9 Simple Skin Care Tips

Taking care of your skin can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. How do I get rid of wrinkles? Why do I keep breaking out? Why is my skin so dry? How do I get rid of blackheads?

These are all questions I get daily from patients, family and friends alike. While everyone’s skin is different based on your age, genetics and lifestyle, here are some basic yet helpful tips to get you on the path to healthier skin.

  1. WATER. Drink your water! This is such a vital step. Our skin is our largest organ so we have to properly hydrate it just like we do our insides. Staying hydrated will help keep your skin nice and plump, improve texture, and give you an overall clearer complexion. I recommend drinking half of your body weight in ounces daily. Be consistent and you will be surprised how much better your skin looks within a matter of weeks!
  2. Moisturize. This may seem redundant to some, but you’d be surprised at how many people skip this very important step. Using a moisturizer twice a day (morning and night) will help protect your skin and retain its moisture (from all that water you’re now drinking!). It helps balance out the skins Ph and prevent it from over-producing, or under-producing oil, which can lead to breakouts and those pesky wrinkles!
  3. Rest. Sleep is just as important for your skin as it is your mind and body! Your skin repairs itself at night, so getting enough sleep is crucial for a nice, glowing complexion. Another major bonus – a good night’s rest will help decrease the puffiness and dark circles under your eyes!
  4. Diet. As I previously mentioned, your skin is an organ. The healthier foods you fuel your body with, the better your skin will look! Certain foods tend to cause break outs (i.e. dairy and processed sugars) so try opting for clean whole foods. Berries and greens are always an excellent choice, as they are full of antioxidants and vitamins. But don’t forget to also enjoy that cupcake every now and then for the simple sake of sanity ;)
  5. Exfoliate. The average rate for skin cell turnover is two weeks. As we age, that starts to slow down. This is when we get that dull, dry look to our skin. There are two ways to exfoliate: manual exfoliation (ex. gritty-textured facial scrub or Dermaplaning treatment) or chemical exfoliation (ex. skin care products containing lactic or glycolic acid, or retinol). For a more even skin tone, I recommend manually exfoliating 2-3 times a week or using a daily gentle acidic skin care product to achieve a brighter complexion!
  6. Protect. Wear your SPF every day! We all know those harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. Luckily, you can help prevent that by applying SPF every morning (and throughout the day if you’re outside). Don't forget that your neck, chest and hands can also show signs of age. Always be sure and protect those areas, too.
  7. Wash. Never, ever, ever sleep in your makeup! Make it a habit to wash your face every night before you hit the hay. Sleeping with makeup on can really take a toll on your precious skin. It clogs your pores, preventing your skin from being able to “breathe”. Do yourself and your pillowcase a favor. Those extra minutes of snoozing won’t be worth it when a potential breakout ensues!
  8. Clean. Avoid touching your fingers to your face. It doesn't just spread bacteria and cause breakouts - it can lead to scarring, an increase in wrinkles, and even illness (not today, flu!). Along with your hands - make sure your phone, sunglasses, make up brushes, and pillowcases are also clean before they come in contact with your face.
  9. Committ. If you truly want to see a change in your skin, you must first be able to commit to making a change. Whether it be these small habits mentioned in this blog, or starting an at home skin care regimen... or better yet, both! Your face is your biggest asset. It’s what people see first. Remember, skin care is not an expense - it’s an investment. Get in a routine of applying your products morning and night and I promise your skin will thank you. Because you know what they say, the best type of wrinkle is the one you never get!

Family Health Center is honored to offer Medical Aesthetics to the Knoxville, Farragut, Oak Ridge, Loudon, and surrounding areas. For questions and information about our skin care services, please contact our office at 865-675-4342. Consultations are free!