Skin Care 101

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Kate

It may surprise you to know that one of our bodies most vital organs is actually our skin. Our skin cleanses our body of toxins through sweat and pores. It is also our first line of defense for all our other organs, as well as our muscles, bones and much more. In order to keep our skin at its best and healthiest, some extra precaution should be taken when we are cleansing or taking care of our skin.

While there may not be a literal fountain of youth, our age can mostly be ascertained through a quick look at the skin on our face and hands. No one wants to look older than they are; some of us don’t even wish to look our age. To combat the signs of aging, there are some skin care tips we should be aware of. Keeping your skin well moisturized is always a good idea, but it is especially important for the skin of our face and hands. These are the most exposed area of skin, and thus more prone to drying out. Invest in a good, reliable moisturizer and use it daily. Internal hydration is also a good source of moisturizing your skin. Drink your 8 to 10 glasses per day.  We all know what prolonged sun exposure can do to our skin, so be vigilant with your sunscreen. Not only can the sun age your skin, it is also a known factor of skin cancer.

For as many different people as there are, there are different skin types. Each skin type has some skin care tip that is specific to it. If you tend to have dry skin, then the choice of a moisturizer is going to be key to healthy, younger looking skin. If your skin leans towards being oily, then your facial cleansing is going to be important to avoid acne breakouts. Make sure you know your skin type so you can identify which skin products are right for you.

If you have an acne problem, then skin care becomes a whole new ballgame. Cleansing is still one of your biggest allies, but you may need something stronger than a normal facial cleanser. This is probably a good time to point out that you should never cleanse your face with soap; always use a cleanser that is for your specific skin type. For acne sufferers, there are many medicated cleansers available and this is going to be your best bet. Each brand works differently for different people so don’t just grab the nearest one on the shelf. You may need to try many before you find one that works for you. Just remember that your skin is an important organ and one that you need to keep as healthy as possible.