7 Skin Care Tips You Need To Know

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The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and as such, it requires care and attention to stay healthy and look its best. If you’re not used to taking good care of your skin, or if you have never even given it much thought before, these seven tips will help you get started on your path to better skin care habits.

1) Wash Your Face

The first thing you should do every day is wash your face—and not just any kind of washing. You want to be specific, using a cleanser that's designed for your skin type, like one with salicylic acid if you have acne-prone skin or one with retinol if you're trying to get rid of wrinkles. After washing, you can use a toner, which will help remove any leftover makeup and close up pores. You’ll also want to moisturize after cleansing in order to lock in hydration so skin stays fresh and healthy looking. Applying sunscreen can also make a difference! Once you start taking care of your skin, it will become second nature.

2) Moisturize

Since your skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s very important to care for it properly. The best thing you can do is keep it moisturized, which means using a lotion regularly. It doesn’t matter if you use one designed for dry skin or not; as long as you’re putting something on your skin, even if it feels greasy at first, you’re doing good. Here are some common moisturizers to try lotions, oils and gels. Also, don’t forget sunscreen! Even though you may be indoors most of the time during winter months, remember that light does come through windows and skylights—and ultraviolet rays can still damage your skin.

3) Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis helps remove dead skin cells. If you don’t get rid of these, they’ll build up and contribute to a dull appearance over time. Exfoliating at least once a week—preferably twice—will help make your complexion more even and radiant. Use an exfoliator with gentle beads, such as those found in CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser; be sure to use a moisturizer afterward for optimal results.

4) Use Sunscreen Daily

Sunscreen is one of your skin’s best defenses. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. Look for water-resistant sunscreens for added protection when you’re spending time outdoors, but no matter what kind you use, be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. This can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

5) Get Adequate Sleep

Did you know that most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night? That's because sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your skin. If you're not getting enough shut-eye, it can cause breakouts, uneven texture and dullness. What’s more, some studies show a lack of sleep can trigger acne, meaning it’s best to get as much beauty rest as possible. Of course, everyone is different so there’s no set number for how much or little sleep you should get every night; what matters is knowing what works best for your body.

6) Maintain A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can contribute to good skin. Eliminate soda and alcohol, which have been shown to worsen acne and lead to dehydration. Be sure you’re getting enough of certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and B vitamins—you don’t need expensive supplements for these; a healthy diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide them in abundance. It also helps to limit your intake of processed foods, which are devoid of many essential nutrients.

7) Avoid Excessive Sugar Intake

While excess sugar consumption can have many negative effects on your body and overall health, it’s particularly bad for your skin. Consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin spikes, which in turn cause increased production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is known to cause acne because it increases skin cell proliferation and causes sebum production—that’s why you get breakouts from eating too much candy. So be sure to skip out on that candy dish at work!