skin care routine Tag

Simple Acne Fighting Tips

By some estimates, somewhere around 60 million people suffer from active acne.  Most of those are young adults and about 25% of those people will actually have long-term scars as a result of severe acne that goes untreated.  

Needless to say, acne can be a real problem for some people and a constant source of anxiety for many others.  Many people are not aware that the everyday habits they engage in can be causing or exacerbating their acne.

Your skin is the most important (and one of the most sensitive) organs in your body.  Here are some little-known acne-fighting tips to keep your skin clear, beautiful, and healthy.  

Clean Your Face Regularly

The most important thing you can do to prevent acne from taking hold on your skin is to wash your face.  Every time you go out into the world, exercise, sweat in any way, swim in a pool or lake, or expose your skin at all to the elements; dirt and oil can become trapped in your pores.

Other than genetic factors, these are the primary vehicles for acne to form.  Even sleeping on dirty sheets or other surfaces can make your facial skin dirty.  It may not look dirty but trust us, it’s there.

Each morning when you wake up, wash your face with a gentle exfoliator.  Then do the same each night when you go to bed. Develop a routine habit of this and you should start to see improvement of existing mild acne and prevent new acne from forming.  

Clean Your Phone

This sounds silly but our phones are some of the dirtiest objects we use each day. Some people say they are even dirtier than our money because we use our phones in all situations.  We use them when we are eating, when we are in the bathroom, after we’ve handled other dirty objects, etc. 

With that said, no consider the fact that you put your phone to your face at least a couple times each day.  If you have never cleaned your phone, all of the things you touched in the time before you put it to your face are on there.  

A good tip is to keep some wipes that are labeled as antibiotics.  Choose something that kills germs and keep it in your car, at home, and at your place of work.  Make a habit of wiping your phone screen down at least once a day.

If cleaning your phone is not practical, try using devices that allow you to use a phone function without touching your face.  For example speakerphone, Bluetooth headsets, or the headphones that came with your phone are all good options.

Use Moisturizer

Washing your skin is great but keeping it moisturized is even better.  Moisturizers keep pores in your skin open and make it less likely that dirt and oil will become trapped in your skin.  Moisturizing after you’ve washed your face in the morning and at night is a good routine to follow.

Take a Cooler Shower or Bath

It is a common myth that hot water or steam opens the pores in your skin and cold water makes them close.  In reality, your pores are not activated by temperature. Hot water has a tendency of making the outer layers of your skin swell which can make them look open but that is not why they are opening.  

Heat causes enlargement of the capillaries near the surface of your skin and makes the area swell. In other words, hot water does nothing for you and cooler water is easier on the skin.  

Plan a Healthier Diet

What you eat has a lot to do with what your skin looks like.  You can help prevent acne by simply avoiding certain foods. While every person’s body and metabolism are different, here are some basic things you should avoid eating too much of:

Sugar:  This is probably the worst for your skin.  Some studies have shown that sugar has some sort of link to breakouts and consuming a lot of it can throw your body off balance.  Keep track of your sugar intake. If you notice a breakout hours or days after consuming a lot of sugar, it’s best to steer clear.

Fast food:  This is probably not good for anyone anyway but for acne sufferers, fast food can be a big no-no.  Much of this kind of food is high in fatty acids and oils which make their way through your body and into your skin.   

Wash Your Pillowcase

You would be surprised at how much a person can sweat in their sleep and we all do it.  Even if you wash your face, shower, and moisturize before bedtime, your pillowcase and sheets accumulate dirt and oil overnight. Sweat builds upon our bodies and then it has no other place to go than into our bed linens.

Make a point to wash your pillowcases as often as you wash your other clothes. Change your pillowcase at least every couple of days to a clean one. This is one of those strategies where if you’ve tried a lot of other things to prevent acne, this may be yet another opportunity to avoid getting your skin dirty.  

If you’ve tried many of these and failed, do not beat yourself up.  Sometimes acne requires professional care and there is no way around it.  Some people are predisposed to developing severe acne and require medical intervention.  If you have chronic mild or severe acne and you haven’t done anything about it yet, these tactics are great places to start.

We are all products of our environment and the same principle can be applied to our skin.  Make changes in your daily habits as a first step in combating your acne before contacting a professional or using more aggressive treatments.  You may be able to save yourself a lot of frustration and money by simply doing things a little different in your everyday life instead of adding treatments that may not be necessary.

*Photo courtesy of Karolina Misev with www.cushyspa.com 

Skin Care Tips for Men

Healthy skin and skin care routines are not just for women, men need to take care of their skin as well. Your skin is the barrier protecting your body from the outside elements, so protecting it is very important for your overall health. Here are some skin care tips for men.

What is a Holistic Approach to My Skin Care and Health?

A holistic approach to health involves treating your body as a machine. This means that each part needs to be tended to in order to keep the other parts functioning properly. Here are some ways you can take care of your body holistically:

1. Be Attentive to Your Whole Body

When many people think of skin care and dermatology, they only think of the skin on the face. However, skin care is about total body care. While it is true that some areas of the skin may be more sensitive or easily noticeable than others, it is a single organ that needs to be tended to. Therefore, use products that protect all of your skin—this includes full-body moisturization and finding a soap or body wash that does not dry out your skin.

