Apply sunscreen to the hand
Apply sunscreen every day before going outdoors. Sunscreen is the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth. It can really slow down skin aging. It can also help prevent skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 (or higher), and is water-resistant.
While it’s important to protect infants’ skin from the sun, the AAD recommends applying sunscreen only to babies 6 months and older.
Do not smoke. Smoking accelerates the aging of your skin. If you smoke, your wounds will take longer to heal. Research shows that smoking worsens some skin conditions, including psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Check your skin for skin cancer. Skin self-examinations can help you detect skin cancer early when it is most treatable. If you notice a spot that’s different from the rest, or a spot that changes, itches or bleeds, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.
A woman uses self-tanner in the shower
Use a self-tanner if you like to look tanned. Anytime you tan indoors or outdoors, you are prematurely aging your skin. You also increase your risk of skin cancer. A self-tanner can give you the look you want without any of the risks. To keep your skin healthy, you need to protect it from the sun, even when using self-tanner.
Use skin care products that match your skin’s needs. What is your skin type – oily, dry, normal, combination or sensitive? Do you have a skin condition? Using products designed to meet your skin’s needs will help your skin look and feel its best.
Resist the urge to scrub your skin. If you sweat a lot or have serious acne, it may seem natural to scrub your skin. no! Rubbing irritates your skin, which can worsen any skin condition, including acne.
Wash your face when you wake up, before bed, and after sweating. Washing when you wake up removes dirt and bacteria that settle on your face while you sleep. Before sleeping, you should remove makeup and dirt, such as smog, smoke, or dirt that may have fallen on your skin.
African American man gently washing his face in the mirror
Wash your face gently. Gentle cleansing helps skin look its best. To gently clean your face, wet it with lukewarm water. Then apply a mild cleanser, then gently apply the cleanser in a circular motion with your fingertips. Finish by rinsing off the cleanser completely and gently drying your face with a clean towel.
Less stress. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help your skin, too. Certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema) often appear for the first time when a person feels very stressed. Stress can also exacerbate many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
See a board-certified dermatologist if you don’t like something about your skin. When it comes to our skin, dermatologists are the experts. These doctors diagnose and treat thousands of different skin diseases. They also have the experience to help people safely rejuvenate and care for their skin.
