When was the last time you adjusted your skin care routine? If you’re happy with how your skin looks and feels, keep doing what you’re doing.
But if your skin is rough, cracked, itchy, oily, inflamed or bumpy, you might feel better with a few changes to your skin care routine — and they don’t have to be expensive.
Everyday Care
The simplest thing you can do to improve your skin is to keep it hydrated. Drink a glass of water when you wake up to start off the day right.
Another easy step is year-round sun protection: It helps prevent skin cancer and wrinkles.
It only takes a few minutes a day to wash your face with a gentle cleanser when you wake up, before bed and anytime you work up a sweat. A gel cleanser can be better if you have oily skin or the weather is hot and humid. A cream cleanser can help if your skin needs extra hydration when it’s cold or the humidity is low.
Acne can persist throughout adulthood or crop up when hormones, seasons or stress levels change, so acne care may need to be in your daily routine as well. A dermatologist can recommend over-the-counter or prescription products to help you manage it.
Seasonal and Geographic Shifts
If it’s dry or you’re at a higher elevation, you’ll need extra fluids throughout the day. You may also need extra face moisturizer, body lotion or lip balm.
In hotter, more humid weather, try lightening up on the moisturizer if your skin is feeling greasy or breaking out.
Skin Care Is Health Care
Many people don’t realize that their health insurance covers dermatological appointments for all kinds of skin issues, from acne to psoriasis. Reach out anytime if you need help understanding your coverage or finding providers in your network.
