Regular Skin Care Routine is a Good Habit

We all want healthy, radiant skin, right. Everyone age 13 and up should have a skincare routine.

These past months it may have been easy to skip with so much going on. Our whole schedule may have been affected and the skin will eventually show this.

Especially now with wearing a mask, (please refer to CDC & WHO websites for current updates) having a skincare routine promotes healthy skin microbiome. Adapting one to fit your unique needs may be challenging but there is help.

In these modern times we are fortunate to have so many products and services (your spa) available.

Like brushing your teeth, showering and combing your hair, a good skin care routine should become a habit for better health. The first thing people meet is your face. Make a good impression.

Knowing your skin type is a start. Taking into consideration any special conditions (rosacea, psoriasis) also brings other products to choose from. And depending on your age you might add a treatment product.

You don’t want your skin to surprise you with unwelcome visitors popping in. Your skin appearance will look and feel better if you take care of it. Consistency is the key!

The Bonus

Good care returns in skin working harder. Did you know while we are sleeping our skin is regenerating itself? Applying those treatment products and moisturizers before sleeping are highly beneficial, they are absorbed deep.

Caring for your skin can reduce the appearance of fine lines (wrinkles) dark spots and sun damage add managing minor concerns like dryness or oiliness.

Taking care of your skin will be easier to maintain, like starting that exercise program, it takes some time to see results. The skin will also be able to heal itself quicker. You just need to stick with it.

Special Concerns

Those with special skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne this takes on a bit more thought and research. Treating this special condition you might need a particular skin care regimen. You may also be sensitive to ingredients and products in general.

With rosacea alcohol is a trigger and because it is sensitive, fragrance should be avoided as well.

People of color are usually more prone to skin issues of hyperpigmentation (like melasma) issues relating to acne, psoriasis or eczema. They are also more likely to develop scars (keloids).

This is challenging and takes time to treat. Topical treatments with hydroquinone and vitamin C can help.

To prevent the hyperpigmentation from getting worse wearing sunscreen is strongly encouraged.

It may be tempting but picking and popping that pimple can lead to more problems. The bacteria may go deeper into your pore causing more breakouts, irritation or scarring.

If you simply must pop (sanitary) Dr. Pimple Popper has a book out, know when to stop. This can be a behavioral disorder that has a support group.

Having a routine that works will help to manage and treat the condition. It may not be as hard as you though and this may build your self-confidence and self-esteem.

You’re looking good and so you feel better about your appearance. Especially in this time of stress, making the effort to take care of you can be beneficial. You can look yourself in the mirror each morning and smile.

The Skin Renewal Cycle

Our skin cells have a journey to travel through several layers to reach the surface before we see them. The natural skin renewal cycle is called desquamation. It takes about a month for skin cells to reach the surface and die off. We shed these skin cells all day and then they are replaced as the cycle begins again.

Our Skin Type

Your skin type determines the products you choose. Don’t forget SPF which may be combined in your moisturizer in the morning.

If you know you have a condition (rosacea, eczema) you have been to the dermatologist. What products were recommended?

Acne skin that may not be inflamed will have few infected comedones, pustules and blackheads. It can tend to be oily with little redness. It is less sensitive then inflamed.

Combination Dry is more dry than oily. With more sebaceous glands, in the T-zone this area tends to be oilier. More enlarged pores may be visible. The cheeks and outer area of the face may be drier, and could be flaky or scaly. This is treated as two skin types.

Combination Oily has a larger T-zone area. The skin is more oily than dry. Oily skin may have intense lipid secretions with an excess of sebum (oil) production. The pores seem enlarged. The appearance may be sallow, shiny and thick. Dead skin and sebum can block pores resulting with more breakouts in the T-zone.

Dry Skin (Oil Dry) appears dehydrated or alipidic (lacking oil) with the barrier lipids. Here the sebaceous glands are not producing enough oil to keep skin moist and hydrated. Appearance looks dull without sheen. Skin is thin has fine texture but appears rough with small pore size. In extreme cases the pores are barely visible.

Tone is pale to white and may be transparent. Usually flaky and might have a tight feeling and some sensitivity.

Mature/Sun Damaged (hyperpigmentation) this is dehydrated skin that lacks water. Matured or aged skin may be both oily and moisture dry. The skin usually appears delicate, thin, flaky or possibly have scales. It may feel tight, dry and uncomfortable.

