10 Skincare Rules Everyone That Should Follow
April 23, 2019 2:04 pm
Light skin, dark skin, oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and rosacea prone skin types are but a few of the skin conditions we share. Each one has their own set of rules.
Although we attempt to follow the skincare rules based on the skin type we were born with, there are some rules that are pretty universal. No matter what kind of skin we inherited, there are 10 skincare rules that everyone should follow.
No Matter What, Wear Sunscreen
Wear it everyday no matter the weather. Sun or no sun, wear it, and put it on first. It is the one essential for all skin types. It’s best to apply it first so you get the actual rated protection. Not only does a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 protect your skin from dangerous UVA and UVB rays and skin cancer, but it also will help to prevent skin from aging, dark spots and wrinkles.
Fortunately, you may already be wearing sunscreen without even knowing it! Most foundations already contain a low SPF, so just double check to make sure that your favorite make up brands have you covered, literally.
It’s the non-negotiable skin care rule.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation is a must do for all skin types. There are some exfoliants out there you can use on a daily basis and others that work best only once or twice a week. Find one with AHA Alpha hydroxy acid or BHA Beta hydroxy acid for best results.
Exfoliation will gently remove those dead skin cells, clogged pores, and oil to prevent blemishes while lactic acid will strengthen collagen production to prevent wrinkles and saggy skin. Gentle is the key word here as you should never scrub your skin raw.
Remove ALL of Your Makeup Every Night
We all know this is an important skin care rule, but sometimes we forget. Now that we are all adults, ladies, it’s time to make this mistake a thing of the past. Cleanse your skin, remove all eye makeup, and moisturize before bedtime. Otherwise we leave caked on foundations to clog our pores and set the stage for a big red bump in the morning. Your skin and your eyes will thank you.
Moisturize Your Skin
Regardless of skin type, this is one of the essential skin care rules everyone should follow even those with oily skin.
Get in Touch with a Retinoid
This is another must do in the 21st century. It will boost skin cell replacement, improve collagen production, lessen dark spots and help to treat acne. Use it several times a week to prevent aging skin.
Get in Your ZZZs
Did you know that sufficient quality sleep can improve your skin?
According to a recent study compiled by the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, “Chronic poor sleep quality is associated with increased signs of intrinsic aging, diminished skin barrier function and lower satisfaction with appearance.” So pop a melatonin gummy, close the curtains, and dream the night away.
Don’t Forget Your Neck
One of the first tell tale signs of aging shows up on the neck. Sometimes known as “tech neck” wrinkles and lines develop from always looking down at our devices. Smooth your moisturizer (and sunscreen) on your neck and chin, but be sure to apply using upward motions to prevent dragging your skin downward even further. Never let your neck tell your age.
Clean Your Cell Phone
Yes, we mean it. Think about how much bacteria is on your cell from texting, swiping, dropping it on the ground or between the seats of the car. Then we let complete strangers use our cell to take our picture. All that bacteria is transferred to our face, and back to our hands again. We set ourselves up for blemishes. Clean your cell at least once a week with an antibacterial wipe.
Hydrate
In the last decade, drinking water has become more fashionable. We rarely see a young millennial without a bottle of H2O. It’s good for your bodily functions, digestive system, flushes away toxins, and plumps our skin. The typical recommended amount is approximately 64 oz a day.
Visit the Dermatologist
As we get older, a good skin care rule is to see your dermatologist at least once per year. Our skin is the largest organ of our body so it makes sense to have your skin completely looked over by a specialist on a regular basis. Not only can we get answers to skin care questions and issues, but a specialist knows the difference between a “beauty mark” and a suspicious spot. Don’t leave something so important to chance.
To learn more about skin care options, or to learn more about turning back the clock on aging, contact Meenakshi Jain, MD, FACOG today! You can request an appointment online, or contact us at (727) 343-9004 today!