7 things to avoid for healthy skin
Several active ingredients are regularly advertised as the holy grail for perfect skin. However, you don’t need them all, especially the ones without a dermatologist’s approval. That is just the right recipe for disaster and rash-ridden skin that could lead to other skin diseases. It is important to skip the common skin sins and cut off habits and foods that contribute to the flare-ups and new acne spots that magically appear overnight.
Sunscreen skimping
Sun protection is one of the key elements for problem-free skin. It protects the skin against immediate and long-term damage that exposure to harmful rays can cause. Religiously using sunscreen can prevent the skin from developing premature fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, and freckles. It should also be noted that it lessens the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, skimping or even skipping sunscreen completely is an absolute no-no.
Wrong product selection
Using products that worked for your friend or your mom is not necessarily going to give you the same result. It is of utmost importance to select products that work for your skin type. A dermatologist is going to be your best friend in concurring issues like psoriasis, dry skin, rashes, eczema, and similar skin diseases.
Unclean brushes
Even if you are not plagued with any skin disease, you are inviting trouble by using those unclean makeup tools every single day. The used brushes probably have dirt, dust, grime, and oils piled up on the bristles, which on contact with the skin, may cause reactions. You could develop rashes, acne, or even an infection. Make sure the brushes or tools are cleaned after use.
Ignoring moles
If a mole makes you take a double look, it’s time to head to the dermatologist. One of the many reasons for this is nipping cancer in the bud, if it is diagnosed. The National Cancer Institute advises individuals to get their moles checked annually by a professional or at least keep an eye on them. This involves checking the scalp, the soles of the feet, under the nails, and other forgettable or hard-to-check areas.
Regular tanning
The connection between tanning beds and skin diseases has been long since established. Self-tanning products are far safer and better to use than heading to the tanning salon for a session. They can also contribute to premature aging of the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. They are just as risky, if not more, as going out in the sun for long hours, unprotected.
Stress
Stress can have adverse effects on the mind, body, skin and hair. Patients dealing with psoriasis and eczema often find stress as a common trigger. It causes them to flare up and can aggravate symptoms making the condition a little difficult to manage. And when the patients are stressed because of these flare-ups, they are plunged into the vicious circle that connects their skin disease to the stress. Since it cannot be completely eliminated, it is important to adopt practices that can help manage stress levels.
Soda
Beverages like soda are loaded with sugar and phosphates that can lead to the appearance of early signs of aging. High amounts of sugar intake can result in rapid depletion of collagen, leading to sagging skin. Substituting it with sugar-free soda is of hardly any use. Artificial sweeteners are known to have a similar effect on hormonal levels when compared to the impact of sugar. It means sugar and sugar-free sodas or other beverages will eventually lead to increased acne, skin dehydration, and other skin problems. The same holds true for foods that are rich in sugar.
In addition to avoiding these mistakes, doctors gravitate towards treatment options like Tremfya® to manage symptoms of plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking cytokines that trigger inflammation and preventing the formation of rashes or aggravation of other symptoms.
While being cautious of common mistakes during skincare, one must also be aware of conditions like eczema, which can affect one’s healthy lifestyle. Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes the skin to dry out, itch, and develop rashes or scaly patches that fade over time. There are many types of eczema, and it is estimated that nearly 31 million people in the country suffer from this condition. Its cause factors range from autoimmune responses to exposure to certain pollutants and chemicals in the atmosphere. Though there is no cure for this condition, one can manage it through topical treatments, lifestyle changes, changes in nutritional regime, and several alternative remedies.
Aging is inevitable, and it cannot be reversed. However, with proper care and changes in daily nutrition, it is possible to slow down the process and allow the skin to regain its natural glow. Also, it is necessary to understand the importance of managing eczema with acne, as there are chances of developing a skin disorder when one already suffers from acne. All these problems can make the skin age faster. One must consult a specialist to identify early treatments to prevent irreversible damage to the skin.