They say “beauty is only skin deep,” but the skin is much more than just the outer layer that you see. It is actually composed of three, major layers – and is the biggest organ in your body. It is also your first line of protection against harm. It becomes thinner and less supple as we age and even on one person, the skin tone and texture varies a great deal depending on the area of the body, total thickness, and exposure to the elements.
The three layers of your skin include the: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The outer layer or epidermis is what most people are concerned about, but the lower layers are first to be affected by damage caused by the environment – or by aging. Ideally, we want to protect the skin and halt the aging process before it shows in the epidermis.
Here are 5 things that you can do to increase the health and improve the appearance of your skin:
Cleanse and Hydrate
You should be using a gentle, pH neutral cleanser and hydrator on a daily basis. You want to remove impurities and keep your skin healthy and supple. Talk to your doctor about the best products to use for your skin type.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis helps to remove dead skin cells which can make your skin look older and less youthful. Rather than using a harsh, scrub, alpha and beta-hydroxy fruit acids can help remove the dead skin cells from the epidermis to expose newer, healthier-looking skin cells. Some doctors recommend products that are up to 10% hydroxy acids but check with him before using.
Protect
Your skin is highly susceptible to damage from the sun – both UVA and UVB rays so you need protection from both with a sunscreen that provides at least 30 SPF. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin while UVB rays can “burn” the skin, contributing to the risk of cancer. Staying in the shade and wearing clothing and hats is important but, even on cloudy days or times when the sun doesn’t feel “hot,” your skin needs protection. Using opaque products (white or colored) containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that “block” the sun rays can be less irritating than chemical products.
Restore
As skin cells age, new cells are created from underneath. Accelerating the “turnover” of skin cells can improve the look and feel of your skin. Products like “Retin-A® (tretinoin)” or other retinoids derived from Vitamin A were first used for acne, but they can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and even the skin tone. These products may cause redness, irritation or flaking but most of these minor side effects will go away after you skin adjusts. Some retinoid preparations require a prescription and your doctor will be able to recommend the appropriate one.
Control pigmentation
Skin that is blotchy or spotted can indicate damage or may be due to cellular buildup. Pigment controllers with ingredients like hydroquinone and kojic acid can brighten the skin and help reduce hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Selective use is recommended, based on specific causes and your doctor will help determine what product and frequency may be optimal.
Your skin is one of the first things that people notice about you, but you should be concerned about more than just your appearance. Over time, skin damage can make you look older, reduce the protection the skin provides and increase your chance of skin cancer. Practicing these 5 key steps can help protect your skin for your appearance and your health.
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