The skin is the largest organ in the body, but it's the one we tend to neglect the most. The organ most responsible for protecting us is often left unprotected and undernourished as we move through our lives, and at no point do those bad habits become more apparent than when we retire.Skin care is a lifelong pursuit, and it's never too late to start. We've created a list of expert advice about how to take care of your skin through good practices and solid consumer choices.
Cut Back on Your Time With Sun, Cigarettes and Cigars
All those years we spent relaxing in the sun, smoking on our lunch breaks or lighting a cigar with buddies has caught up to us. As we age, our skin's cells have a harder time reproducing new cells, which leads to aging. As that process slows down, it's even more important for us to control the habits that contribute to premature aging.
“Time in the sun, smoking, diet, and heredity all have effects that become evident on your skin as you get older,” WebMD said in an article about beauty tips. The site goes on to say that the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are when the sun is at its strongest. “If you must be outside wear a protective hat, long-sleeved shirt, pants and sunglasses,” WebMD recommends. “Freckles, age spots, and blotchy complexions are linked to sun exposure. Mayo Clinic points out that smoke can be just as damaging to your complexion as the sun. “Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow,” Mayo Clinic wrote in an article about skincare. “This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health.”
Don't Be Afraid to Try OTC Anti-Aging Products
While it's not advisable to buy anti-aging products you've found on a random website, WebMD recommends heading to your local drug store to try over-the-counter anti-aging products. One of the ingredients you want to watch for is pentapeptides, which “may help prompt skin cells to produce more collagen, which is the support structure that gives a firmer look.”
Be Careful During Showers and Baths
While many of us wouldn't mind a nice, relaxing evening in the tub before going to bed, the Mayo Clinic says spending too much time amid the suds can actually harm your skin.“Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin,” they wrote. “Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm – rather than hot – water.” Another culprit? Strong soaps. These can be very harsh and strip oils from your skin.
Never Buy Your Skincare Products From a Random Website
There's a pretty deceptive segment of the internet devoted to getting you to buy cosmetics and skincare products that really don't do much. These sites pop up as ads in your web browser. You go to the site and see big claims about ingredients that are scientifically proven to whisk away wrinkles, crows feet and crepey arms. Unfortunately, most of these sites are scams. They're peddling mediocre skincare products they parade as revolutionary breakthroughs, and then they use high-pressure tactics to get you to buy.
Here are a few tips for spotting these scammy websites, courtesy of Highya.com scam expert Derek Lakin:
- The site tells you the product is almost sold out
- The site tells you that you only have a limited amount of time to get the offer
- The site leans on celebrity endorsements rather than science
- The last tip? Promises of free trials. You use your credit card or bank account to buy the free trial, and then a few weeks later you see big charges on your card. The catch? The site's fine print says if you don't call and cancel your “subscription” they'll send you new product every month at the retail (and often insanely high) price.
Find Affordable Moisturizers That Work
Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the keys to keeping it healthy.
Thankfully, you don't have to spend tons of money to find a product that works. Allure magazine recently published an excellent list of moisturizers under $20.
Here are a few of their recommendations:
- For the daytime: E.L.F. Daily Hydration Moisturizer ($8 at Target)
- For the nighttime: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Night Recovery Cream ($20 at Target)
- For sensitive skin: Eucerin Sensitive Skin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Lotion ($11 at Target)
Stop by our catalog and browse through our skin guards; we've got a variety of solutions for protecting your your skin when you need it most.
This Lifestyle Health Care Blog is proudly sponsored by SKIN GUARDS.