How to Prevent and Care for Damaged Skin

The majority of people don’t give much thought to skin care until they notice their first wrinkles, typically in their thirties. Although it’s never too early to start learning about and implementing healthy skin care practices, doing so has many more long-term benefits the younger you start. But often, folks lack the basic knowledge necessary to get going. How can we determine the ideal skin care routines for ourselves when so many products on the market make purifying and anti-aging claims? There have been numerous advancements in skin care, and everyone can benefit from using a combination of new skin care products and some old, tried-and-true methods of care to maintain the healthiest skin possible.

Many people have the misconception that skin care consists just of keeping the skin clean and using the appropriate lotions. To function correctly, the skin, the body’s largest organ, like all the other organs, requires adequate nourishment. It’s no surprise that there is a nutritional crisis going on in the modern world, given the prevalence of fast food diets and the fact that many individuals only have time to grab a bite to eat on the way in or out the door. A proper diet needs to be our first consideration when it comes to skin care. 

Skin health and elasticity can be greatly improved by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive or canola oil. People who are too busy to pay close enough attention to their meals may benefit from taking a high-quality supplement daily. The B vitamins, anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E, and vital minerals like calcium and magnesium are particularly important for skin health. We should prioritize healthy nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplementation as our first line of defense against the ravages of time and the first line of defense against aging.

When we don’t take steps to prevent numerous skin care concerns, it’s much tougher for skin care products and anti-aging solutions to work. While proper eating can help, more needs to be done. Sunlight is a major cause of skin aging and other problems. A few decades ago, having a good tan was seen as evidence of healthy skin. In modern times, it is common knowledge that overexposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds, is harmful to the skin, despite the presence of “safe” UVA rays. 

Premature skin aging is just one of the many skin problems that can be brought on by prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) and ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays. Having a high-quality sunblock lotion (SPF 30 or above) on hand at all times is an absolute must for any self-respecting beauty routine. Ultraviolet rays are prevalent even on gloomy days; thus, it is important to always wear sun protection when going outside and reapply it every few hours. We can protect our skin and eyes from the sun by wearing hats and avoiding sitting in the direct rays whenever possible.

It’s helpful to use a light soap that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils, and there are a number of cosmetics designed specifically for gentle cleansing. Makeup used on the face should be as clean as possible, and you should always cleanse your skin before applying any creams or lotions.

There are many excellent creams and lotions available for skin care nowadays. Skin care and anti-aging products have come a long way since their inception, with many now available that promote skin regeneration, eliminate or significantly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, slow the visible effects of sun damage, and treat or prevent acne and other problematic skin conditions. The use of an exfoliating cream encourages the skin to shed its dead cells and generate new, healthier ones. Moisturizers can help the skin regenerate itself, making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable, and they can also keep the skin supple. 

Different types of creams and lotions are designed for use on different parts of the face and body, such as those intended for the sensitive skin around the eyes, the thicker and rougher skin on the elbows, and the more delicate skin on the neck. Acne and blackheads can be effectively treated with a variety of topical medications available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

The best thing you can do for your skin is to talk to a dermatologist about what products might work best for you. Thanks to advances in nutrition and preventative skin care, in addition to the many excellent anti-aging treatments available, you can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy for a very long time.