healthy skin Archives - The Franklin Shopper

Protecting and caring for skin should be part of people’s year-round health care regimens. Such an approach can help people look their best and also uncover any minor issues before they escalate into something more significant.

National Geographic says adults can carry eight pounds and 22 square feet of skin on their bodies. Skin guards a person from harmful chemicals, protects the body against extremes in temperature and prevents internal organs and other components from evaporating. The skin also guards against harmful sunlight.

Skin care is not seasonal, though efforts to protect the skin may need to be stepped up during the summer. The American Academy of Dermatology says one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetimes. In the summer, ultraviolet radiation levels are elevated and people often wear less clothing that exposes more of their skin. According to Dr. Ron Shelton, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, the bulk of sun damage to the skin happens in the summer. These skin wellness tips can help protect the skin and keep it looking its best when the mercury rises.

Lighten Up

Choose lightweight products for summer usage. This includes cleansers, makeup and oil cleansers. For instance, rather than an oil cleanser, choose a gentle, foaming option. Thicker products mixed with increased perspiration and humidity may lead to clogged pores and inflammation.

Lather On Sunscreen

Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is recommended to protect the skin from UV damage. But it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen. However, using a lightweight moisturizer with SPF built in reduces product usage and time spent caring for skin.

Utilize Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation can occur in summer. According to Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist and co-director of clinical research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, vitamin C serum can improve the appearance of fine lines, help with collagen production and also prevent hyperpigmentation.

Drink More Water

Higher temperatures and increased perspiration can lead to dehydration. That may cause headaches, dry skin and even lightheadedness. Drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

Stay in the Shade

In addition to using sunscreen daily, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible when UV rays are at their strongest, which is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition, wear clothing that offers sunscreen protection.

It’s important to care for the skin daily, but especially so during the summer.

“Sensitive skin” can describe a host of symptoms that affect the skin on people’s’ faces and bodies. Some may develop sensitive skin after using skin care products that contribute to irritation or make their skin feel uncomfortable, even if there is no outward appearance of change. According to Francesca Fusco, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, more than 50 percent of women categorize themselves as having sensitive skin. Although there are many treatments designed to treat sensitive skin, what drives irritation in one person may not produce the same effects in another. Therefore, alleviating sensitivity is not always an easy fix. Getting to the root of the irritation can help people develop a more customized plan for relief. Indoor and outdoor environment Changes in the weather as well as the air inside of a home can cause reactions in the skin. For example, cool, dry air and central heating can cause the skin to become dehydrated. Dirt and pollution also may play a role.

Pollution in the air can be absorbed by the skin’s natural barrier, eventually weakening it, say the sensitive skin experts at Simple skin care products. Age Skin can lose its elasticity and ability to recover quickly with age, making it prone to greater sensitivity. Couple that with the public’s quest for younger-looking skin that involves cleansing religiously, exfoliating too frequently and relying on a bevy of anti-aging lotions, and it’s understandable why skin may become less resilient over time.

Dry skin Lack of moisture can contribute to sensitive skin. A cleanser that is too drying is often the culprit behind unnecessary irritation. According to skin care expert Renée Rouleau, harsh detergents in commonly used facial cleansers can break down the natural lipids in skin. Furthermore, invisible cracks may form, enabling moisture to seep out and irritants to get in. Skin disorders Common skin disorders or allergic skin reactions may make skin more sensitive. Such conditions include rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or allergic contact dermatitis.

Injured skin may be more reactive to the environment and certain products as well. Allergies to food or environmental components may also make skin more sensitive. Patch testing can identify allergies. Some trial and error may be necessary to find a skin care regimen that works on sensitive skin. Test new products in an inconspicuous spot prior to use, choosing items that have as few ingredients as possible. Avoid items with alcohol, retinoids and fragrances. Antibacterial or deodorant ingredients also may cause problems, so choose moisturizing products and soap-free cleansers.