Three Skin Care Habits to Break and Nine Habits to Make
- By:Carol Belanger
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and is a complex, highly dynamic system that plays a very crucial role to our general well-being. Our skin is also a reflection of our overall health. Our skin is our body's protective layer and it needs care and attention.
Starting a healthy skin care routine and breaking those habits that are detrimental to the skin is the first step towards an overall state of well being and beauty.
The most important bad habits to break are:
Bad Habit #1: Dry Shaving
It is important to note that shaving legs and underarms dry can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. The skin should be softened with shaving cream prior to shaving. In addition, hand soap is not recommended as a softener. Soap has a tendency to dry out the skin, dull your razor, and invite cuts. Additionally, when shaving, long strokes are less stressful to the skin than short strokes. Consider a shaving cream rich in emollients and after shaving, apply a mild body lotion to soothe the shaved area.
Bad Habit #2: Ignoring Incidental Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is the biggest factor in causing wrinkles, age spots, and dullness. While you may think that just walking to the car or running your daily errands on a sunny day doesn't count as sun exposure, you're wrong. Everyday before you leave the house, you should apply a SPF lotion, whether it be in your makeup or in your day cream, don't leave home without it.
Bad Habit #3: Avoiding Exfoliation
Exfoliation of the skin brings out great results. This method of cleansing removes dead skin cells that have developed on the outer surface, and enhances circulation to the skin surface. Exfoliation will reduce blotchiness and even out the skin tone. How much you exfoliate in a week's time is dependent upon your individual skin type. However, all skin types need some sort of an exfoliation treatment in their skin care regime. Add a little cornmeal to your cleanser or consider dead sea salt for a great scrub.
Nine Habits to Maintain
The following habits are actual recommendations shared by most dermatologists as a complete skin care regime.
Good Habit #1: Avoid Too Much Cosmeceuticals
Numerous experts agree that the markets are bombarded with skin care products containing ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acid, antioxidants, salicylic acids and retinoids. These chemical agents, that are supposed to be beneficial to the skin can sometimes be detrimental and cause damage. A lot of women shopping for a skin care product will try different products from different manufacturers. Combining skin care products from different manufactures can be harmful to you skin. Your cleansing cream and moisturizer may contain chemicals that will interact with each other thus causing irritation, and this could very well be a major component for those with sensitive skin. Additionally a complete skin care line from the same manufacturer is designed to work together to get the most benefit from the product.
So good habit #1 is to stay with one type of skin care product line. Shop for skin care product lines that are chemically formulated to work together. In addition, if you are using any prescription skin care products, talk with your doctor about which over the counter products are safe. This would also apply to any type of prescription drugs you are taking.
Good Habit #2: Hydrate both internally and externally. We all know that drinking water does keep you hydrated internally, but did you know it also hydrates the skin. So, get in the standard of 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses throughout the day.
If you drink a lot of low-cal liquids, drink more water to avoid dehydration. Most of the new sugar substitutes today are dehydrating.
Good Habit #3: Consider a Healthy Exercise
Exercise is great for a beautiful skin. Women that exercise regularly have a healthy glow to their skin. Exercise increases blood flow and circulation thus bringing nutrients to the outer layer of the skin. In addition to a natural glow to your skin, there is a great deal of benefits associated with exercise as you probably know.
Good Habit #4: Intimate with the Phone? Don't Be!
When talking on the phone, leave a safe distance between your mouth and chin to the mouthpiece. Touching the mouthpiece with you mouth and letting it rest against your face or chin may to lead to rashes or pimple breakouts. Although, I do not know if this has been scientifically proven, it just makes sense that you wouldn't want the germs or dirty objects up against your face. In addition, if possible try to avoid letting other people use your cell phone or visa versa. You should sanitize your cell phone and your landline frequently. Rubbing alcohol would work for sanitizing.
Good Habit #5: Examine Your Birthday Suit for Spots