Many times when we talk about skin, we think of our visible skin. That is our face’s skin and our hands. Maybe it could be because the sun, the wind, the cold and other factors like pollution, an even some foods, affect our skin.
It happens every time when I spend to much in the sun, or in windy days, that either my face will get very red or very dry. Also when I eat to many chocolates or fried food, the breakouts will appear in the face.
And the hands: hot water, detergents, and even activities related with paper will dry them, and the exposure to every sunlight, makes them promptly to age quicker than other parts of the body.
So, next time when you are on the market or health and beauty stores, think of the skin in terms of the body. There are many skincare brands that offer a range of products that target the face, the neck, the cleavage, body, hands and feet.
Choose accordingly and according to your skin necessities. You can follow an overall daily routine to nurture your skin, but also an specific one depending on the skin conditions you might have. Remember always to see a doctor or dermatologist before buying any particular product or use a home - made remedy.
Having a skincare routine is key. Morning and night, just as you have a routine to get ready: having breakfast, shower, getting dress and go to work or school.
In the night remove the make up (depending on your type of skin you can use a oil base or water base product). After cleaning it, moisture it. If your skin is young a basic moisture will do, but if you have a mature skin, then a vitamin infused or anti wrinkle cream will be better choices. Also if needed add eye cream (that works well also for the skin around the lips). If you need a treatment for acne or spots, they will come after moisturizing the skin.
In the mornings, a cold splash of water will do the trick - avoid hot water as much as possible, since it dries it. And, one time a week you can exfoliate your face and also your body.
FIRST THING FIRST
A healthy diet and lifestyle, and water are the basic first steps to a healthy skin.The vitamins of the fruits and vegetables are essential, since they contain the same ingredients that many skin care products contain. Take for example Vitamin A, C, or B.
If you see that your skin is extremely dry or flaky, this can be because of low vitamin A intake. This vitamin also reduce the appearance of acne and wrinkles. Foods like carrots and dark leaves like spinach contain good doses of it.
Vitamin C, aids in skins that are sunlight sensitive or have a lot of spots caused by prolonged time in the sun. It also helps reduce fine wrinkles, and helps the skin producing collagen that enhance its elasticity, and overall appearance.
Another important vitamin is B complex. It contains biotin, which helps the organism on the reproduction of nails, hair and skin cells. B complex keeps the skin hydrated and have anti inflammatory properties.
A generous intake of water will keep the skin moisture, and exercise will increase blood circulation.
On the other hand, smoking, over drinking alcohol, having a diet with lots of sugar and fast food, and lack of sleep, can damage your skin. It will end up looking dry, have breakouts and acquire a pale “grayish” tone.
ALLIED PRODUCTS
Besides this natural skincare advise, using sun block every day and a body moisture will improve your skin health.
Skin care brands, from magistral formulas, to over the counter names, have in their product range sunblocks. Dermatologist recommend using it one on a daily basis, not matter the weather, and if possible applying it three times a day. This will create a shield for sun rays, hence a shield for melanoma or skin cancer.
Moisturizing creams for the face, hands, feet and body are a must. The feet and hands need a dense moisturizer since the skin is much much harder and it is the one that “more works” : walking or work in the computer all day, for instance. Body - wise your favorite cream will do, just apply a bit more on the knees and elbows that tend to dry more.
For the face choose one that goes with your skin type: if you have mix, oily or prone to acne, is better to choose a light, oily free, with mattifying effect. If your skin is sensitive, or allergic prone, there are skin care brands that specialize in targeting this problem, but look for the ones that do not contain alcohol or fragrances.
