Of 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.
A regular workout routine can help you lose weight and stay healthy, but there is more to fitness than toiling away on the treadmill. What you eat has a big effect on how much energy you have and how beneficial your exercise efforts are for your body. Get the right workout fuel before and after ...
It’s hard to believe that a food that burns your tongue, makes your eyes water, and causes you to sweat could possibly be good for your health. The surprising truth is that spicy foods really are good for you. Peppers and other hot spices do more than just kick up the flavor of your food. ...
Have you been feeling blue for a while? Do you find yourself avoiding people or activities that you formerly loved? We all face feelings of sadness and anxiety at times in our lives, but if these feelings seem to be staying with you over time, you may want to consider whether something more serious is ...
Are you getting enough healthy sleep? If you regularly wake up feeling tired, the answer just might be “no.” You might want to be aware of sleep apnea, one of the most common sleep disorders. Check out these healthy sleep facts and learn how sleep apnea robs its sufferers of good, sound sleep. Do you get enough ...
According to the U.S. Department of Health, asking your doctor a few important questions during your visit leads to better results, safety, and satisfaction. But talking to doctors can seem intimidating. That’s why knowing the right questions to ask your physician — and thinking about those questions before you arrive at the appointment — is important. Consider ...
When you’re considering renting an apartment, you’ll want to know what to expect from a prospective apartment community. That’s why asking the right questions of an apartment community manager is so important. Ask these questions during your apartment search to ensure that you have a clear picture of what it will be like to live in your ...
If you want to make sure you’re getting the best apartment for your money, you will need to focus on several details. Here are some important apartment features to consider when you are looking for your new apartment. Layout When checking out an apartment, don’t just look at the square footage in each individual room. ...
Like a home mortgage, monthly rent is a serious financial commitment. Before you get in over your head, know what you can afford. Follow these simple steps to calculate how much rent you can afford before you sign the lease. What’s coming in What you make each month will be the biggest factor in what ...
When it comes to monthly expenses, there are some costs you don’t think can get lower, like a utility bill. But with some awareness, a bit of effort and a few phone calls, you might be surprised at how much you can knock down utility costs that once seemed set in stone. Shop for the ...
Wondering how to find the best apartment for you? While the idea of the “best” apartment certainly varies from person to person, these tips should help you find the apartment that suits you to a “T.” Know thyself Before you can figure out how to find the best apartment, you’ve got to know yourself — your home ...
How much will you budget for your apartment move?
Total Voters: 61
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.
Good post! We are linking to this great article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.