Essential Skincare Tips from Lemon & Beaker

Taking care of your skin is essential. Your skin is your body’s first line of defense against the world around you. It protects you against germs, pollutants, and other environmental factors, doing its best to keep them at bay so they cause as little harm as possible. Of course, since it’s exposed to all those hazards, it’s also extremely vulnerable. That’s especially true of facial skin. It’s exposed to pollutants and the elements more than any other part of the body. With that being the case, it’s important to take good care of it so it can continue to take care of you. 

Having said that, there are literally tens of thousands of products on the market that claim they’re the absolute best for keeping your facial skin healthy and vibrant. To make matters even more complicated, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there about how to properly care for your skin. Obviously, not all products are created equally, and not all of that information is entirely accurate. Lemon and Beaker is here to clear up some of the confusion and help you take the best possible care of your skin. 

Proper Cleansing

One of the most effective ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing is to cleanse it properly. Soap and water are the most common options, but soap tends to have a drying effect, especially on the sensitive skin of your face. Even moisturizing body wash doesn’t always do enough to hydrate your facial skin and remove embedded dirt and oil. Though soap, body wash, and water are perfect for the rest of your body, they’re not necessarily the best for taking care of your face. Remember that just because your face looks and feels clean, that doesn’t mean it actually is. 

It’s best to use a deep cleanser that’s specifically designed for your face. It’ll remove deeply embedded dirt, oil, makeup, and additional contaminants that are known to cause blackheads, acne, and other problems. With the right facial cleanser, you won’t have to worry about the drying effects of soap, either. It’ll leave your skin clean, moisturized, and ready to face the day. Try to stay away from harsh chemicals, though. Those can actually have the opposite effect. Avoid overcleaning your face as well because that can cause irritation and dryness. 

Protect Your Face from Sun Exposure

Another crucial skincare measure is to protect yourself from the sun. UV radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, and the face is the most susceptible part of the body. Excessive exposure to the sun is one of the main causes of premature aging as well. Over time, it can cause dark spots and other pigmentation issues, enlarged and clearly visible capillaries, wrinkles, and many other problems. Protecting yourself while you’re outdoors can reduce your risks of all those issues. 

Always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply it every couple of hours. You can also use cosmetics and skincare products that provide UV protection. Don’t let down your guard during the wintertime or on cloudy days, either. You’re just as vulnerable to UV radiation in those conditions as you are on hot, sunny days. 

Be sure to wear sunglasses while you’re outdoors too. Those with polarized lenses are recommended. Look for sunglasses that block or absorb 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. They’ll protect your eyes against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, such as an increased risk of developing cataracts. They’ll also further protect the skin around your eyes from sun damage and minimize squinting, which might help to slow the development of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Moisturize

Moisturizing is also an essential skincare measure. Many experts insist it’s the most effective step you can take to protect your skin and delay visible signs of aging. With age, the skin loses its ability to hold onto moisture. Collagen and elastin, which help keep the skin smooth, firm, and supple, break down over time as well. Earlier in life, collagen and elastin easily regenerate. When we get older, though, that’s not the case. 

Using an effective moisturizer can keep the skin looking healthy and youthful. It also battles dryness and flakiness. Contrary to popular belief, it can minimize oily spots as well. When the skin gets too dry, it often overcompensates by producing too much natural oil. That, in turn, can cause clogged pores and breakouts. If you keep your skin adequately moisturized, it won’t need to overcompensate, so you may not have to worry about those oily patches and the resulting blemishes. 

Use Targeted Skincare

Additionally, if you’re dealing with specific skin issues, use products designed to target them. Some products on the market claim to cover most of the common bases, but they generally don’t. They may help a little with a few skin problems, but they won’t effectively resolve them all. Whether you’re living with dark spots, redness, eczema, psoriasis, or another issue, find a high-quality product that’s specifically made for that problem. It may cost more, but if you find the right one, it’ll be more likely to provide the results you’re looking for. 

Natural Is Best

Furthermore, it’s best to use natural products when possible. Harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients may provide some positive results, but they’re often more harmful than helpful. They can cause breakouts, redness, irritation, and many other problems. Natural skincare products are gentler and safer. 

Granted, many people find that certain natural skincare products aren’t as effective as they’d like them to be. In most cases, that’s because they don’t contain enough of the right ingredients to provide satisfactory results. When you find a high-quality natural product with the proper concentration of effective ingredients, you’ll be more likely to see noticeable positive effects. Again, you may pay more for them, but the results will be worth the investment. 

Taking the Best Possible Care of Your Skin

Your skin works hard to protect you, so it’s important to return the favor. Be sure to cleanse your skin properly, protect it from UV radiation, and keep it moisturized. Use the right products to target any specific issues you may be dealing with as well. Beyond that, it’s best to use natural skincare products because they’re safer and gentler. Keep these tips in mind to help reduce breakouts and skin damage while also delaying visible signs of aging. With the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, bright, and youthful.