We all know our body’s largest organ is our skin, right? So why are we so quick to categorize skincare as a “luxury” and not a “necessity”? The fact of the matter is, caring for our skin is as important for our overall health as a balanced diet and regular exercise — it’s not just an aesthetic nice-to-have, though it’s often treated as such.
Think about it: our skin is our body’s first layer of defense against the outside world. Without it, we couldn’t survive considering it plays the vital role of protecting us. It protects us from infections, pollution, chemicals, harsh temperatures, dehydration, you name it. It is our job, that means, to protect it in return. Not just so we look good, so we can feel good (literally), too.
Signs Your Skin Needs More Attention
- Excessive oil or dry patches
- Uneven texture or bumps
- Redness, itchiness, or irritation
- Cystic acne or regular breakouts
- Hyperpigmentation or sunspots
Relating to any of the above signs? We’re here for you. Start checking the below tasks off your to-do list regularly to properly prioritize your skin’s health.
✔ Protect your skin’s barrier with a minimalist regimen
Dermatologists often say “less is more,” and it’s something we swear by at Reflekt. A minimalist skincare regimen prevents you from over treating your skin. Because, yes, there is such a thing and it can end up working against you instead of for you. Instead, try our simple yet effective four-step system in which gentle exfoliation meets powerful hydration. It’s our secret to maintaining healthy, balanced skin with a strong barrier.
✔ See a dermatologist
Though dermatology appointments are less frequently considered when we don’t have current concerns, it’s essential to prioritize them for early detection of skin cancer, per The Skin Cancer Foundation.
✔ Wear sunscreen daily
One of the biggest threats our skin encounters on a daily basis (yes, even on cloudy or rainy days) is the sun. While it’s beneficial for a natural dose of vitamin D, it can also cause photodamage (think burns and sun spots) and photoaging (think wrinkles and sagging), which can lead to skin cancer. To help prevent all of the above, make SPF your best friend.
READ MORE: How to Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage When You Reflekt
✔ Avoid tanning beds
This one may speak for itself, but just in case you need the reminder, indoor tanning bed devices are classified as carcinogenic (cancer-causing) by The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and The World Health Organization (WHO), so much so that they are listed in the same category as cigarettes. What’s more? The Skin Cancer Foundation writes, “Research shows that more people develop skin cancer because of indoor tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking.” That’s too many people!
✔ Avoid touching and picking your skin
Our hands are covered in germs, even when washed regularly. Prevent them from spreading by keeping your paws off your face and the rest of your body as much as possible. Part of that means no picking! After all, picking can cause the bacteria to not only get on top of the skin but into the body as well through the creation of tiny wounds.
✔ Keep injured skin clean
Speaking of wounds, while we obviously want to avoid cuts, bumps, and bruises as much as possible, we don’t live in a bubble. When life inevitably happens, just make sure you care for the area properly to prevent infection — clean, disinfect, treat, cover, and repeat until it’s healed.
✔ Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
When they say “you are what you eat,” they don’t just mean what's on the inside. In fact, the state of your skin is often a reflection of your overall health. Help promote a healthier you from the inside-out with a nutritious, balanced diet filled with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, plenty of water, and less refined sugar and alcohol.
READ MORE: 5 Oft-Forgotten Lifestyle Habits That’ll Help Improve Your Skin
