10 Secrets for Healthier-looking Skin

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The American Academy of Dermatology recently published a list of 10 general skin care tips from dermatologists that can benefit just about everyone.

  1. Apply sunscreen every day. A quality sunscreen is an important element to any skin care routine. Applying it before going outside can slow down skin aging and help to prevent skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30 or higher and waterproof are best.
  2. Don't smoke. Smoking speeds up how quickly the skin ages. Additionally, research shows that smoking worsens some skin diseases, such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, according to the AAD.
  3. Check your skin for skin cancer. Because estheticians get an up-close view of their clients’ skin on a regular basis, they often spot potential skin cancer before their clients. Knowing the signs of skin cancer and advising at-home skin self-exams can help clients find skin cancer early when it's highly treatable. If you notice a spot that differs from the others, or one that changes, itches or bleeds, an appointment to see a dermatologist may be in order.
  4. Avoid tanning beds. The AAD recommends using self-tanner in lieu of tanning indoors or outside. A self-tanner can give clients the look of tanned skin without the risk of skin cancer.
  5. Use skin care products that match your skin's needs. This one we already know! Using products formulated for specific needs will help it look and feel its best.
  6. Resist the urge to scrub your skin clean. Educate clients on when and how to exfoliate properly. Scrubbing too vigorously can irritate the skin, which can worsen any skin condition, including acne.
  7. Wash your face when waking, before bed and after sweating. These are the three most important times to wash your face, according to the AAD. It’s important to remove the dirt and bacteria that settle on the face while sleeping, and it’s equally as important to wash before bedtime to remove makeup and grime, such as sweat, smog, smoke or dirt, which may have landed on your skin during the day.
  8. Gently wash your face. It may seem like a simple step, but educating clients on how to gently clean the skin is an important tool in keeping the skin looking its best. First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Then apply a mild cleanser in a circular motion with your fingertips. Finish by completely rinsing off the cleanser and gently patting the face dry with a clean towel.
  9. Stress less. Some skin diseases often appear for the first time when someone feels really stressed. Stress can also cause flare-ups of many skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, according to the AAD.
  10. See a dermatologist. For a medical diagnosis or treatment outside the scope of an esthetician’s practice, it’s always best to see a dermatologist. 
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