While the recent pandemic has taught us the importance of a healthy body, we are still very ignorant towards the largest organ of the body – the skin.
Skin acts as our first line of defence against microbes, dust, UV rays, heat, and harsh weather. As a result, it is critical to ensure its health and upkeep. However, skincare is very commonly misunderstood as makeup and is aligned with myths like being solely for the glamorous world of B-Town or being too expensive and time-consuming to be suitable for the common people.
Here’s the good news: it’s not as difficult as it sounds, and it’s not as expensive as it may appear. You can unlock the secret of healthy and stronger skin if you keep these fundamental considerations in mind.
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Understand your skin: You might have often heard that “You are unique” and your skin is no exception. What works for one may not work for all so understand your skin, its types (dry, oily, combination) and choose your journey accordingly. Keep regular consultations with your dermatologist, and consult a professional if you have an outbreak, rather than testing everything you read on the internet.
Moreover, Indian skin is exposed to the harshest of aggressors like pollution, heat, UV light, and its management and treatment is different. So, when discerning a regime, plan to acknowledge the requirement of Indian terrain and population.
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Understand your skin: You might have often heard that “You are unique” and your skin is no exception. What works for one may not work for all so understand your skin, its types (dry, oily, combination) and choose your journey accordingly. Keep regular consultations with your dermatologist, and consult a professional if you have an outbreak, rather than testing everything you read on the internet.
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Treat it well: This sense organ is of utmost importance as it acts as a barrier against everything that comes our way. Wash your face gently and regularly with a face wash that meets your needs. Avoid touching it extensively with your hands, as this increases your risk of skin infections and exposure to heat and dirt.
I am sure we all enjoy a good nap after a long tiring day but be careful the next time you lie down. Our pillowcase acts as a humble abode for dirt, oil, mites, damaged skin & hair and can eventually harbour bacteria. So, it is recommended to change them once every week.
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Keep it hydrated: Up to 70% of an adult’s body weight is made up of water. For every hour of moderate exercise, you lose around 1 litre of water. In the face of intense heat and humidity, it can level up to 3L. Dehydration can have serious consequences for your health. As a result, prevention is our greatest bet against it.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is very important. Experts recommend the minimum intake of 2.7 Litres for women and 3.7 Litres for men and don’t wait up till you feel thirsty. Include water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, leafy greens, zucchini, and tomatoes in your diet.
- Calculated Diet: ‘Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are’ is an old saying that still holds meaning. Have a diet enriched in Vitamins (A, E, and C), Omega fatty acid, whole grain, collagen, peptides, and protein. This can aid in the development of healthy, clear skin.
- Follow a skincare regime: Skincare isn’t magic but commitment and consistency are the keys to stronger and thicker skin. Having a simple yet efficient skincare routine is important. Moisturise your skin daily and exfoliate at regular intervals. Look for products that are non-comedogenic and include important components such as retinol, hyaluronic acid (hydrate), salicylic acid (reduces excess oil), niacinamide (prevents sunburn), to counter your concern.
- Sunscreen: The majority of dermal damage, such as wrinkles, ageing, and skin thinning, is caused by exposure to sunlight. It’s critical to protect your skin from UV radiation (both A and B). Use a judicious amount of sunscreen (SPF 15 or above), even if you plan to stay indoors during the day. Reapply them after every 4 hours or so, even the waterproof ones.
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Healthy Lifestyle: We all know how crucial this one is, right?
Quit habits like consuming alcohol and smoking, which create irreversible changes in our skin’s morphology and can seriously dry them out. A low-sugar, high-fibre diet is recommended. To relieve stress, exercise regularly and habituate to yoga or meditation.
- Say no to hot showers: If there is heaven on earth, it is undoubtedly under those long, hot showers, but unfortunately, it is a no-no for our skin. Hot showers strip our skin of natural oils and moisture. It can induce redness, swelling, and peptide bond breakage, causing major harm to our skin.