Loving Your Skin Is In

A proper skin regimen that includes sun protection can keep your skin healthy and glowing for decades. In addition to looking better, healthy and glowing skin is good for your overall wellness. When skin becomes too dry, itchiness and infection can occur.

With these six simple skin care tips from MD Now, you can achieve a luminous complexion and soft, touchable skin. Here’s how to make your skin glow:

1. Start with Sun Protection

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important skin care tips. Over time, sun exposure can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and other skin problems. Constant sun exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer.

When heading outdoors, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply a generous amount of the product to the skin, reapplying every two hours. You may need to reapply the sunscreen more often if you’re swimming or engaging in physical activity.

2. Know Your Skin Type

Determining how to get glowing skin starts with knowing your skin type. This allows you to find the right products and create a skin care regimen that works for you. There are four major skin types to consider, including:

• Normal: Well-balanced skin that is free of excess oil or dryness is considered normal. The pores are usually small, and the texture is smooth.
• Dry: Those with dry skin produce less sebum than those with normal skin. Dry skin can sometimes appear cracked or irritation. If your skin is dry, you’ll require regular moisturization to achieve glowing skin.
• Oily: Higher sebum production is associated with oily skin. Those prone to oiliness may also see breakouts and enlarged pores.
• Combination: As the name suggests, combination skin consists of a mix of skin types. Most people with combination skin experience oiliness along the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.

3. Try a Gentle Cleansing Routine

Cleansing and shaving daily can take a toll on your skin. Using hot water to cleanse your face and taking long baths and showers strip away the skin’s natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Limit time spent under hot water, and use lukewarm water when washing your face.

The type of soap you choose also matters when it comes to healthy skin. Harsh soaps and detergents also strip oil from the skin’s surface, so select a mild cleanser for daily face washing. When it’s time to shave, use a clean, sharp razor and a thick shaving cream or lotion.

Glowing skin also requires regular moisture. Once you’re finished bathing or cleansing your face, don’t forget to moisturize using a product tailored to your skin type. Select a formula that contains SPF for an extra skin-saving boost.

4. Avoid Smoking

No matter what your skin type, one of the best skin care tips is to live a smoke-free life. When you smoke, the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin are narrowed, decreasing blood flow. This deprives the skin of essential nutrients and oxygen.

Regular tobacco use also damages the skin’s collagen, which gives the skin strength and elasticity. Even the facial expressions you make while smoking—like pursing the lips to inhale—can cause fine lines to form around the mouth.

5. Check Yourself for Skin Cancer

Learning how to make your skin glow isn’t the only part of a proper skin care routine. All adults—especially those over 40—should examine their skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. When caught early, skin cancer is 99 percent treatable, making early detection key.

To examine your skin, look over your entire body in front of a mirror. Make note of any unusual markings or moles, and don’t forget to check your scalp, which is often overlooked when applying sunscreen. Visit a dermatologist, your primary care physician, or the nearest MD Now Urgent Care center if you find anything suspicious.

6. Eat Nutritious Foods

Are you wondering about how to get glowing skin? You might find the answer in your kitchen. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein will help you look and feel your best. In fact, some research has shown that a diet rich in vitamin C may promote younger-looking, healthy skin. The next time you’re thinking about how to make your skin glow, choose an antioxidant-rich salad topped with lean protein.

Learning how to get glowing skin is as simple as making a few changes at home. Start loving your skin today with these healthy skin tips from MD Now.

To learn more about our urgent care centers, visit www.MDNow.com.

MD Now^® Urgent Care Walk-In Medical Centers is the leading provider of fast and affordable urgent care to adults and children in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Our state-of-the-art, walk-in medical centers are open seven days a week to deliver an affordable and convenient alternative to long emergency room wait times and the limited hours of family physicians. No appointment is necessary and major insurance plans are accepted. In addition to providing a comprehensive range of urgent care services to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, our multiple locations offer digital x-rays, EKG, lab testing, physicals, immunizations, vaccines, occupational medicine, travel medicine and selected primary care services. Find the medical care you need with the convenience you want at MD Now. Online: www.MDNow.com.