The Importance of Skincare

The idea of skincare may seem frivolous, but skincare is more than spas and face masks. Skincare is the act of taking care of your skin. And a proper skincare routine can reduce your chances of experiencing common skin irritations, such as dry or itchy skin. It can even reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

November is National Healthy Skin Month. If you’re new to skincare, now is the perfect time to learn about the role of the skin and best practices for keeping it healthy. 

The Role of Skin 

Skin is the body’s largest organ, and its primary purpose is to act as a proactive barrier from harmful outside elements like heat and bacteria. The skin is also responsible for regulating body temperature and storing water, and preventing water loss. 

The skin has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, and it is made up of squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes cells. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin. It contains blood vessels, sweat glands, nerves, hair follicles, lymph vessels, and fibroblasts. The deepest layer of skin is the hypodermis. This layer of skin conserves heat and protects the body from injury. 

Starting a Skincare Routine

Skin plays a vital role in keeping the body safe and healthy, and an effective skincare routine keeps skin in good condition. If you’re new to skincare, focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin. 

Cleanse

Cleansing your skin keeps it free of dirt and bacteria. When cleansing your skin, use a gentle soap that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Also, be sure to wash your face and body with a soft cloth, like microfiber. Using rough fabrics or sponges can scratch and irritate the skin. If you have naturally dry or irritated skin, you can find cleansers designed to reduce symptoms and eliminate flare-ups. 

Moisturize 

As you age, your skin may feel more dry or itchy because your skin may not retain as much moisture as it used to. To keep your skin feeling soft, you’ll need to apply moisturizer. The best time to apply moisturizer is correct when you get out of the shower or right after washing your face. Look for gentle moisturizers that are fragrance-free as some of the chemicals used to make scents may irritate the skin. 

Protect

One of the best ways to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun is to apply sunscreen daily. Even on cloudy or cold days, the sun can damage the skin. Make sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, including the hands, feet, face, and top of the head. If you’re spending a lot of time outside, reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you are sweating. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help 

If you need help taking care of your skin, the team at Visiting Angels Roswell, Georgia, can help. Our personal care services include assistance with personal grooming to help you look and feel your best. Our compassionate caregivers can also help with medication reminders, light housekeeping, meal preparations, transportation, and mobility assistance. Our Roswell office serves those in Roswell and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 770.573.7817.