Healthy living

The human body’s largest organ is, in fact, its skin. This marvelous flesh keeps us cool, warms us and protects from everything from bacteria to dehydration. The first life of defense, this durable and self repairing cover protects us, but what are we doing to protect it? Here are a few simple ways you can help your skin, help you.

Daily care is a must. Don’t allow yourself to get into the habit of using products like deodorant soap on your face. This can cause drying, cracking and flaking. Instead, use products made for your type of skin. Make sure that the product you are using is for daily use because many scrubs and care products contain Salicylic Acid and used in combinations with other products it can cause drying and irritation.

If you are using a care product for that contains alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) keep in mind that this product can in fact make your skin more sensitive. There are studies that link this product to a greater sunburn risk. Some products that contain AHA now carry a warning on the label. It doesn’t hurt to check though.

We all know that we should limit our time in the sun. Whatever brand of sunblock you choose to buy for serious skin care, it is recommended it be at least SPF30 and that is blocks both UVA and UVB rays and remember to reapply after sweating or swimming. You can even get a sunburn while skiing the snowy slopes.

One part of our face we seem to forget is our lips, which also will burn. Shiny glosses that women may use do not protect from the suns rays. The shiny gloss can stay, but, to protect your lips, put a layer of balm, or lip gloss with sunscreen in it to keep up with your serious skin care plan.

Areas that get the most exposure, your head and arms and shoulders, should be protected too. Your serious skin care regime can and should include what you wear. Before you go out into the sun, try wearing a light weight shirt that will cover and protect your arms and shoulders. Even wearing a hat is a good idea. This will protect not only your head, but, your face and ears.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Serious skin care works from the inside out, our bodies skin, will show dehydration first. Hydrating lotions on the skin are important. Hydrating on the inside is just as important.

Taking care of our skin that takes care of us should be our number one rule. Serious skin care procedures and good practices, will keep our skin healthy and us looking better. This skin is ours for life, and a few minutes a day will go a long way.