Having good skin may seem like a trivial matter that mostly has to do with vanity, but there is so much more to it than that. Skin health is essential because it is the largest organ that functions to protect everything else in your body. Not only that, but unhealthy skin can be indicative of poor health conditions like dehydration, allergies, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Caring for your skin on the outside is just as important as ensuring your internal health. This protects your skin from environmental factors that could lead to damage and other related diseases. There are many ways to care for your skin, including using the right products, reducing sugar intake and eating well, and exercising regularly. Apart from these well-known methods, here are four other ways that you can better take care of your skin:
1. Reapply sunscreen properly
People have become more aware of the need to wear SPF in recent years, and it’s a good trend to promote healthy skin. However, not everybody remembers that reapplication can make or break how protected you really are from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It isn’t enough to apply once in the morning because sunscreens are only effective for a short time once applied. This is why taking care of your skin should include reapplication of sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors. This will protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer.
2. Apply skincare products to wet skin
Cleansing should be an essential step in your daily routine, but it can also strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier. Instead of drying with a towel, it’s best to apply your beauty products onto wet skin. This not only increases the efficacy of your skincare products but also seals moisture into the epidermis, which is especially important if it is compromised. Skincare routines for sensitive skin mainly focus on restoring the skin barrier, which is a layer of moisture that protects it from environmental factors while retaining moisture. Wet skin can allow ingredients such as artichoke leaf extract and other hydrating actives to penetrate deeper. This restores your skincare barrier’s strength and results in a glowing complexion. This is a better way to restore your skin’s moisture and elasticity.
3. Use chemical (not physical) exfoliants
Most people know the importance of exfoliating to promote quicker cell turnover and slough off dead skin cells. However, physical exfoliation may come with certain risks. While scrubs and washcloths are fairly cheap and accessible, they can also irritate the skin and cause microtears, leading to uneven texture and even wounds. Chemical exfoliants, in comparison, use acids to evenly and deeply exfoliate the skin to address excess oil production, texture, and hyperpigmentation, to name a few. Exfoliating your skin this way will help its appearance, reduce conditions like acne and clogged pores, and ensure your skin is healthy and glowing.
4. Deep clean regularly
Not everybody has the means to visit a dermatologist or cosmetic clinic frequently, so deep cleaning your pores can be helpful to learn at home. This can improve your skin’s health and overall appearance. This is often referred to as the grits method, and it involves using a beta hydroxy acid, cleansing oil, clay masks, and facial massaging to dislodge any blackheads, closed comedones, and other gunk and debris that may get trapped in one’s pores. Doing this once a month can help maintain your complexion and reduce the chances of developing acne.