Skin care basic and tips

Overview

Caring for dry skin

Dry skin is characterized by flaking or scaling without inflammation (dermatitis). It typically occurs on areas like the shins, hands, and sides of the abdomen and may be accompanied by itching. Dry skin is more common in winter due to lower humidity and generally improves in summer. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to dry skin, and older adults are more susceptible due to the natural aging process affecting skin health.

Addressing dry skin is important, as it can lead to conditions like dermatitis or eczema. Preventing or managing dry skin can be achieved by:

• Taking lukewarm baths or showers instead of hot water.
• Limiting the duration of baths or showers to 5 to 10 minutes.
• Applying a moisturizer immediately after drying off from a shower or washing your hands.
• Using moisturizing body and hand soaps.
• Switching to heavier creams or ointments in winter and lighter lotions during summer months.

If treatments do not improve dry skin, the flaking could be a symptom of an underlying condition known as dermatitis (also referred to as eczema). Various types of dermatitis can result in dry, itchy, and flaky skin, including:

• Atopic dermatitis: A chronic form of dermatitis that usually starts in childhood and tends to run in families. It often causes excessively dry and itchy skin on the face and body.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This presents as a red, scaly, mildly itchy rash that typically appears on the scalp, eyebrows, and sides of the nose—areas with many oil glands.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: Occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as poison ivy, resulting in a rash. On the hands, it often leads to scaling, redness, and fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) on the palms or fingers.
• Athlete’s foot: Characterized by dry, flaky skin on the soles, sides of the feet, and between the toes, caused by a fungal infection.

Photoaging refers to the cumulative damage caused to the skin from extended exposure to UV radiation throughout a person’s life. Some of the common skin changes linked to photoaging include:

• Rough texture.
• Wrinkles.
• Irregular pigmentation.
• Loss of skin elasticity.
• Enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands.
• Development of precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.

Using sunscreen and practicing sun protection are essential to slowing the progression of photoaging. Smoking has also been proven to accelerate skin aging, making smoking cessation critical for maintaining healthy skin. Furthermore, a well-balanced diet ensures the skin receives the necessary nutrients to repair ongoing damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors.

A wide range of topical (applied to the skin) non-prescription and prescription products are available for anti-aging purposes, including:

• Retinoids: Available in both prescription (e.g., tretinoin, tazarotene) and non-prescription (e.g., adapalene) forms, retinoids were initially developed to treat acne but have shown benefits for improving skin texture and tone when used over time. They exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells, even out pigmentation, and reduce fine lines. Retinoids are often recommended for nighttime use. Since retinoids increase skin sensitivity to UV rays, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning is essential.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs, such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, are common ingredients in many skin products. AHAs are beneficial for treating fine lines, uneven pigmentation, age spots, and enlarged pores. However, they may cause mild skin irritation and increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen application is recommended.
• Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid): Salicylic acid has been researched for its benefits on photoaged skin. It exfoliates and improves both skin texture and color. Additionally, it penetrates oil-laden hair follicles, making it particularly effective for those with acne. Numerous over-the-counter products contain salicylic acid for skin improvement.

Each of these products can enhance skin appearance when used correctly, but they should be paired with sun protection to avoid sensitivity and further damage.

Caring for acne-prone skin

For those with acne-prone skin, it’s crucial to select a cleanser designed specifically for acne. These often contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help manage breakouts. When cleansing, be gentle; aggressive scrubbing or rough handling can worsen the condition and increase the risk of scarring.

Avoid harsh mechanical scrubbing and exfoliation methods, as well as picking at acne lesions, as these can lead to further irritation. If moisturizing is needed, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic product that won’t clog pores. Women should also opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic foundation, as heavy makeup or certain cosmetic products can block pores and exacerbate acne symptoms.

Caring for skin protection from sun

Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial because ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can lead to numerous skin changes over time, such as wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and various types of growths—both benign and malignant. Most skin cancers are linked to prolonged sun exposure. UVR is composed of two main subtypes: UVB and UVA. UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and tanning, while UVA rays contribute to photoaging, which is long-term damage from sun exposure. Both UVB and UVA rays are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Most sunscreens are designed to block UVB rays and prevent sunburn. However, newer formulations also provide protection against UVA rays. To minimize the harmful effects of sun exposure, the following sun protection guidelines are recommended:

• Avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen, reapplying every 2 to 3 hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Choose sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that offer both UVA and UVB coverage.
• Steer clear of tanning beds, as they are now classified as carcinogenic and can contribute to the development of skin cancer.

These measures can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage and related health issues caused by UVR.