Preventing skin damage keeps you healthy and it helps you maintain a youthful appearance. Consider these 5 ways to protect your skin.
1. Establish Good Routines. Simple daily habits will protect your skin.
- Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face every morning and then apply moisturizer with sunblock to protect your face and neck throughout the day.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Wash your pillowcases weekly and avoid touching your face to prevent acne and stop germs from spreading.
- Always wash your face before bed to remove makeup and dirt that builds up throughout the day.
- Then apply an anti aging cream—most night creams contain retinol, which helps your skin stay young.
2. Use Sunscreen Correctly. Sunscreen is essential to protecting your skin, but it is most effective if you use it correctly.
- Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outside.
- If you’ll be spending time in the water, choose sunscreen that is formulated for water activities.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, nose, and ears.
- Re-apply sunscreen throughout the day.
- Don’t forget to use sunscreen during the winter—you can still get sunburned when it is cold outside.
- Apply sunscreen more often if you’ll be in high elevations.
- For extra protection, wear clothing that covers your skin and hats to shade your face.
3. Make Peace With Your Skin Tone. All skin tones are beautiful, but it is important for you to accept the tone of skin you were born with. If you are fair skinned, learn to embrace it—sunbathing and tanning beds may give you a nice glow, but you’ll pay for it down the road when your skin is tougher, more wrinkled, and has spots.
In the worst cases, sunbathing and tanning beds also increase your risk of skin cancer, which can be fatal.
4. Watch The Clock. You are more likely to get sunburned between 10 am and 4 pm, so plan to spend those hours indoors. If you will be outside, try to stay in the shade, wear clothes that protect your skin, and apply plenty of sunscreen.
5. Visit A Dermatologist Regularly. You should add the dermatologist to the list of health care providers you see regularly. A dermatologist can help you catch skin damage before it gets worse and give you advice about preventing skin damage in the future. To learn more about taking care of your skin, visit Dr. Kathleen L. Behr.
