Healthy skin is happy skin. Be kind to it and avoid the habits that skin hates most.
Sun damage ages skin before its time. Wrinkles, blotchiness, and even skin cancer are the ultimate result of even moderate amounts of ultraviolet radiation on unprotected skin. A tan may look attractive, but it’s actually the skin’s response to damage. Tanning beds are no safer than sunlight, either; they also use ultraviolet rays to give the skin that lovely, but dangerous tan. If you plan to be out during the day, always apply a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Your skin will thank you for it years later.
If you wear makeup, remove it thoroughly at the end of the day. Makeup is meant to beautify, but there’s nothing pretty about clogged pores and the pimples that come with them. Oil-free makeup removers do a good job of readying your face for cleansing.
It’s important to cleanse your skin thoroughly, but gently. While it’s a myth that blemishes are caused by dirt, it’s true that dirt almost always results in blemishes. However, cleansing too much or with harsh detergents strips your skin of its natural protection. The thinner skin on your face is especially susceptible to irritation from drying soaps. Use a cleanser formulated for your face once or twice a day at most.
Even clean skin gets blemishes. As tempting as it may be to make that pimple disappear with a squeeze, avoid picking or popping. Pimples contain bacteria which then get spread over surrounding skin when the pimple pops. Not only does picking potentially spread infection, it can also lead to permanent scarring or pitting. If your complexion is blemish-prone, switch up your skin care regimen with different products to discover if one of them is the culprit. More stubbornly unhappy skin may require a visit to a dermatologist who can likely help.
Although you might like a few drinks now and then, your skin may not. Tiny capillaries in the skin dilate when you drink, giving your face a flushed appearance. While a few nights on the town won’t do permanent damage, long-term heavy alcohol consumption can; when those dilated capillaries burst, your blotchy complexion could be with you for life. Your skin will thank you for moderating your alcohol intake.
Your skin isn’t so temperamental as to get unhappy from a few special-occasion glasses of champagne or makeup that stays on too long once in a while, but don’t make a habit of neglecting your skin. Treat your skin well and it will love you for a lifetime.
This was written by a leading dermatologist, who specialises in anti-aging treatments and skin care. Has recently reviewed and recommends the following product:
