Skin care: When you think of organs, your heart, lungs, and kidneys may be first to come to mind.
But you might be overlooking your body’s largest and most visible organ: the skin.
Far from simply looking pretty, the skin plays a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful organisms and regulating body temperature.
It’s much more than something you see in the mirror every day. Good skin health can lead to better overall health.
Read on to peel back the layers of what your skin can really do and how you can best care for this superhero organ.
Stay with this section of skin and hair care in the health and beauty section of Eternal Pen magazine.
Skin care: How to take care of your skin
Skin care products are a dime a dozen. Looking at a list of the latest so-called “must-have” products can be overwhelming.
But experts say there are simple ways to care for your skin. It may come as a surprise that you might want to look outside the beauty aisle.
Care from the inside out
Some dermatologists say there’s truth to the adage, “You are what you eat,” at least when it comes to skin care.
Mokaya recommends foods rich in:
Skin care: antioxidants, including dark, leafy greens, spinach, kale, and berries to counteract free radicals and environmental damage
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier
probiotics, like yogurt, and prebiotics, found in high fiber items like fruit and vegetables to enhance the skin’s barrier
Mokaya suggested limiting highly processed and sugary foods when possible.
Research suggestsTrusted Source a link between high-sugar diets and acne, and a 2021 study indicatedTrusted Source that eating processed food is associated with atopic dermatitis.
What your skin really needs to be healthy
Skin care: There are more than enough skin care products to choose from. Mokaya suggests paring down your routine to only a few basic products.
She says everyone should invest in:
Skin care: a good cleanser that suits your skin type and needs
a moisturizer that suits your skin type and needs
a broad-spectrum sunscreen
Unexpected self-care activities that support the skin
Self-care is an essential part of skin care — and that doesn’t mean simply a day at the spa.
Experts share a few at-home activities that can give your superhero organ a boost, including:
Exercise: Mokaya and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) say exercise increases blood flow to all organs, including the skin. The AAD recommends using a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide post-sweat session to clear pores and prevent breakouts.
Sleep: Mokaya says the skin regenerates during sleep. Adults 18 to 60 years old should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.
Go outside: Goldman notes the air inside is often drier, particularly when the heat is on during the cooler months. Going outside can reduce this issue and relieve stress, which can trigger acne according to a 2017 studyTrusted Source.
Even more tips for supporting your skin
Skin care: Your skin works overtime to support your body and maintain your overall health. Try these tips to keep your skin in tip-top shape.
Declutter your vanity cabinet
If you haven’t sorted through your skin products in a while, now might be a good time.
Goldman suggests checking expiration dates since expired products have likely lost their effectiveness and may irritate the skin.
Mokaya recommends taking a “less is more” approach. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, no matter what new trend you see on social media.
Get warmer in the shower
Skin care: A long, steaming-hot shower may feel luxurious, but Goldman says your skin isn’t a fan.
“Hot water may feel good in the moment, but it removes natural moisturizing factors from your skin,” Goldman says.
Goldman suggests opting for lukewarm water instead. He recommends keeping water about the same temperature as your body — between 95 and 99°F (35 and 37.2°C) and not more than 105°F (40.5°C).
“If your skin is very red coming out of the shower, the water temperature is probably too high,” he says.
Find the right sunscreen
There are tons of sunscreens available. Goldman says it’s essential to find a broad-spectrum option that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Here are the AAD‘s suggestions:
Skin care: Use a waterproof sunscreen and SPF 30 or above. An SPF 30 sunscreen will block 97 percent of the sun’s rays.
Apply about 1 oz. (one-shot glassful) of sunscreen to the body for adults.
Wait 15 minutes after application to go outside.
Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
Dress for safe sun success
You’ll never be able to block 100 percent of the sun’s rays, even with sunscreen. Goldman says you can add extra layers of protection with your outfit.
He recommends:
a hat
sunglasses
UPF 50+ clothing
Learn your skin type
Mokaya recommends catering your product selection to your skin type.
The commonly recognized skin types include:
oily (greasy)
dry (flaky)
sensitive (irritates easily)
combination (flaky and greasy)
Different ingredients
