1. Protect your skin from the sun   The ultraviolet light from the sun is damaging to the skin and can cause dry skin, aging skin, wrinkles, liver spots and even skin tumors. Protect the skin by using sunscreen (greater than SP 15), avoid the sun during peak hours, 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and by wearing long sleeves,  pants and wider-brimmed hats.

2. Do not smoke as can age and wrinkle the skin  Accelerated skin changes from smoking include aging skin and wrinkles. Smoking decreases the blood flow due to narrowing of the arteries in the skin’s outer layers,  depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients. This then damages the elastin and  collagen, which is needed to keep the skin elastic and  and strong. Also the repetitiveness of  facial expressions during smoking, such as pursing lips while inhaling and squinting eyes to avoid the smoke, can lead to wrinkles.

3. Gently wash your skin Cleansing your skin is an integral part of skin care and should be done gently. Use warm water and avoid strong soaps that can leave your skin dry.  Avoid additives in soaps that can be irritating to the skin like perfumes and dyes, especially for sensitive skin as can irritate and trigger allergic reactions. Use cotton balls or sponge to remove eye makeup to avoid any damage around the delicate area of the eyes. After bathing or washing, pat dry your skin leaving some moisture to remain on the skin, then immediately moisturize with a cream or oil.

4. Regularly moisturize your skin To keep you skin’s moisture levels at an optimum, regularly use moisturizers. Use a moisturizer that is best for your skin depending on factors like your age, skin type and if you have any specific conditions such as acne. A way to test if your skin needs a moisturizer, after bathing wait 20 minutes to see if the skin starts to feel tight and if it does, then apply a moisturizer. When selecting a moisturizer use one with at least SP 15 so can also protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays. 

5. Carefully shave hair off your skin. Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove hair off skin but it can also cause skin irritations especially if the skin is sensitive, thin or dry. Prior to shaving, soften the hair on the skin by pressing a warm wash cloth over it or to shave after taking a warm shower or bath. Avoid shaving on dry skin as can cause razor burns. Use a shaving lotion, cream or gel to lubricate and protect the skin. Always use a razor that is sharp and clean. If using an electric razor, don’t aggravate the skin by adjusting it to the closest setting.  Shave in the direction of the hair growth and not against it. Then rinse the skin after with warm water.

If the skin gets irritated, use a lotion that does not contain isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Even though may be cooling, alcohol doesn’t soothe irritated skin since it rapidly evaporates.