The skin is the body’s largest organ, but for many, taking care of the skin can take the back burner. After all, not everyone has time for a rigorous skin care routine. However, it is important to remember that taking the extra steps for skin care can help delay aging and prevent various skin problems from developing.
One thing you should know is there is more to skin care than just cleaning your face and applying skin products. What happens beyond the vanity table is more important and can result in more long-lasting benefits not only for your skin but also for your overall wellness.
Here are things you must remember in order to improve the health condition of your skin.
1. Know your skin type.
It is very important to know your skin type to understand your skin’s specific needs. Aside from knowing what skin care products to use, you also need to consider your skin type in choosing other products such as cosmetics and even food.
If you are not aware of your skin type, you can do a simple test at home using blotting paper. First, wash your face. Then, after 30 minutes, pat blotting paper on different areas of your face, paying close attention to your T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin).
If the blotting paper remains opaque, you have dry skin. If it is soaked through and transparent, it is oily. If the blotting paper is not too oily, you have a normal skin type.
2. Stay out of the sun.
One of the most important things you can do to your skin is to stay out of the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun damages skin and causes issues such as age spots and wrinkles. It can even increase one’s risk of getting skin cancer.
If you cannot avoid staying out in the sun, you should be vigilant in protecting your skin against its harmful rays. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Re-apply it every two hours or, if you are swimming, at least every hour. Wearing clothes that cover the skin, such as pants and long-sleeved shirts, also gives extra protection.
3. Eat a healthy balanced diet.
Food can cause a lot of health issues, and more often than not, food can also reverse them. In order to have better skin, it is essential to eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish. You also need to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. On the contrary, avoid foods rich in unhealthy fats, sugar, and refined carbohydrates that can trigger issues like acne.
Curious to know which foods your skin could be reacting to? Check out our Food Sensitivity Test!
4. Learn to manage your stress.
Stress can be mentally damaging, but did you know that the symptoms of stress can also manifest physically? Stress, especially uncontrolled and unmanaged stress, can make the skin more sensitive and, thus, more prone to acne and rosacea flare-outs.
If you are under stress, it helps to meditate to calm your mind and body. You should also get enough sleep. If possible, remove yourself from the constant source of stress and make room instead for things that you love.
5. Be gentle on your skin.
It can be tempting to get products with a drastic effect on the skin, but in the long run, gentler products, which don’t strip off natural oils, are much better. You should also avoid using strong soaps and strong detergent on your clothes, which can trigger skin reactions. When washing your face and showering, use warm water rather than hot water.
Bonus tip: Understand the specific needs of your skin through a DNA Skin Care Test.
Creams and serums are not enough to take care of the skin. A holistic skin care treatment plan also involves addressing the issue at a biological level. EasyDNA offers a DNA Skin Care Test that assesses your genetic needs, making it an innovative and accurate preventive skin care option.
The results of the DNA test, which are available within 30-45 days from the receipt of samples, will tell you if you are at a high, medium, or low risk for aging aspects like wrinkles, sun damage, skin sensitivity, collagen decrease, and more, allowing you to be in better control of your health. Learn more about the DNA test here.
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