Skimpy Skin Care Tips
3 Basics for Super Skin
By
Wendy C. Fries
WebMD Feature
Reviewed By
Brunilda Nazario, MD
Exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize, cleanse...most of us barely have time to
gulp a low-fat, half-caff latte, so who has time for complex skin care?
Yet who doesn't want that good-skin glow? So, with your time (and
pocketbook) in mind, WebMD sought the help of experts to create these quick,
basic skin care tips. With these simple steps you can love the skin you're in
in minutes.
Basic Skin Care Tip 1: Wash Your Skin Each Day
You don't need fancy products to clean your way to super skin. Everyday soap
and water removes the grime, sweat, pollution and dead cells that accumulate
through the day and costs pennies to boot.
And a daily scrub or two is all you need; washing more often can disturb
your skin's natural protective lubrication. Skin care experts suggest using a
mild, unscented soap with emollient and moisturizing properties. They warn
against deodorant body soaps or antibacterial cleansers, which can be harsh to
your skin.
Basic Skin Care Tip 2: Moisturize Your Skin
With our constant exposure to steamy showers, cold weather, and hot sun it's
no wonder the pros say we need moisturizer even if our skin is naturally
oily.
Fortunately, locking in moisture for soft, smooth skin is easy: Just pat on
your preferred product after stepping from the shower. And pricey products need
not apply: Some skin care professional recommend white petroleum jelly, even
hair conditioner. Have oily skin? Try noncomedogenic products, which don't clog
pores.
And don't forget to moisturize from the inside out with plenty of water.
Basic Skin Care Tip 3: Use Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin
Whether the weather promises snow, sun, or showers, sun protection is a
must, say the specialists at the American Academy of Dermatology. Snow and
water both reflect the sun's rays, and even on cloudy days we get a healthy
dose of skin-sizzling ultraviolet.
Over time, those ultraviolet rays can lead to wrinkles, discoloration, moles, and skin cancer.
What to do? Cover up exposed skin and slather on a sunscreen of SPF 15 or
more, with UVA and UVB protection. And reapply often.
Even Skimpier Skin Care
Really pressed for time? It's easy to shrink these three skin care steps
into a two-step process:
- Merge washing up and moisturizing steps by using a moisturizing soap.
- Unite your moisturizer and sunscreen: Buy a moisturizer with SPF 15 or
higher.
Basic skin care: It's as easy as 1-2-3.
SOURCES: American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Insights,
Spring 2000, vol. 1, no. 1, pp 18-29; Fall 2000, vol. 1, no. 2, pp 20-21. The
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Skin Smart newsletter, Winter 2002, pp.
1. National Skin Centre, Singapore: "Care of the Skin." WebMD Feature:
"Women Over 50: Natural Beauty Tips," "5 Beauty Tips and Secrets
Every Woman Should Know." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration
with the Cleveland Clinic: "Skin Conditions: Taking Care of Your Skin."
© 2008 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Editorial Review: 4/3/2008
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