Caring for the Skin

It is perhaps pretty obvious why the skin needs to be taken care of properly. The skin is the largest organ of the body and its first line of defense against diseases. Not to forget that the skin is also largely what is seen of a person.

Given the important role that the skin plays, it is only proper that it is given its due attention and care. Firstly, it helps a lot for one to know his or her skin type. (Please find in the next page a home method for testing skin type.) One’s skin may either be dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination of those.

Knowing one’s skin type can help the next time he or she is in the cosmetics aisle. Choosing and using the wrong products for one’s skin type could worsen acne, dryness, or other skin problems. On the other hand, it is also easier to deal with common skin problems when one knows his or her own skin type.

Observing a daily skincare routine is basic. No matter the skin type, a daily skin care routine can help in maintaining overall skin health and in improving particular concerns like acne, scarring, and dark spots. The website www. healthline.com shares a daily skincare routine sample that entails application of four basic products, to be done in the morning and before going to bed:

1. Cleanser: Choose a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin tight after washing. Clean your face no more than twice a day, or just once, if you have dry skin and you don’t wear makeup. Avoid washing for that squeakyclean feeling because that means your skin’s natural oils are gone.

2. Serums: A serum with vitamin C or growth factors or peptides would be better in the morning, under sunscreen. At night, retinol or prescription retinoids work best.

3. Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs moisturizer, but use one that is lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic, or doesn’t block your pores. Dry skin may benefit from more cream-based moisturizers. Most brands will label their products as gel or cream on their packaging.

4. Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF-30 not less than 15 minutes before heading outdoors, as it takes a while for sunscreen to activate. Darker skin tones actually need more sun protection because hyperpigmentation is harder to correct. Choose sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

The www.healthline.com website emphasizes choosing products that fit one’s skin type and sensitivity, and reading the product labels. It points out that some products, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, should only be applied at night. The website adds that staying hydrated, changing pillow cases at least once a week, and washing or wrapping up the hair before bed are also important.

Certain do-it-yourself skincare hacks are strongly discouraged. The www.healthline. com website warns against certain products that will not serve the intended purpose at all and may even cause harm:

Lemon Juice: It may have citric acidic, but it is far too acidic and can cause dark spots to appear after sun exposure. It can also dry and irritate the skin.

Baking Soda: At a pH level of 8, baking soda will stress the skin, significantly decrease the skin’s water content, and cause dryness.

Garlic: In raw form, garlic

can cause skin allergies, eczema, skin inflammation, and watery blisters.

Toothpaste: The ingredients in toothpaste may kill germs and absorb oil, but they can also dry out or irritate the skin.

Sugar: As an exfoliant, sugar is too harsh for the skin on the face.

Vitamin E: Topical application of vitamin E can irritate the skin and is not proven to improve scar appearance.

Some of these ingredients may be all natural and costeffective, but they aren’t formulated for the skin. Even if one doesn't feel immediate side effects, these ingredients can cause delayed or long-term damage. It’s best to use products formulated for the face. One must talk to the doctor or dermatologist before trying DIY applications on the skin.

There’s a lot more and better care that the skin deserves, given its vital role for a person’s total wellbeing. But adopting a basic skincare routine – knowing what to do and what to avoid – can already go a long way.