Healthy Skin in Any Season



Healthy Skin in Any SeasonOf all your body’s organs, your skin is the one whose condition you can monitor most easily. You’ll know when it’s been hurt, when it’s dry, and when it’s losing elasticity. Fortunately, there are plenty of actions you can take to have healthy skin. Here are some tips for skin care.

Limit sun exposure
Back in the 1970s and 1980s, a great tan was considered a sign of health and beauty. But then a scientific consensus emerged that the ultraviolet radiation found in sun exposure could increase the risk of skin cancer. The National Institute for Health has more information about skin cancer. That’s why it’s best to put on sunscreen, which can help block ultraviolet rays. The Library of Congress explains how sunscreen works.

Excessive tanning or too many sunburns can also cause long-term skin damage, including wrinkles. If you get sunburned, make sure to drink plenty of water and apply moisturizers to the burnt skin. The University of Iowa has more tips for the sunburned.

These days, you can still get the glow without risking damage to your skin. Many tanning salons now offer “spray tans,” which can last up to a week.

Keep your eye on moles
What looks like a mole can actually be a melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The National Institute for Health can explain how to do a mole self-examination. If you see a new mole, or one that has changed color or shape, go see a dermatologist to have it biopsied.

Keep your skin moist in the winter
Dry, chapped skin, especially hands and lips, can be painful. Although drinking water is good for you, there’s not a lot of evidence that you can moisturize your skin just by hydration. A better choice is a regular application of hand lotion or lip balm.

Get clean — but don’t overdo it
Especially if you wear makeup, you’ll want to wash your face before going to bed. But extremely hot water is drying to skin (especially in winter weather), so don’t turn your faucet or shower up to scalding. When cleaning your face, scrubbing hard can make blemishes worse. Clean with a mild cleanser and a soft washcloth. Toners, especially those high in alcohol content, can often be skipped.

Don’t pick at pimples
It was true when you were 13, and it’s true now. (As it turns out, plenty of adults have pimples, or full-blown acne; the causes vary.) Popping a pimple increases the risk of scarring, and irritates the skin, making the pimple even more visible. The Mayo Clinic has some suggestions for over-the-counter acne treatments; if you’re still suffering from acne after two months, talk to a dermatologist.

Take care of the rest of your body
Taking care of your health and nutrition will benefit your skin. One way is to eat a balanced diet — there’s some evidence that consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil can be linked to healthier skin. Another way is to quit smoking, or not start in the first place. Smoking doesn’t do your skin any more favors than it does your lungs or heart.

2 Responses to “Healthy Skin in Any Season”

  1. Andrea Logan says:

    So many great tips.

    I have to admit I’m a great one for popping the ol pimple when I get one.

    Guess I’ll just have to try and lay off them.

  2. Good post! We are linking to this great article on our website.
    Keep up the good writing.

Leave a Reply

ERROR: si-captcha.php plugin says GD image support not detected in PHP!

Contact your web host and ask them why GD image support is not enabled for PHP.

ERROR: si-captcha.php plugin says imagepng function not detected in PHP!

Contact your web host and ask them why imagepng function is not enabled for PHP.

Readers Poll

How much will you budget for your apartment move?

  • More than $500 (31%, 19 Votes)
  • $301 to $500 (30%, 18 Votes)
  • $100 to $300 (28%, 17 Votes)
  • Under $100 (11%, 7 Votes)

Total Voters: 61

Loading ... Loading ...