Proper care is necessary to keeping your skin healthy, soft, smooth and fresh-looking. Just a little knowledge can make a big improvement. Whether you want to take ten years off your looks or heal an annoying rash, here are some tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
If you use sunscreen to protect your delicate skin, try making your own, by adding pomegranate extract to your diet. Surprisingly enough, there are compounds in pomegranate that can help your skin protect itself from sun damage, even without an extra layer of sunscreen. You can increase your skin’s protection against the sun up to 25 percent, by consuming about 60 mg of pomegranate extract daily.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Sun exposure is the number one cause of aging of the skin, and it’s a shame because it’s so easy to prevent. Slather on the sunscreen as soon as you step out of the shower to help it really soak in, put some more on visible areas on your lunch break, and then again when you get home, in that little half-minute break before you get out of the car to go inside. Make sure to refresh throughout the day, because sunscreen wears off. (If you pick a sunscreen that’s also a moisturizer, that’s another bonus!)
Protect your skin from the sun. Too much sun exposure is one of the prime causes of premature wrinkles, freckles as well as age spots and even dry skin. In addition to these cosmetic problems, the sun can also seriously increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Always wear sun screen, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Your hands have some of the most sensitive skin on your body. During colder times of the year, it’s very easy for them to dry out and crack so make sure you keep them moisturized. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your skin when you go out in the cold. If you like to wear wool gloves, make sure you put a think cotton glove underneath it to keep the wool from irritating your skin.
To protect yourself from the sun, you should use sun screen. However, applying sun screen can actually be tricky. If you do not do it properly, you will clog your pores. Use a soft sponge to gently apply the sun screen, and allow it to penetrate your skin instead of staying at the surface.
A lot of people suffer from very dry skin on their elbows. A great way to prevent your elbows from cracking and getting really damaged is to apply lotion to your elbows on a daily basis. If you do not take care of dry skin areas like your elbow, it can hurt very much and will look grey and dull.
For an extra shine without increasing oiliness, consider conditioning your skin with jasmine oil. The essential oil of the jasmine flower helps give your skin that extra healthy glow. Many celebrities swear by the use of jasmine oil for the best and most attractive skin, and it is recommended by many dermatologists.
Use a sponge to put sunscreen on your face. This will help you apply the sunscreen evenly. Also, your skin can better absorb the sunscreen by doing it this way.
If you have any scarring that you are trying to get rid of, avoid sunlight, or use sunscreen. This area of skin is very sensitive while it is healing and the ultraviolet rays of the sun can actually burn that skin, while not your regular skin around it, causing a pigment difference and making your scar more noticeable.
Make sure to eat healthy foods to keep your skin looking healthy, too. When it comes to your skin, you really are what you eat. Be sure to eat lots of lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, to nourish your skin so that it will stay vibrant and younger looking.
Relax your eyes with witch hazel instead of cucumber. Put two pads soaked with witch hazel over your eyes for several minutes. You will look more alert, awake and refreshed than before. It will also help to get rid of those under eye circles and dark bags.
Knowing the type of skin you have will help you to tailor a skin-care regiment that works best for you. An easy way to determine the type of skin you have is by taking rice paper and blotting your skin. If your rice paper picks up oil from your face, you have an oily skin type; if not, your skin is dry. If the rice paper picks up oil from your t-zone (that is, the bridge of your nose and forehead) but not from the rest of your face, your skin is the combination type. Once you know your skin type, you can pick out more effective products.
Try to cleanse, tone and moisturize your face everyday. Cleansing your face removes any dirt or bacteria on your skin that could cause acne outbreaks or skin infections. Toning removes any traces of cleanser left of your face and closes your pores. Moisturizer prevents dry skin and premature skin aging.
Use the tissue test, if you have trouble determining what type of skin you have. The test consists of taking a thin tissue and laying it on your face immediately after you wake up. Let is sit for a few moments and evaluate the location of or lack of oil on the tissue.
Buying expensive skin treatments is like pouring money down the drain. There are many home made remedies that work just as well, like honey or cucumber slices. You can also buy cheap cleansers, moisturizers, and soaps at the drug store that are just as effective as their department store counterparts.
These tips should help you take care of your skin to stay younger looking longer. With a little time and effort, you can see improvements in a short while. Skin care doesn’t need to be a mystery, just give these tips a chance to reveal a healthy and younger-looking you!