Taking care of your skin is part of maintaining your overall health. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and deserves proper treatment just like the rest of you. Who wants unhealthy skin that looks tired, wrinkled, discolored or generally older than it should? Instead you should strive for skin that is smooth and vibrant with good color. Taking the advice of a dermatologist such as Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is a great way to achieve healthy skin. Read on for tips on how to make this happen.
Hygiene
Poor hygiene contributes to unhealthy skin. Dirt and environmental elements can build up on the skin, causing clogged pores, dry skin, blemishes, and wrinkles. Daily face washing with good products and regular bathing are important steps toward healthy skin. Wash your face every day in the morning and before bed with warm water and a quality cleanser. Shower or bathe daily, shampoo your hair regularly, and keep your nails clean. The bottom line is that any good skin hygiene routine includes proper cleansing and moisturizing.
Sun Exposure
Likely the most dangerous thing you’ve heard about related to your skin health is too much exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays. These harmful light rays can damage skin, cause sunburns, and increase your risk of skin cancer. To lower your risk of skin damage from the sun, follow these rules:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more all year long.
- Avoid UV radiation by seeking shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Do not use tanning beds.
- Wear protective clothing to cover your arms and legs and a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Get skin checkups annually with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin. Also examine your own skin monthly and make an appointment if you see any concerning areas.
Diet Your skin needs good vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function like it should. You might be surprised to know that your diet impacts the appearance and feel of your skin. In your path toward healthy skin, try limiting foods like trans fats, soda, gluten, deep fried foods, cold cuts, or milk. Make drinking at least eight glasses of water each day your goal. This will maintain good hydration in your body that contributes to fewer wrinkles, less dry skin, better skin coloring and reduced fine lines. Smoking Smoking is bad for you for many reasons, but it can also harm your skin by causing wrinkles, excessive dryness, and skin discoloration. Quitting smoking should allow your skin to begin repairing itself to become healthier. If you’re having skin issues schedule an appointment today.