are strong and the risks are great for skin damage.
Your skin reflects your health. It’s your body’s canvas and one of its most valuable assets. For good skin care, start developing healthy habits that guard your valued possession from outer forces. It’s the only skin you’ll ever get, so your daily habits mean everything. Follow the basic skin care tips we have listed below.
Clean and moisturize your skin daily. Wash your face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. After you cleanse your skin, follow with a toner and moisturizer. Toners help to remove fine traces of oil, dirt, and make-up that you may have missed when cleansing. Moisturizing is necessary even for people with oily skin. Get a moisturizer that is best suited for your skin type (dry, normal, or oily). There are many to choose from.
Block the sun. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, benign growths and precancerous or cancerous growths such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Most skin cancers are related to sun exposure. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the rays are the strongest. Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with the physical blocker zinc oxide and a SPF of 30 or greater. Cover exposed areas with protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Seek professional help for any developed skin problems. Your skin will not be perfect. It can be dry or oily, it can develop rashes and acne, among many other issues. Please address any skin issues with a professional like your primary care physician or a dermatologist for more severe skin problems.
Self screening. Over the course of your life, you should pay attention to all parts of your skin. Familiarize yourself with it, so you’ll notice any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might indicate skin cancer. Whenever you have a question or concern, make sure you see your doctor.
