Your skin is the body’s largest organ. However, it is also the organ that takes the biggest beating and the last to get the nutrients from the foods we eat and drink. Other than trying to eat healthy and drink lots of water, we cannot really treat our skin from the inside. So, we have to treat it topically.
We have our teeth cleaned twice a year. We exercise to keep our hearts, lungs, and muscles healthy. We eat well to maintain healthy bodies. But what are you doing on a daily basis to take care of your skin?
Aging and its Effects on Skin
Our body’s production of collagen begins to slow in our mid- to late-20s. After 30, the collagen levels in our skin begin to drop by 1 to 2 percent per year. In case you were wondering what collagen is, collagen helps to keep our skin plump and tight and is one of the building blocks of skin tissue. The science of aging is a little scary, so if you are in your late-20s, the time has come to get serious about skin care.
It’s much easier to prevent damage versus correcting damage that has already been done. Start out simple by using high-quality ingredient, at-home skin care products and getting skin treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels seasonally.
Must-Do’s for Your Skin’s Health
The following are must-do’s, but there are plenty of other things you can and should do to take care of your skin.
Wear Sunscreen
Even if you aren’t going out in direct sunlight, you should always wear a sunscreen. You would be amazed at how much sun your skin is absorbing when you are riding in a car or sitting by a window. While the sun may not seem as intense in the winter, its rays are still causing damage to your skin. Many body lotions also come with sunscreen, which is a great idea for year-round use. And yes, you need a sunscreen even if your makeup says it has SPF it in it: don’t count on it, but rather consider that makeup SPF extra protection.
Exfoliate
We are constantly making new skin cells, and if you aren’t getting the dead skin cells off then they are just building up on your skin. This can lead to dry and dull looking skin and clogged pores. Peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and body scrubs are great ways to keep the skin exfoliated and fresh skin glowing and healthy. You’ll want to exfoliate your body more often than your face. You can really exfoliate the body on a daily basis with a loofa, grit scrubs, etc. Gently exfoliating your face at least once a week at home goes a long way in keeping your skin looking fresh. Adding a tretinoin or retinol product to your daily routine is also a great idea, and there are chemical exfoliators you can consider like enzymes, glycolic acid, and AHA.
Hydrate
Our skin is the last to get any of the water we consume, so it is so important to use products with a high concentration of quality ingredients. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring moisturizer our bodies produce, so products with that ingredient are great. Vitamin C products and anything rich in antioxidants and peptides are also wonderful ways to keep the skin hydrated.
Get Regular Skin Treatments
Once you hit your mid-to late-twenties, you should get into a routine to see a skin care professional for skin treatments. These professional treatments coupled with your at-home routine will go a long way in preserving your skin. You can start out by simply coming in seasonally for corrective facials, peels, and microdermabrasion. Ideally, though, having a skin treatment every 4 to 6 weeks is best.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! You can always contact us at WIFH for a free consultation to find out more about how you can take care of your specific type of skin and its needs. We are here to help point you in the right direction for the best possible skincare products and treatments and will make sure to tailor treatments to your skin’s needs. We want to help you to take great care of your largest organ!