2. Eat Well

There are some people who can eat poorly without seeing negative effects on their skin. However, for most of us, what we eat and how we live will directly affect our skin. As such, the first step to healthy skin is usually the same as taking the first step toward good general health—eat well and drink plenty of water.

Opt for natural, organic, and non-processed food items during mealtimes. A great place to start is increasing your fruit and vegetable intake. If you eat meat, stick to a leaner variety. Avoid sugars, sodas, and overly-salty foods.

 

3. Exercise Regularly

Be sure to get regular, vigorous exercise as well. Exercise helps you exfoliate the skin, release toxins, manage your weight, and metabolize the food you eat. We recommend exercising each day at varying levels of intensity for at least half an hour.

 

4. Rest Well

Be sure to get the rest you need. Deep, relaxing sleep helps the body recuperate and replenish itself. This includes the skin. Without sufficient rest, the skin is likely to look aged, wrinkled, or swollen. The opposite is also true. Periods of physical and mental rest can do wonders for your total health and skin.

 

5. Keep Stress Levels Low

We may not be able to control all that we face, but we can manage how we respond to it. Developing a system of coping mechanisms—from meditation to nature walks—is a good place to start. This will prevent stress lines and promote overall well-being.

Should I Develop a Skin-Care Routine?

Yes! What you do to your skin topically is just as important to how well you eat and otherwise take care of yourself. The products you use and the actions you take can directly affect the look and feel of your skin. While it is often the last thing men think about, a skin-care routine including cleansing, moisturizing, and utilizing anti-aging options is the place to start.

Why is Moisturizing Important?

Many people undervalue and underutilize moisturizing, particularly men. Some consider it to be too feminine, while others are simply unaware of the value of a good moisturizer for one’s skin, and especially for men. Now that you have been informed, your next step is to seek out a moisturizer that works for you.

Admittedly, because men and women are different, it is important that men choose from among the moisturizers that are engineered for their skin.

What is a Good Shaving Routine to Protect My Skin?

Shaving is an important part of grooming for men. It is important to do it properly to avoid razor burn and other skin irritations. Therefore, when shaving your face, use this checklist:

• Wet your facial hair thoroughly.
• Use a high-quality shaving cream—these usually moisturize the skin and are less irritating to sensitive skin.
• Use high-quality shaving tools including a beard brush and a quality razor with clean and frequently-changed blades.
• Cleanse properly after shaving and use an aftershave lotion.

Should I Do Anything Differently for My Skin in the Winter?

All the aforementioned tips are great for every season of the year and should be practiced daily. However, these tips are particularly important for those times of the year when the weather is harshest.

In other words, it is even more important to use an effective moisturizer during the drying winter months. Contrary to popular belief, it is also important to wear sunscreen during these colder months. Cold weather does not mean the sun can no longer cause burns or other skin damage. Also, increasing water intake during these months can help. Adequate hydration maintains fresh, youthful-looking skin and serves as great support for the other topical options you are using.

Contact Us for More Skin Care Options

Here at Universal Dermatology and Vein Care, we offer skin care services, treatments, and product options that both men and women can benefit from. Available options are tailored to suit a wide range of skin conditions and skin-care goals and routines. The best place to start is by scheduling a consultation with one of our qualified dermatologists. Contact us today!

The Importance of A Skin Care Routine In The Fall

As the days become shorter, the air becomes drier and the temperatures drop, your skin may need extra attention. Autumn is the season of transition and the best skin care routine will set right any summer damage that has happened and prepare your skin for the upcoming winter months. Read on to learn about some important skin care tips to help keep your summer glow into the fall.

Your skin has been exposed to a lot of sun, chlorine and salt water, so fall is the time to exfoliate and moisturize. While it is crucial to exfoliate all through the year, it is especially important to do so during the drier, cooler seasons when the dead skin cells tend to accumulate on the skin surface. The buildup of dead skin cells can make the skin appear dull and rough. Exfoliation is essential to keep the skin smooth and radiant.  Try one of our gentle glycolic cleansers for adding daily exfoliation to your fall skin care regimen.

Make time to schedule a full body scrub or an exfoliating facial that gets rid of summer’s marks too from your skin and makes it look fresh and beautiful. While choosing exfoliating products, keep in mind, oil-based scrubs are the best as they both exfoliate and hydrate.

During the season, it is best to avoid using harsh soaps. Fragrant soapy scrubs may feel great after a day at the beach, but they can leave your skin irritated and dry. With the arrival of the dry months, it is time to opt for a soap-free moisturizing cleanser. Also, your skin requires a thicker moisturizer around this time. If you have been applying lotions on your skin in the summer, it is now time to switch to thicker creams.

The sun may not feel extremely harsh during the fall, but that is no excuse to forget your sunscreen to prevent wrinkles. Whether it is a clear autumn day or a gray one, you will still need protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  Our aestheticians can help you choose a sunscreen according to your skin type for daily wear during fall

As you adjust to a new season, do not forget to make these important changes in your skincare routine. The holiday season will soon be here before you know it and you want to be ready for it with your best fall skin health routine.