It’s not uncommon for skin to become irritated, inflamed and susceptible to breakouts. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that more than 50 million Americans suffer from acne annually. Whether you deal with breakouts regularly or you have eczema or other common conditions, it’s important to combat the problem by avoiding irritants. Here are a few suggestions for how to repair your skin with love.
Use Gentle, Natural Skincare Products
There are many cleansers and skincare products that are needlessly harsh and can disrupt the natural balance of moisture. To clean your skin without exacerbating breakouts, look for gentle cleansers that contain natural ingredients.
When washing your face, don’t scrub it with a rough brush, cloth or your fingernails. Instead, use the tips of your fingers to gently rub the cleanser in circular motions on your skin. To keep yourself from rubbing too hard, try using your ring finger and pinky to smooth the cleanser over your face. Rinse with lukewarm water, making sure all traces of soap are removed.
Don’t make the common mistake of washing your face twice each day. Doing so strips your skin of its natural moisture and can lead to dryness and irritation (which can in turn lead to more acne). Instead, wash once per day, right before bed. You can use oil blotters to remove excess oil in the mornings as needed.
After you’ve followed your cleansing routine, restore moisture balance by applying a gentle moisturizer to your face. As with the cleanser, use gentle circular motions.
Find Out What’s Irritating Your Skin
If you want to get to the root of your skin problem, it’s important to find out what’s really irritating your skin. Common causes of acne, rashes and other issues include harsh soaps, low-quality makeup products and even fabric. Textile contact dermatitis is a condition that occurs when your skin reacts negatively to the dyes, chemicals or fibers in clothing.
To figure out once and for all what’s causing your skin reactions, take an inventory of all the products that come in contact with your skin each day. Find out if any of those products contain harsh chemicals or common skin irritants. Replace potentially harmful products with gentler, more natural versions.
Take Skin-Friendly Supplements
There are many nutrients that have been shown to improve skin health:
- Vitamin A
- Protein
- Omega-3 and other healthy fats
- Zinc
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Selenium
While it’s possible to get these nutrients from healthy food sources, you may not get an adequate amount in your daily diet. Supplementing is a great way to increase the amount of skin-healthy nutrients you consume.
Use Tried-and-Proven Medication
There are gentle acne medications that combat the underlying source of skin problems in a noninvasive way. If you can’t get rid of your pimples through other methods, talk to your doctor about available medications. Always use medications according to your doctor’s instructions for best results.
Pamper Your Skin Today
In addition to taking these proactive measures, you can also show your skin a little love with gentle cosmetic treatments from Windsor Dermatology. Laser skin rejuvenation, HydraFacials® and other gentle skin treatments can revitalize your outer layer and help it look and feel more youthful. Call our office today to schedule your next appointment!
