Today we all are bombarded with information and advertisements regarding skincare, so much so that launching a rocket sounds easier than taking care of your skin. It is quite a task to sift through the ocean of information and misinformation to know what is right.
The truth is that a clear and sparkling skin is possible for everyone if you follow a basic skincare regimen. You can know more about what suits your skin and what regimen you should follow, when you visit a skin clinic.
Here, we bring you some tips from cosmetic dermatologists of Clinic Dermatech, North India’s Most Awarded Skincare Clinic. Follow these and promise, your skin will thank you.
- Change Your Eating Habits!
It has been medically proven that eating foods like white bread that have a high glycaemic index alter the hormonal levels that lead to more oil production. Instead, choose to have more fruits, vegetables, lentils, and legumes that have a low glycaemic index.
- Don’t Touch Your Face – With Your Hands!
Keep your hands to yourself and off your face. The dirt and oil on your hands will be transferred to your face if you keep touching it and this could cause problems. Try and wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
- Resist Popping That Zit!
Avoid picking at pimples or worse, popping them no matter how much they itch or burn. This could lead to scars. It could also cause new breakouts and even cause a bugger zit to pop up. If you want smooth skin, use an ice cube to calm the skin and get smooth skin.
- Keep Hair Off Your Face!
Keep the hair off your face as the natural oils in the hair may clog pores. This, in turn, could cause acne and pimples. Braid your hair or tie it up in a ponytail or bun to keep it off your neck and back if you have naturally oily hair and skin.
- Watch the Sun!
UV exposure from the sun damages the skin and leads to premature aging. Now one cannot really spend all the time indoors so it is best that one takes care when one steps out in the sun. Do wear sunscreen, don your sunglasses, cover your arms and skin, or take an umbrella.
- Wear a Sunscreen –every few hours!
Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays of the skin and has a high SPF number. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before you go outside. Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours. If you are indoors, use a lower SPF sunscreen but use it.
- Take off Your Makeup Before You Sleep!
Sleeping with makeup on is a sure way to damage your skin. Take off your makeup before you sleep. Even if you are not wearing any make-up, wash your face and apply a light hydrating moisturizer before you hit the pillow.
- Befriend Lukewarm Water!
Use lukewarm water to cleanse or wash instead of too hot or too cold water. Both extra hot and ultra-cold water can damage your skin. If hot water can scald your skin, so can the cold water. Heard of ice burns?
- Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
Doctors stress the importance of using a moisturizer regularly, albeit the right one for your skin. The moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and softens the skin. Use a moisturizer at least twice a day but remember after washing your face.
- Choose Skincare Products Carefully
Choose alcohol-free skin products as alcohol can dry out your skin besides irritating it. If you have acne-prone skin, do not use scrubs and look for oil-free products. Read labels and pick products that say non-acnegenic or noncomedogenic, which means that they will not increase your acne if you have any.
- Read Labels on the Cosmetics Too!
If you have oily skin, avoid cream foundations and other cosmetics that may contain oil. Instead, choose mineral-based cosmetics and make-up products. Choose noncomedogenic products as these will not clog your skin pores. This includes sunscreen and face cleansers too.
- Clean Your Makeup Tools Too!
Avoid using your fingers to apply makeup and instead, use cotton balls. If you are more comfortable using your fingers, then wash your hands well. Also remember to wash your brushes and sponges regularly as overtime dead cells, dirt and oil can settle on these applicators too.
- Take Care While Using a Hairspray
Limit the use of hairsprays and hair gels as these can clog your pores. While using a hairspray, shield or cover your face. Be sure to rinse your body after shampoo and conditioner so as to remove any remnants of hair products that may stick to the body and cause breakouts.
- Consult a Cosmetic Dermatologist
Instead of trying every DIY treatment that you come across, take a step forward and consult a cosmetic dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin and its care. Do share your family medical history as it is important as is the history of your experiments with your skin. The doctor is the best person to guide you towards the right skincare products as well as treatments for your skin.
It is recommended that you visit a certified skin care clinic that is near your home or office which has onboard a cosmetic dermatologist fora consultation.
