The skin plays a significant role in a person’s appearance. That is why it is no surprise everyone dreams of flawless and glowing skin.
This has significantly boosted demands in the skincare industry. Skincare is a method used to maintain skin health and improve its conditions. The demand for skincare products is expected to keep rising. In 2022, it was valued at $104.24 billion and is predicted to hit $167 billion by 2030.
A proper skincare routine is beyond buying creams and lotion; choosing products best suited for your skin type is also essential.
Another essential factor in skincare is consistency, especially for your facial skin. Subscribing to a monthly facial membership, for instance, can help you delay natural ageing and prevent various skin problems.
Types of skin
Irrespective of the skincare routine you plan to adopt, you must first understand your skin type for optimal results and avoid damaging your skin. Each skin types react differently to stimuli.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skins are fragile and can easily get infected. They are also prone to allergic reactions.
People with sensitive skin may notice itching, burning, redness, and dryness.
Normal skin
Younger people are more likely to have normal skin than senior citizens. This type of skin is neither dry nor too oily. It has a soft appearance and does not need special care.
Dry skin
Factors like weather and spending time in hot water usually cause dry skin. It is temporary and will correct itself after some time.
Meanwhile, for some people, it may appear without any external factor. It can have a rack appearance and could cause skin disorders like eczema.
Oily skin
Oily skin is caused by the sebaceous gland’s high secretion of sebum. This oily and waxy substance moistens and prevents the skin from becoming too dry. It can also trap bacteria and other microorganisms, acting as the body’s first defence against infection.
Combination skin
Combination skin is when there is a presence of dry and oily skin. The forehead and nose might be oily for individuals with combination skin, while the cheeks and skins on the back of the palm remain dry.
Below are some tips to take care of your skin;
1. Avoid smoking
The skin can absorb nicotine from cigarettes, affecting its cutaneous function. Therefore, smoking a substance that contains nicotine can damage your skin. It could lead to skin ageing, such as facial wrinkles, and diseases like skin cancer.
A 2019 study that examined 28 smokers and 24 no-smokers discovered that tobacco smoking could affect the thickness and density of the skin.
Dermatologists have also observed that 40-year-old heavy smokers tend to have skin similar to 70-year-old nonsmokers.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid smoking and stay away from areas where people smoke cigarettes.
2. Adopt a daily skincare routine
Irrespective of your skin type, a daily skincare routine can help improve your skin health and appearance.
Some daily routines you can adopt include:
- Applying sunscreen every day before going outdoors. Sunscreens contain mineral compounds that reflect and scatter UV rays to protect your skin from the sun. Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (at least SPF 30) and water resistance.
- Washing your face when you wake, before bed, and after sweating. This will remove dirt or makeup on the face, preventing the facial skin from bacterial infection.
- Moisturizing dry skin. For daily use, consider getting a moisturiser containing SPF to rub as sunscreen.
3. Use the correct skincare product for skin type
One of the best ways to choose the right skincare product for your skin type is by contacting a dermatologist. If you are buying yourself based on online or friends’ recommendations, check the manufacturer’s label to confirm the suitable skin type for the product.
Always patch-test a product before full application. Apply a small amount to a discreet skin area and observe for 48 hours to see if there is any reaction. For individuals with delayed reactions, leave it for 96 hours before deciding.
4. Eat a healthy diet and manage stress
Vitamin A is very vital for healthy skin. Sweet potatoes, mangoes, watermelons, cooked beef, butter, eggs, and carrots are some edibles rich in vitamin A.
Foods rich in fats can reduce skin ageing. Scientists have discovered fats to be closely related to skin damage repair.
Drinking enough water daily can also improve your skin’s appearance.
Stress, such as sleep deprivation, can increase skin ageing. Experts recommend reducing stress and getting enough sleep to improve skin health and tone.
5. Keep hands off the face
Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands. Due to their use, hands contain dirt, germs, oil, and bacteria. The thick skin on the palm protects the body from these germs and bacteria, but the skin on the face is not thinner.
Also, avoid popping pimples as it may cause scarring, which can increase wrinkles.