Being dehydrated it seems to have small pores and is prone to developing fine lines and sun damage. Early signs of aging have appeared. It has lost its elasticity and may sag, usually around the eyes, cheeks and throat. Changes may appear with pigmentation, like age spots. Getting these checked by dermatologist is recommended.

Normal is well balanced. Skin appears plumb, soft, smooth, with even pores and color. There is no excess oil or dryness. There is enough sebum and sweat being produced to lubricate and moisten skin. Normal seldom has blemishes or the occasional pimple.

The Skincare Routine

Corse it all depends on what the brand wants to call the product but this is a general list. Products are available in many forms and from many manufactures.

For special conditions your dermatologist may be able to prescribe a treatment product. You don’t need to purchase a ton of products some may be combined (moisturizer with SPF).

Cleansers-These are used to remove dirt and impurities like those dead skin cells, makeup and excess sebum.

Soaps used to be highly alkaline, which dried the skin and striped away its acid mantle. But there is vegan and organic made now. Soaps may also leave a dull film on the surface where cleansers rinse off easily. Soaps are more for oily skin types.

A cleanser (foamy liquid) will clean without stripping the skin of your protective oils. This is more for sensitive or dry skin types.

Cleaning the skin should not be overdone. Twice a day, morning and night is enough. Anymore could cause irritation.

Toners These help where the cleanser left off if there is any dirt or impurities left behind. Toners help to bring back the acid mantle and hydrate the skin. So are made for dry skin types.

Toners shouldn’t contain alcohol, fragrance, dye, citrus, menthol or other drying ingredients that could cause irritation. Any product that gives a stinging or burning sensation is not good and should be avoided. The toner helps to balance pH levels.

Astringents are made for oily skin and usually contain alcohol to dissolve the excess oil.

Fresheners are for normal to dry skin. They are alcohol-free to hydrate and revitalize the skin.

Treatment products are for any issues that you are concerned about or special conditions. You may apply these before moisturizers at night. Layer them thinnest to thickest for efficient absorption.

For under-eye circles to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and crow’s feet by increasing the elasticity use products that contain peptides.

Don’t forget the delicate neck area. Our modern day of devices has brought “tech Neck”, this requires special attention. Serums, moisturizer and sunscreen should be applied here in an upward motion.

Moisturizers aid our skin barrier by providing lipids (fats), protection against external chemicals and hydration to the sometimes dry skin.

The moisturizer should contain oils and emollients as well as water. Many moisturizers are adding SPF for during the day. This would be two products in one and very convenient.

Apply moisturizer without slathering which can lead to milia. These are tiny white spots developing when dead skin cells are trapped.

Night creams are a heavier product used overnight. They contain ingredients to sooth, nourish and help restore cellular function.

Exfoliant (scrub) is a bit abrasive with small granules that can be used as your cleanser if you have oily or acne prone skin. AHAs will help to remove stubborn dead skin cells causing dullness and clogged pores. BHAs will get into pores dissolving the sebum and fighting dormant acne.

Exfoliate with either alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) or beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) product not both, AHAs usually for dry, sensitive skin where BHAs are for acne or oily. Exfoliating will also stimulate and improve the circulation. Use twice daily if your cleanser.

Some lines offer liquid versions without granules but this may also be an aggressive formula. Do research for sensitive skin.

Facials are a professional service given in a salon/spa. They are recommended once a month to maintain healthy skin.

The esthetician can also help you with recommending a skincare line or what products you should use.

A facial also relieves stress and is great for pampering. We all need that! A minimum of once every season can be done, that’s just four times a year (Facial for Healthy Skin).

Clean Items that also have Contact with Skin

Keep your cell phone clean. Having antibacterial wipes handy to clean away germs will improve your skin also.

When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes (if applicable)? This should be done once a month to remove bacteria that may land on your skin.

Think positive thoughts. Your overall health and appearance are influenced with an increase in your emotional and mental well-being. Don’t forget to do some pampering.

How many steps are in your skincare routine?

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Header Photo young female looking in mirror by Andrea Piacquadio from pexels.com

Disclaimer:

The listing or mention of an organization, website or product is not meant as an endorsement or promotional purposes of any kind but simply to educate and pass on information.

This website is for informational purposes and not for diagnosis.

If you have a health condition or concern, please consult your doctor.

Researching content:

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use              accessed 08/15/2020

https://www.elle.com/beauty/g3/101-skin-care-tips/   accessed 08/15/2020