Our skin is our body’s largest organ. It’s not only our most important and prime line of defense against environmental factors, but also a defining attribute for beauty. Fresh and glowing skin is an indicator of good health and stamina. Yet many of us take our skin for granted. The difference between neglected and cherished skin can be huge, deeply influencing our life on a daily basis. With better understanding and a little bit of care, our skin can fulfill its basic functions without exhausting itself and stay healthy and fresh at the same time.
Determine your skin type
To take care of your skin properly and get the most out of it, you’ll need to know what type of skin you are dealing with in the first place. There are five main types:
Dry skin: rough, cracked, scaly
Oily skin: shiny, greasy, often with visible pores
Combination skin: the most common type of skin, a mix of oily (“T” zone) and dry (cheek area) skin
Sensitive skin: makeup or other products may cause itching or burning
Normal skin: the opposite of sensitive, an unproblematic type with a clear appearance
Make an effort
It’s tempting to do it the easy way and simply grab whatever soap is within reach. Don’t. Once you know your skin type, the next step is to follow the correct routine for that type and use suitable products. As a general rule: be gentle, wash your face without applying too much pressure, and do not scrub. Make sure to use plenty of room-temperature water. The no-scrub rule also applies to drying off: use light pats or move your towel in a circular motion. This will not only help you avoid skin irritation but also sagging skin and wrinkles in the future.
Normal/Combo Skin Care
Since normal/combo skin is most common, there are plenty of suitable products available, with a vast array of ingredients from which to choose. In terms of cleansers, there is no “magic bullet” for everyone; you’ll just have to try different products and determine which one works best for you. If your skin dries out or gets too shiny, switch to a new one!
Dry Skin Care
Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol, as this type of ingredient will make your skin even drier. Using hot water isn’t advised either, since it can quickly strip the skin of its natural oils. Washing your face too often can also lead to dry skin. Exfoliating once a week will help remove flaky skin cells and smooth out your face.
Oily Skin Care
If you struggle with oily skin, the thing you need the least is some more oil, so avoid using oily cleanser at all costs. After rinsing your face with plenty of room-temperature water, you might try using a toner to remove unwanted remaining oil and help shrink pores. Be careful, however, as this might irritate your skin to some degree.
Sensitive Skin Care
When choosing a cleanser for your sensitive skin, look for natural ingredients that have a calming effect (aloe, chamomile, and green tea extract are some of the most common ones). Avoid anything containing alcohol, soap, acid, or fragrance. Any irritation of the skin should be minimized, so be extra gentle when drying off your face: take your time and carefully press the towel against your skin—no rubbing.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
There is a widespread notion that young skin or oily skin doesn’t need moisturizing. Wrong! Moisturizing is a must if you want to keep your skin fresh, no matter your skin type. To maximize its benefits, apply the moisturizer of your choice when skin is still damp from washing. This way, the product is readily absorbed into pores. In case of acne or oily skin, go for oil-free moisturizer.
Sun is your enemy,
Sunscreen is your best friend
Sun exposure is one of the main environmental causes for a number of skin problems. Over time it causes heavy pigmentation and wrinkles. Even 15-minute stints can cause some irreversible damage. All this can be avoided by regularly using sunscreen. The safest bet is a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it every two hours, even if it’s cloudy. The fact that you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it’s not affecting your body.