Although invisible to the naked eyes, millions of bacteria and yeasts inhabit the skin. In normal conditions, the microorganisms dwelling on the surface of the skin prevent overgrowth of microbes, necessary for maintaining healthy skin. Bacterial infections such as pimples and fungal infections occur when the normal microbial balance of the skin is disturbed.
Unclean skin triggers overgrowth of microbes. In the absence of proper skin hygiene routine, dirt, sebum and dead skin debris that accumulate in the tiny pores of the skin would clog the pores. The anaerobic P. acnes bacteria that dwell in the hair follicles would grow and multiply by feeding on the sebum and dead skin debris. Hence, to check overgrowth of the acne causing bacteria, the excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells should be regularly removed from the skin.
Cleansing is the first step in the basic skin care schedule. You can use soap and water for cleaning the skin. However, if you want to avoid the harsh chemicals in soaps, you can opt for a mild cleansing product. Lukewarm water is more effective for loosening the dirt. While cleansing with water and a soapy product helps to remove the dirt from the surface of the skin, it might not effectively remove the dead skin debris from your skin. Besides clogging the skin pores, the dead skin layer on the surface of the skin makes the skin appear dull and darker. Exfoliation with an abrasive agent helps to remove the dead skin cell layer. Exfoliation could be done once or twice a week. Always use a mild exfoliating product or scrub with tiny grains. Occasionally, you can use chemical peels for improving your complexion and reducing blemishes.
If your skin is oily, you can use a toner for tightening the skin pores and reducing excess sebum secretion. However, it is advisable to avoid alcohol-based astringents.
After cleaning, you should hydrate and nourish your skin with a suitable moisturizer. Select a moisturizing product according to your skin type. Oil-based moisturizers are recommended for dry to normal skin, whereas water based moisturizing lotion is suitable for normal to oily skin. People with sensitive skin should opt for fragrance free mild moisturizers. To prevent skin irritation and allergies, moisturizers for sensitive skin should contain small number of ingredients. Regardless of your skin type, always use a non-comedogenic product that does not clog the skin pores.
After hydrating your skin, it is necessary to protect the skin from the harsh solar radiations. Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before going outdoors in the day. Often moisturizing lotions double as sunscreen products, eliminating the need for applying a separate sunscreen.
Once or twice a week, you can nourish and rejuvenate your skin with a homemade face mask. If your skin is excessively dry, you can add honey, almond oil or olive oil to the face mask. In case of oily skin, facial clay could absorb the excess oil from the skin. The vitamin C rich citrus fruit juices or tomato juice could help to fade the blemishes. Fruit pulps, egg, milk and yogurt are other common ingredients in face masks that can help to rejuvenate the skin cells.
A balanced diet could supply your skin the essential nutrients needed for supporting the health of the skin cells. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains could boost the antioxidant defense system of the skin. The antioxidant phytochemicals could protect the skin from oxidative stress triggered by the activities of the free radicals. Oxidative stress is one of the key causes of premature skin aging. Essential fats could improve the texture of your skin. A diet rich in fish and seafood would supply your body the omega-3 fatty acids needed for healthy skin and flawless complexion.
Regular exercises are also necessary for the health of the largest organ of the body. Workouts improve blood flow throughout the body, including the skin. Through the blood, the skin receives oxygen and nutrition for maintaining its health. Excess stress might harm your skin. Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, might improve the quality of your skin. |