Beauty & Skin Care

Skin is one of the largest organs of the body. Because of this, caring for your skin can directly affect your overall health. Your skin acts as a protective shield and is most vulnerable to outside elements. It is affected by more factors than you may think. For instance, the following can play a role in your overall skin health:

• exposure to UV radiation in tanning beds
• exposure to chemical toxins in tobacco
• unprotected sun exposure for long periods of time
• not getting enough rest, fluids, or nutrition
• aging

Taking care of your skin

There are steps you can take to ensure you have healthy skin. They include the following:

• Cleanse regularly, typically twice daily.
• Apply a toner after cleansing if you have oily skin.
• Apply a moisturizer if you have dry skin.
• Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and brighten up your complexion.

Besides a daily skin care routine, make it a habit to examine your own skin for abnormalities, discolorations, or any other changes on a regular basis. Have your skin examined by a doctor or dermatologist annually for any changes, or if:

• you have fair skin or many or large moles
• you are in the sun or use tanning beds
• you have a history of skin problems, irritations, or growths

It’s also important to protect your skin from too much sun and sun damage, which may increase wrinkles as well as lead to skin cancer. Cover your skin or use sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. See your doctor or dermatologist if any skin irritations or problems arise.

Understanding skin care products

There are many products out there that are presented as a way to change things, permanently melt away cellulite, reduce wrinkles, and more. Pay attention and do your research to decide whether a product is really necessary for the health of your skin or if it’s potentially harmful. Ask your doctor for advice, too.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates many products. It must regulate products that change a person’s physical structure or biochemical processes within the body.

Products that are classified as cosmetics or dietary supplements are not regulated. Examples of these include:

• moisturizers
• hair coloring
• toothpaste
• deodorant
• vitamins
• herbals
• enzymes

References

• Five minutes or less for health weekly tip: Protect your skin. (2015, April 1). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Family/minutes/tips/protectskin/index.htm
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, December 16). Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
• Product testing. (2016, October 5). Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ScienceResearch/ProductTesting/default.htm
• Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products. (2015, May 28). Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm388826.htm