We all take great care of our facial skin, but we don't think much about the skin on the rest of our bodies, do we? But after a while, you may also notice that areas like your hands and feet become rough and dry. In fact, as we age, we have to put in a little extra effort to maintain our skin's smoothness. Sometimes, due to cold, dry weather , the harsh soaps we use, and even some types of clothing, our skin can become dry and rough. Also, as we age, our skin produces less sweat and oil.
But don't worry. Just a few changes to your daily skincare routine can make a big difference in both the appearance and texture of your skin. Let's take a look at some of the advice dermatologists have to offer.
Don't rub your skin too hard!
Think about how nice it feels to scrub your body with a rough sponge, loofah, or scrub with nuts, almonds, or other ingredients while bathing. But these things can actually cause redness and micro-tears , especially if your skin is sensitive.
These small scrapes are what our bodies see as wounds. So for most people, the best thing to do is to use a soft cloth, such as a washcloth, and lather up a good amount of soap or cleanser. Another advantage of using a washcloth is that it can be washed and kept clean, which reduces the growth of bacteria .
But if your skin is fine with harsh scrubs, it's fine to use them occasionally, like once a week. But for everyday use, especially during the winter months when your skin is very dry, a gentle soap or cleanser is best.
Stay away from perfumes and harsh chemicals.
Although using scented soaps and body washes can make your bathroom smell nice, the chemicals in them can be harmful to your skin, causing irritation . You can try using a bar of soap or a liquid cleanser that is labeled fragrance-free instead of the scented soap you use. You will notice the difference.
You can also choose soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients. For example, products containing plant-based oils or butters are good. Also, using soaps that contain glycerin or petrolatum will help retain moisture in the skin instead of stripping it away.
Wipe it off and apply a moisturizer - but properly!
As soon as you get out of the shower, pat yourself dry with a clean, dry towel. But remember, don't rub too hard. It's best to moisturize your skin thoroughly. Rubbing too hard can damage your skin. Then, while your skin is still slightly damp, that is, before it's completely dry, apply a good thick moisturizer cream.
When choosing a moisturizer, choose a cream that comes in a jar or squeezable tube rather than a lotion that comes in a pump-bottle.
Usually, things like alcohol are added to make lotions thinner. But because creams are thicker, they help seal in moisture to the skin .
If you can, choose a cream with a mild chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid or salicylic acid. These help remove the layer of rough, dead skin cells from your skin. Also, choose one that is free of fragrances and preservatives, as these can irritate sensitive skin and cause a rash.
Don't forget the sunscreen.
If you are going to be in the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed areas of your body. Sunburn can temporarily make your skin dry and rough.
Ultraviolet rays , or UV rays , from the sun can damage the elastin and collagen in the skin, causing the skin to become uneven.
What's even more dangerous is that sun exposure can cause rough, scaly patches on the skin. Medically, these are called actinic keratoses. If these are not treated properly, they can even turn into skin cancer. So if you see such an unusual spot on your skin, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Wash your body with a soft cloth and mild soap. | Rubbing the body vigorously with a rough sponge, loofah, or scrub. |
| Choosing products that are fragrance-free and moisturize the skin. | Using soaps and body washes that contain strong fragrances and chemicals. |
| After bathing, apply a thick moisturizer cream while the skin is still damp. | Apply moisturizer or use liquid lotions after the skin is completely dry. |
| Use sunscreen every time you go out in the sun. | Forgetting sunscreen and going out in the sun can damage your skin. |
| Bathe in lukewarm water for as short a time as possible. | Taking a long, hot bath. |
Don't overthink 'toning' lotions
When you see lotions that claim to tighten the skin and reduce cellulite, you might think they'll give you quick results. But the truth is, these products don't provide long-term results.
Some toning lotions contain ingredients that can temporarily cause your skin to swell. Your skin may look a little different for an hour or two. But that's completely temporary. That's why doctors don't recommend spending your money on things like that.
Reduce the time you take a hot bath.
The more time you spend bathing or soaking in water, the drier your skin will become. Also, hot water, rather than warm water, strips away the skin's natural oils.
Imagine what happens if you come home from the AC on a cold day and take a hot bath for an hour... your skin will quickly dry out and start to become rough. So, to keep your skin smooth all year round, try to keep your bath time as short as possible and use lukewarm water.
Take-Home Message
- Don't rub your skin too hard when cleansing. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleanser.
- After bathing, while your skin is still damp, apply a thick moisturizer cream.
- Make it a habit to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every time you go out in the sun.
- Stay away from products containing strong perfumes and chemicals as much as possible.
- Avoid bathing in very hot water for long periods of time. It is better to bathe in lukewarm water for a short time.
- If you notice an unusual change, spot, or mole on your skin, see your doctor immediately.
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