Sophie Okolo, MPH

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. This is a fact that few people know and many refuse to believe, but it’s true. Of course, considering how important a role your skin plays within your body, it’s important that you take the best possible care of it. Of course, everyone has different skin types, different lifestyles that can impact their skin, different conditions that can require specialist care and so much more. This means that no one skincare routine will work for everyone. The good news is that the following information can help you to get your own, individualized skincare journey off to the right start!

Acknowledge Skin Conditions

The skin is a sensitive body part and many of us are predisposed to certain skin conditions. Some are more common than others. If you find that you are having routine “issues” with your skin – blemishes, itching, discomfort or other problems – it’s best to document what’s happening and consult your doctor or a dermatologist. These professionals will be able to diagnose any underlying skin conditions and recommend the right course of action for you and your needs. Common skin complaints include acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and more. Each will have particular treatments that can help alleviate the appearance and feel of the conditions. For example, products from adbry can help with eczema, while emollients and other lotions can assist with psoriasis. Your healthcare professional will be able to guide you through this process, tracking progress and reducing discomfort.

Know Your Skin Type

If you aren’t struggling with any medical skin conditions, you need to take some time to figure out your skin type. We all have different skin types, but the four most common categories that most of us can place ourselves into are dry skin, oily skin, combination skin or normal skin. Dry skin has a clue in the name. If you have dry skin, it will feel parched, can look flaky and may even feel tight. This is because it doesn’t produce sufficient sebum. Oily skin, again, leaves a clue in the name. This skin type has the opposite issue to dry skin – it produces too much sebum. This results in a slick or greasy appearance that can even feel wet to the touch. Some people with greasy skin also notice that their pores are larger and more visible. Combination skin combines elements of these different skin types in different areas of your face, for example dry cheeks but an oily T-zone. Normal skin tends to be the skin type that most people aim for, as it balanced and tends to have minimal blemishes. Once you know your skin type, you can create a routine that works for your skin.

Basics

Everyone should have a few basics in their skin care routine. This should be a good cleanser, a toner, an exfoliator and a moisturizer. These products will help to cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin. If you are more invested and want to go all out, you can expand the number of products you use, incorporating things like night creams, facial steams and even facial treatments. When choosing a moisturizer, it is absolutely essential that you choose one that contains sunscreen. This protects your skin from harmful UV rays and can help to prevent issues such as sun damage and age spots. Most people make the mistake of thinking that they only need sunscreen when heading out in the sun or on holiday. Instead, this should form a part of your daily routine, as you undergo UV exposure every time you go outside, even on cloudy days.

Hydration

Stay hydrated as much as possible. Not only is this important for your health in general (water is used in countless bodily processes), but it’s important for your skin. Water helps to flush toxins from your skin and keep your visage hydrated. It’s recommended that you aim for two liters (or roughly eight glasses) of water a day. You can top up your levels with water dense foods, such as soups or stews or foods that naturally contain a lot of water (cucumber, celery, berries, melon and more).

Taking care of your skin really is essential, so do what you can to follow the steps above and get into a good skincare routine. You should be taking care of your skin day and night, so avoid skipping any steps. For individual, tailored advice, it’s best to head to a dermatologist who will be able to provide you with unique support and guidance.