The skin is the largest organ of the body – an average adult has approximately 22 square feet of skin weighing around eight pounds. Yet it is one of the most-overlooked parts of the body when it comes to proper maintenance and care.
Skin repairs itself, it seals itself when torn or cut, and it even renews itself every 28 days. It protects all of the organs inside the body. The skin regulates the body’s temperature, sweating when hot and shivering for warmth when cold. It builds calluses to protect areas where constant wear and friction cause damage. And it sheds up to 40,000 cells every minute.
So, what are the best ways to take care of your skin and keep it healthy? Let’s talk about some of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain healthy skin.
Skin Care Tips
Some helpful tips for maintaining healthy skin for a lifetime include the following:
#1: Wear Sun Protection
The effects of solar radiation are cumulative and can cause premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Although many people feel better about themselves when their skin has a tan, prolonged exposure to sunlight actually can cause cancer regardless of your skin tone.
When going outdoors, always use sunscreen or wear protective clothes and a hat. Seek shade when possible, especially when the sun is at its zenith in the sky.
#2: Don’t Smoke
Smoking contributes to wrinkles, especially creating pucker lines around the mouth and squinting eyes. It can also narrow the tiny blood vessels in the skin, thereby depleting the flow of oxygen and making the skin appear pale.
Another consequence of smoking is damage to the collagen and elastin fibers that keep skin flexible and resilient. Damage to these skin fibers contributes to a person developing weakened, loose skin. Smoking also increases the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer.
#3: Baby Your Skin
Babies, of course, have brand-new skin. It feels soft, and parents often use moisturizers and lotions on a baby’s skin to keep it protected.
Here are some ways to keep your own skin baby-smooth:
- Use moisturizer every day.
- Take warm (not hot) showers or baths.
- Avoid using soaps with harsh chemicals, as they can dry out the skin.
- Use a shaving gel or lubricant to soften the skin before shaving.
- Shave in the direction of the unwanted hair, not against it.
- Whenever your skin feels dry, apply moisturizer or lotion.
- Use a lotion with an SPF sunscreen every day on the areas that are exposed to sunlight.
- Use moisturizer that is recommended by a skilled doctor so you get the right replenishment and protection for your own skin type.
#4: Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat plenty of fruits, grains, and vegetables to help your skin maintain a smooth sheen. Research shows a connection between diet and skin conditions: A diet that is high in fish oil and omega-3s and low in trans-fats helps promote clearer, healthier skin. Also, always drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated will help the skin flush toxins more effectively.
#5: Manage Stress Positively
High levels of stress can cause the skin to be more prone to certain skin conditions, such as acne. Take steps to manage stress effectively, set reasonable goals, and limit your exposure to anything that causes stress.
Experienced Doctor in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Your skin is the first line of defense against external pollutants and hazards, so it’s important to keep it at tip-top shape. If you are in the DFW area of Texas, contact us at DFW Anti-Aging & Wellness Centers to receive optimum skin care and wellness treatments by Dr. Rani Anbarasu.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling (469) 389-5251 or by filling out our online appointment request form now. Take care of your skin, and your skin will take care of you.