Essential skin care tips

Skin care doesn’t have to be complex or expensive – but there are some basic things you need to do to keep your skin healthy.

Avoid sun damage

The sun is the cause of many – if not most – of the problems your skin encounters. Sun damage causes premature aging (wrinkles, loss of elasticity, etc.), skin discoloration, and in the worst case, skin cancer. And sun damage is cumulative, meaning that even those sunburns you got as a child can cause problems for you later in life.

From the time you are very young, you need to limit your exposure to the sun – especially when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10am and 4pm. Also important is shielding your skin from the sun – keeping your skin covered, and when skin is exposed to the sun, making sure you apply plenty of sunscreen.

Prevention is key

Once you enter your teenage years, you should begin annual visits to a dermatologist for an examination. The dermatologist will be able to establish a baseline, while also monitoring any moles or other skin issues that may show early signs of cancer. Your doctor will also be able to address any other skin concerns you may have, including acne, eczema, etc. and can advise you on the best treatment.

Be gentle with your skin

When you’re dealing with a skin problem (acne, dry skin, etc.) it can be tempting to “attack” the issue – but it’s more important to be gentle.

Treating your skin gently includes: not popping pimples, avoiding harsh scrubs and irritants (fragrances, etc.), and being cautious about everything that touches it.

Do your research

Even if your skin care routine consists of simply washing and moisturizing, you should know which ingredients and products work best for you. Take into consideration any allergies or sensitivities you have, your skin type, and your personal preferences. You may want lighter formulations, or you may wish to use only formulas that are naturally-derived.

No matter how much – or how little – time or expense you wish to devote to taking care of your skin, these tips offer a basic level of skin care to help keep your skin healthy.