Skin, our largest organ, works around the clock to protect us. It is made up of 3 main layers, supported by and connected to our other organs. It does so many extraordinary things for us that we see as ordinary, such as regulating our body temperature by sweating or shivering, sensing our environment through touch, and so much more! The skin also regenerates and heals itself. By paying close attention to the skin on our face, we can be alerted to changes and imbalances inside the body. Skincare supports our amazing skin and its important job!
When we neglect our skin, it is more susceptible to accelerated signs of aging, sun damage, acne, and skin diseases. It is easier to focus on prevention than on treatment, but thankfully skincare can address both!
The basic steps of any skincare routine are cleansing and hydration. Cleansing is vital to reduce the pore-clogging effect of oil, makeup, pollution and sunscreen. Gone are the days of over drying cleansers and alcohol-laden astringent toners!
Our skin is faced with new modern challenges, such as pollution, stress, and longwearing makeup formulations. This can be a unique challenge especially when cleansing the skin. Look for gentle cleanser formulas that leave the skin comfortable.
Hydration replenishes the skin. Hydrated skin runs like a well-oiled machine, smoothly running through its duties. Dehydrated and dry skin looks older and ages faster, which we can avoid by choosing skincare that delivers long-lasting hydration.
Modern life for many means elevated stress in our lives, which takes a toll on the skin. Stress releases cortisol, which impacts other hormones that ultimately impact the skin. Stress can also affect the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, which can translate to visible changes in our skin. We have to consider our overall health and wellness, and taking a few minutes out of your day for a daily skincare routine is an opportunity to check in with our physical wellbeing. If you are too busy to have just a couple of moments to yourself at the bathroom sink every day, are you running on full throttle and creating excess stress?
As our skin ages, it naturally begins to slow production of some of its important components, such as collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, sebum, and more. Well-formulated skincare products will replenish these natural factors. Other ingredients, like peptides, act as messengers to encourage skin cells to behave as they once did: younger and healthier.
Skincare is central to healthy skin. Cleansing, hydrating and treating the skin are so important. It is also essential to remember that there is no one routine for everyone, and your routine will change as you do. Take care of the skin you’re in to love the skin you’re in!