Our skin is a marvellous thing. It is our largest organ, and it functions as much more than just a barrier to the outside world. Skin regulates body temperature by changing the size of small blood vessels close to the surface. It releases sweat to cool down. It also produces vitamin D by using the sun’s rays. Skin keeps us from getting dehydrated, stopping microbes from entering the body. Our skin is delicate and sensitive to change, so we must take good care of it.
The importance of healthy skin
For skin to fulfill its functions, it needs to stay intact and healthy. It’s easy to injure skin with bumps and scrapes, sharp objects, burns, infections, and disease. Skin that has become more sensitive due to the use of harsh products tends to break or become irritated more easily.
Skin also protects us from damage by the sun’s ultraviolet rays that can damage cells. However, it is best to help it with sun protection. Since it is our connection to the outside world, it is through the skin that we feel pressure and pain and so avoid dangerous and damaging situations.
One of the ways to keep skin more healthy is to keep it clean, yet well-meaning habits can turn against us if we don’t do this in the right way. So it’s not just a matter of getting dirt off the surface in any way possible.
Washing our hands, for example, is a way to prevent us from spreading germs to other parts of the body. Some people overdid this cleaning during the pandemic by using alcohol gels too often, even if soap and water were available. Or else they used soap that was unnecessarily harsh several times a day, stripping the skin of its essential lipids. Unfortunately, this led to many developing irritated and cracked skin.
How to notice that you have a harsh skincare routine
What does harsh skincare look or feel like? If you notice any of the following, you may need to change things up when it comes to the products you use and other skincare habits that form part of your routine:
- Breakouts. If your skincare does not improve your skin condition after one month, there may be something wrong. If products dry up your skin, this is counteracted by the production of sebum (oils) in the skin that can clog pores, gather bacteria, and inflame your skin. This results in irritation, pimples, and even acne.
- Skin is very dry or very oily. This may indicate that your products are not providing enough moisture. As a result, the skin may be responding by producing excessive oil.
- Skin that itches, feels tight or forms rashes. A rash or irritation could signify an allergic reaction to a product you have been using. Products with too many ingredients may be the culprit in this case.
- Skin that feels rough, bumpy, dry, or looks dull. These may also be signs of dehydration or poor skin cell turnover.
Breaking bad skincare habits
- When washing, use cool or warm water; do not use hot water.
- Use mild cleansers that don’t irritate the skin and clean the skin gently. Too much scrubbing can irritate the skin. Exfoliating products should be gentle and used 2-3 times a week.
- Avoid letting your skin become dry by drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet. Use shower gels, soaps, moisturisers, creams, and lotions that are gentle on the skin.
- Avoid scented products if you have very sensitive skin.
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Reduce stress. Stress can harm your skin and cause various problems in the body.
- Block damage by the sun by avoiding peak hours, covering up, and frequently applying good quality sun protection with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
Love your skin with Lipikar Syndet AP+
Lipikar Syndet AP+ is an ultra-gentle body wash suitable for babies, children, and adults with even the most problematic and sensitive of skins. It is enriched with Shea Butter and Niacinamide and enjoys the exclusively patented new active ingredient Aqua Posae Filiformis (AP+).
Lipikar Syndet AP+ is fragrance-free and tested for use in babies, resulting in high tolerance. It has also been tested under ophthalmological control and does not sting the eyes. This wash leaves the skin immediately soothed and moisturised for a smooth and comfortable feel that lasts for 24 hours.
Lipikar Syndet AP+ is anti-irritation and anti-itching, making it the perfect body wash for those suffering from eczema-prone skin. It helps to reduce severe dryness from the very first wash.
With consistent use of quality skin products that give good results every time, your skin can soon return to its best condition. You can continue to love the skin you’re in.
Sources:
Nancy Garrick, D. D. (2017, April 12). Healthy Skin Matters. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; NIAMS. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/kids/healthy-skin
Keep Your Skin Healthy. (2017, May 3). NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/11/keep-your-skin-healthy