Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It plays a major role in your appearance, health, and overall quality of life. It deserves to be well cared for! How can you maintain healthy skin? While you might need to seek professional care for certain aesthetic or medical skin concerns, there is quite a bit you can do on your own! Here are five basic best practices that will support your skin’s health:

Protect Yourself from the Sun

One of the most important habits for maintaining healthy skin is protecting yourself from the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a range of skin issues, including premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. To safeguard your skin, make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Furthermore, wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, and try to minimize your sun exposure in the middle of the day (typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM).

Do Not Smoke

Smoking is detrimental to your skin’s health. It narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, reducing blood flow and depriving the skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to remain healthy. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In other words, it can make you age prematurely! If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Your diet has a significant impact on the health of your skin. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help your skin look its best. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing dryness.

Stick to a Good Skincare Routine

A consistent skincare routine can do much to keep your skin looking and feeling great. You should:

• Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day.
• Make sure your skin stays moisturized.
• When you shower, do not use any harsh soaps or detergents. Mild cleansing agents are best.
• Use skincare products that are tailored to your specific needs. For example, you might use an antioxidant serum, a retinoid, or gentle chemical exfoliants.

Treat Your Skin Gently

Being gentle with your skin can prevent unnecessary damage and irritation. Here are some tips to that end:

• Do not shower too often. Showering once a day is adequate for most people. Showering too often can strip your skin and leave it feeling dry.
• Pat your skin dry rather than vigorously rubbing it.
• Shave when your skin is wet, and use appropriate lubricant products when shaving.
• Avoid overly abrasive exfoliating products.

Your skin is precious! Use the tips in this blog post to keep it happy and healthy.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Irvin M. Wiesman is a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Chicago area. Under his direction, our team at Natural Beauty Med Spa offers a range of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments designed to help our patients feel amazing in their skin. If you are interested in learning more about our services, get in touch with us at 312-981-1291.