Top 10 Dos and Don’ts of Skincare
Sep 6, 2018
Those Snapchat filters keep us dreaming, but there’s no such thing as perfect skin. Sad day, but we’ll survive!
It may not be realistic to have perfect skin, but it is possible to have the best version of your own skin. Here are some dos and don’ts to having healthy skin.
1) Don’t tan. Do use sunscreen.
There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tan skin is damaged skin. Even 1 sunburn exponentially increases your risk of skin cancer, so avoid tanning beds and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Use a daily moisturizer with 30 SPF or higher to keep your face protected every day. When you are planning to be outside, use a body sunscreen with a 30 SPF minimum and re-apply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours. Sunscreen is widely available. Choose one that you like that is broach spectrum for UVA and UVB and water-resistant.
2) Do wear a hat (preferably wide-brimmed)
Before you go outside, grab a hat. Covering up your scalp and shading your face from the direct sun exposure will help limit the aging effects of the sun. The wider the brim the better!
3) Do wear sun-protective clothing
Sun Protective clothing offers even more protection than sunscreen. It is consistent and does not require re-application. With increased popularity, many stylish and comfortable options are available.
Keep in mind that nothing ages your skin more than excessive sun exposure. So be smart and use sunscreen, sun protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. It will help your skin maintain its youthful beauty.
4) Do pursue healthy habits
Healthy habits go a long way toward helping our skin. Exercise, eating healthy and staying hydrated can all help improve your skin tone and texture.
Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you’re hate working out, leisurely walks still count!
Eating a healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables along with protein is a great way to keep your body healthy. Don’t worry, eating chocolate doesn’t cause acne, it’s the fault of the hormones inside your body. So a little chocolate is ok… just try not to over-indulge.
Your body needs water, so drink the recommended 8 glasses per day. The amount of water you drink does not directly affect your skin, but staying hydrated helps you feel better.
5) Do wash your face!
Your pores get clogged throughout the day from dirt and oil. Cleaning your face every morning and every evening is a good idea to remove this dirt and oil. Avoid hot water and over-washing because it can dry out your skin and irritate it.
6) Do moisturize your skin
After washing your face, be sure to apply a moisturizer with 30 SPF or higher. This skincare step is often overlooked, but it is a key element to keeping your skin soft and healthy. Don’t forget to moisturize your body too!
7) Don’t pop zits!
It’s tempting to pop a zit, especially when it’s a big fat white head. Don’t! Stop right there! It’s a temporary fix, but not great in the long run.
Popping pimples leads to scabbing, which could lead to scarring depending on the severity of the scab. It can also cause more germs to get into the skin, which could make your acne worse.
8) Don’t smoke
The carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke can dry out your skin and even discolor it. Add that to a big list of problems smoking can cause. It’s best to avoid smoking altogether. Your skin will thank you.
9) Do try to relax! (Or at least don’t stress out too much)
Stress increases hormones that make your skin more oily. Oil can cause skin problems like acne, rashes, and other irritations.
10) Don’t over-do your makeup
Everyone’s skin is different when it comes to makeup. Depending on your skin, excessive makeup can clog the pores leading to breakouts and the chemicals can dry out your skin.
A solution is to use non-comedogenic and oil-free products. Natural or organic makeup brands may have fewer chemicals and feel lighter on your skin. If you’re comfortable wearing no makeup at all, a quality moisturizer with a minimum of 30 SPF may be all you need.
About Center for Dermatology
The dermatology professionals at the Center for Dermatology are pleased to welcome you to our practice. We provide medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services in Lakeville, MN. We know how hectic life can be and are committed to making our practice convenient and accessible.
We want you to feel confident that when you choose the Center for Dermatology, you’re working with health care professionals who are qualified, experienced, and caring. We invite you to schedule an appointment for your next skin check. We look forward to meeting you!
