The greatest organ in our bodies, the skin, is just as vital as the heart, lungs, or brain. Additionally, although other body organs may be easily assessed for health via scans, blood tests, etc., our skin requires a little more judgment. Let’s first look at what having healthy skin actually entails before discussing how to keep it that way. We made the decision to speak with one of the professionals in order to find out more about the symptoms and ideal procedures for preserving skin health.
Read also: Best Ways To Combat Oily Skin
What Does Having Healthy Skin Mean?
Skin that is well-hydrated and devoid of sun damage is considered to be healthy skin. Remember to hydrate and protect, two important things. SPF ought to be everyone’s trusted companion. Freckles, wrinkles, pre-cancers, atypical moles, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma are all consequences of sun damage. Healthy skin has an even colour and is smooth, firm, and elastic in addition to being hydrated and free of UV damage.
How to Assess the Health of Your Skin
Evaluating healthy skin is significantly less objective than measuring your blood pressure or cholesterol. It is simpler to start with indicators of unhealthy skin, such as rough texture, dryness, loss of elasticity, and uneven tone.
Texture
Unhealthy: “Your skin should not be rough, bumpy, or blotchy in any way.
Your skin should have a smooth appearance and feel. There should be consistency between the way pores and hair follicles look.
Hydration and Moisture
Unhealthy: Because they share many symptoms, the terms “dry skin” and “dehydrated skin” are frequently used interchangeably. Your skin may be dry and/or dehydrated if it is red, dry, tight, or flaky.
Your skin may be dry even if it is greasy. This is due to the fact that when your skin is dehydrated, your pores may overcompensate by creating excessive amounts of sebum. Despite the fact that we do produce oil to benefit our skin, too much of it could result in an unfavourable environment for bacteria.
Healthy: Your skin should have exactly the right amount of moisture to give off a serene shine.
Elasticity
Unhealthy: When significant damage is taken into account, unhealthy skin won’t be able to recover as quickly and will be more prone to wrinkles.
Healthy:
Fewer fine lines and wrinkles will be seen on the skin with healthy suppleness. Healthy skin can continue to create enough collagen and elastin as we age to keep our skin stronger. In the long term, the areas around our eyes, lips, and jawline will appreciate our preventative care!
Shade and Tone
Unhealthy: The first indication that tanned skin is unhealthy skin is an uneven skin tone. If you tan your skin, it will become damaged even if you don’t burn.
Healthy:
Your complexion should be uniform throughout your body, with a natural tone that permeates your face, chest, and back in particular.
How to Maintain Healthy Skin
Although achieving healthy skin won’t happen overnight (sad face), there are four essential habits you should try in order to repair skin damage and have better skin every morning.
Protect
Wearing sunscreen every day is crucial. Wear caps, cover-ups, and sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen every two hours. Never set foot inside a tanning bed. Your chance of developing melanoma increases by 75% with just one visit before the age of 30. It simply isn’t worth it.
Hydrate and moisten
Start by ensuring that you are getting enough water each day as this may be the root of your skin’s dehydration. Use a hyaluronic acid serum before applying moisturizer if you require additional hydration.
Acid Glycolic and Retinoids
Retinoids and glycolic acid can help repair skin damage and maintain supple, healthy skin. Although stronger prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin (mainly used for acne), are preferable to over-the-counter ones, there are excellent glycolic acid substitutes available.
Cosmetic techniques
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, laser procedures, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, micro needling, and routine facials help maintain healthy skin and reverse indications of aging. For many of these procedures or treatments, you can visit an esthetician at your neighbourhood spa or your doctor’s office.
Read also: Why Ceramide Should Be Part Of Your Skin Care Routine