1. Your skin is the shield that protects the rest of your body from outside elements. That means it’s at particular risk of becoming worn or damaged. To keep it both healthy and attractive, you need to take special care of it.
2. You can start by cleansing regularly. The recommended frequency is about twice a day. This washes away the dirt, oils and anything else that is clogging your pores and might irritate your skin.
3. Toner is traditionally what follows cleanser, but you won’t always need it. Used properly, toner can provide a more thorough cleansing and help moisturize your skin. It can also balance your skin’s natural pH. Some toners, however, especially those high in alcohol, can dry out your skin and cause irritation.
4. Moisturizing is an important way not just to keep your skin hydrated, but to also give it a healthy glow. It’s especially important if you have dry skin.
5. Another way to get rid of dry and dead skin is to use an exfoliant. You won’t necessarily need it every day, however. If you overdo it, you could end up damaging healthy skin as well.
6. There are other products you can use, such as serums that contain a more concentrated, intense combination of ingredients. They generally go between cleanser and moisturizer. Then there are creams, lotions, oils and essences. You need to do your research to figure out what’s for you.
7. Research means knowing your skin type. The products you need may vary depending on whether your skin is oily or dry. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need to be extra careful about what you use.
8. One thing everyone needs to remember is sunscreen. Excess exposure to the sun doesn’t just cause uncomfortable sunburn that damages your skin; it also increases your long-term risk of skin cancer.
9. It’s also useful to know your own skin. You need to know every mark and blemish so you can tell if they change or if you develop new ones. That’s the quickest way to identify potentially serious health problems. It’s especially important if you have risk factors like a history of skin problems or sunburn, or even if you just have particularly fair skin.
10. Taking care of your skin comes with benefits to both your appearance and your health.
