Taking proper care of your skin achieves more than simply looking good. Not only will you help avoid wrinkles and blemishes, you can also reduce your chances for problems like skin cancer. Experienced dermatologists like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can provide tips such as these for maintaining healthy skin.
Wear sunscreen
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that you like well enough to consistently wear. Look for an SPF factor of 30 or higher and use it on all body parts exposed to the sun. Wearing sunscreen will help avoid sunburns and lower your risk of skin cancers like melanoma.
Wear protective clothing
Look for clothing that is rated for sun use. Some clothes have a UPF rating, or ultraviolet protection factor, to indicate how much the type of fabric may offer sun protection. To block out damaging sun rays, choose clothing with rated UPF 50 or more.
Limit sun exposure
Prolonged sun exposure contributes to issues like wrinkles, skin discoloration, and fine lines. Follow recommended precautions like sunscreen and protective clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
Wash your face
At least once or twice daily, wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser and warm water. Avoid harsh products that may harm your skin. The goal is to eliminate dirt, chemicals, oil and other impurities from the surface of your skin.
Moisturize your skin
Select a moisturizer, cream or lotion recommended to gently protect your skin from dryness. If your skin is oily, find products that are labeled oil-free that will safely hydrate skin without making it even oilier.
Exfoliate your skin
Remove dead skin cells once a week by using an exfoliating scrub. This is an effective tool for especially dry skin areas like the elbows, heels and knees.
Drink water
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated. This helps maintain both your skin’s health and appearance.
Eat healthy
One less known way to maintain healthy skin is to eat a diet containing healthy fats. Examples of these foods are nuts, fatty fishes, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil.
Take vitamins
Adding vitamins to your daily routine not only improves your overall health, it can also contribute to healthier skin. Vitamin C increases the production of collagen and elastin, making your skin more supple and brightening your skin tone. Vitamin E provides extra protection from inflammation in the body.
Quit smoking
Smoking is detrimental to your general health and also your skin. Your blood may not flow throughout your body as efficiently, decreasing the nutrients in your skin and giving your skin a more tired and pale appearance.
Schedule regular dermatologist visits
Everyone should schedule regular checkups with a physician like Dr. Bernard Raskin so that any skin conditions can be treated and signs of problems like skin cancer can be identified. Regular screenings are especially important for those with diagnosed conditions like psoriasis or eczema, where rashes can be prevalent and lead to infections. Many treatments are available for a variety of skin conditions. Regular skin checkups for suspicious moles or blemishes can also mean early and most effective skin cancer treatments. Schedule a consultation with our dermatologist to evaluate your skin’s health and make sure you are making the best choices for your skin’s care.