Healthy skin is always in! But there’s just so much information about skin care, that it’s mind boggling! That day cream, that night serum, the eye gel and that lip balm! Where do you start and when do you stop?
Well, CosNDerm founders, our dermatologist team, gets you the Top 3 things to do for Healthy Skin.
1. Hydrate – Inside and outside.
You keep hearing that drinking water is good for your skin. But do you know, your kidneys are designed to handle a certain amount of water and not more. Precisely, About 3.7 liters or 12-16 glasses of fluids a day for men. About 2.7 liters or 8-10 glasses of fluids a day for women. You don’t need to go overboard with water.
What you also need to remember is external hydration of skin. Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin. TEWL increases in dry weather, when you have skin conditions like Atopic Dermatitis, eczemas and psoriasis; and also in older age groups. So trap that water in by using occlusive moisturisers. Don’t forget to moisturise immediately after bath and again at bedtime. More frequently if you have very dry skin
2. Sun Screen- Always
Sun rays consist of harmful UV rays that cause immense damage to your skin. Free radicals produced in the skin by the UV rays, break down your skin elastic fibres and cause premature ageing. Your skin can get hyperpigmented spots, sometimes even cancers due to these harmful UV rays. So cover up, with a broad brimmed hat, wear long sleeved clothes and slap on sunscreen. Loads of it.
3. Clean. Gently
Your skin collects dust, microbes and pollutants all day long. These, combined with your skin’s natural oils, block the pores and suffocate the skin. So cleaning the face twice a day makes absolute sense. But not with soaps. Soaps have pH of about 11, while your skin pH is 5.5. This discord leads to disruption of your normal skin barrier. Your skin is stripped of its natural oils, making it sensitive and damage prone. Instead, use gentle skin cleansers, that won’t rob you of your protective lipid layer. The aim is not squeaky clean, bare skin with a high lather face wash or soap. The aim is gentle cleansing that leaves your skin fresh, yet smooth and soft. This will prevent allergies, sun damage and premature ageing