Below are 5 top ways to take care of your body skin. While this list is by no means holistic, it serves as a good starting point for basics of skincare and should leave your body skin feeling healthy and rejuvenated:
1. Get into a skincare routine
Just like your face, your body skin also needs a proper skincare routine. Cleanse your skin with a gentle body wash that suits your skin type and won’t irritate or dry out your skin. Exfoliation, especially for elbows, knees, and heels, is another way to remove dead skin and prevent it from looking dull. Body skin is tougher than the skin on the face, so you don’t need to worry too much about rigorous scrubbing, but use an exfoliator or scrub that is suited to your skin type, especially if you use shaving to remove unwanted hair.
Lastly, hydration is the key. Use a body lotion or body butter generously to moisturize your skin starting from your neck down to your toes. The best time to do this is immediately after a shower when the body is still a bit damp so it absorbs moisture well.
2. Take care when shaving/waxing
Removing unwanted hair is an essential part of our skincare routine. But whether you are shaving, waxing or getting some other treatment done, pre- and post-care is essential. For instance, it is best to spend some time in the shower before shaving as it helps soften the skin and prevent cuts and bruises. Similarly, applying a soothing gel or moisturizer after waxing/laser helps keep the skin calm. Most technicians also apply aloe vera gel or a calming lotion after performing electrolysis on the skin.
Which hair removal method you opt for is a personal choice and depends on a number of factors including hair growth, convenience, pain threshold, budget. etc. But whichever method you opt for, do ensure proper follow-up care after the procedure to make sure you do not see any unpleasant reactions on your skin.
3. Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays
This step is mandatory in ensuring healthy and vibrant skin. A lot of exposure to the sun can result in skin damage, dark spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer in extreme cases. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when going out – a moisturizer or BB cream with SPF 15 is usually enough for limited exposure, but high exposure activities like sports and swimming may require SPF 30 or SPF 50 which will need to be reapplied every couple of hours. SPF 30 is also recommended for kids and for those who have sensitive skin (talk to your dermatologist if you have concerns about choosing the right one)
Apart from that, if you expect to have prolonged exposure to the sun, wear protective clothing and avoid unnecessary exposure to sensitive parts of the body. Also make sure your clothing isn’t too tight or uncomfortable when the day is warm and sunny, as it won’t allow the skin to breathe properly and unnecessary perspiration may occur.
4. Manage stress and anxiety
Stress, fatigue, exhaustion, and anxiety – these not only take a toll on your facial skin but on your body skin as well. A lot of people experience dry, patchy skin and acne breakouts when they are nervous or worried about something. While this is not controllable 100% of the time, it is essential that we maintain a positive outlook towards life and try and keep the stress at a minimum.
Having a regular routine and staying active plays a key role in this regard. Getting enough sleep, exercising, not smking and taking out time to pause and enjoy things in life will go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and youthful looking. Meditation and yoga can help improve bloodcirculation and slow down the aging process for your skin.
5. Eat healthily
While moisturizing your skin from the outside is essential, staying hydrated internally is just as, if not more, important. Our body is approximately 60% water, making it a key component for a properly functioning human body. Health authorities recommend drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day, and your skin is directly affected by how much water intake you have. A well-hydrated skin looks fresh, radiant and youthful, and has a significantly positive impact on all functions of the body.
Furthermore, diet plays a huge role in how healthy your skin is. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and dairy can help promote healthier and younger looking skin. Oily, spicy, sugary foods should be avoided, as should fizzy drinks and alcohol. All of these can have damaging effects on your skin which can range from being mild to permanent depending on the frequency of intake.
What are your tips, share with me in the comments below.
Love and Health
Uma
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