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Your skin is as unique as you are. But, what is it craving?
You Can Love the Skin You Are In
Besides your skin being the largest human organ essential for its body function, caring for it can be overwhelming. You would think that one size fits all here, but unfortunately, it doesn't. Your skin can vary in condition from one part of your body to another. You have different skin areas that need extra special attention to stay fresh and healthy, like your face, hands, and feet.
Your face gets the most external exposure to temperature and weather beside your hands. At the same time, your face has the most delicate skin around your eyes and lips that can be easily susceptible to wrinkles. Even as the skin matures, it is worth the effort to fulfill your skin's cravings. Reward yourself by managing your skincare for healthier, longer-lasting, more vibrant skin to look and feel better.
One of the main factors that allow you to manage your healthy skin is to know your skin type. With this information, you can make better decisions about your skincare routine or cosmetic choices. Keep in mind that your skin's condition can fluctuate with changes in the season or if your climate is arid, humid, or somewhere in-between. Your skin type can also change as you mature, can be altered by medication you take, or encounter various environmental toxins.
There are four basic skin types recognized within the beauty industry, which are normal, dry, oily, or combination skin. Sensitive skin can fall into any of these categories and refers to skin that can be reactive to certain chemicals or fragrances used in beauty products. Utilizing products designed to suit your skin type helps you maintain and even run back the clock a little if used regularly and consistently.
First, let's take a look at the various zones of your skin. Commonly known as the "T" zone, it signifies the area across the forehead and down the center of the face from the top of your forehead to your chin. But, from my experience, the zones are more of a little "t" zone.
The "t" Zone
If you look at your face in the mirror and imagine a vertical line going from the top of your forehead to your chin and then a horizontal line going from one side of your cheekbone to the other, I call it the "t" zone.
The "t" zone typically secretes more oils than the rest of your face and is often more porous. You may notice larger pores on your nose, cheeks, and chin. But, your pore size isn't necessarily a sign that you have oily skin.
The opposite can also occur, with the "t" zone being the dryer area of your face. If you have signs of peeling skin, dry patches, or redness (without the use of skin products and procedures intended to exfoliate the skin), you most likely have dryer skin.
Oily skin is not a hindrance on its own, but it can be controlled by products like toners and blotting papers to absorb the excess oils while keeping your makeup intact. Pore size is minimized by using clay-based masks or other types of masks that draw out impurities. If your skin is on the dryer side, moisture masks can come in handy to boost your skin's hydration.
Many people have combination skin. Part of the face is dry while other parts are oilier. Using skin care products for your specific skin type is always recommended and helps keep the surface layer of your skin looking youthful while supporting the subdermal layers' function. Without getting too scientific, the skin comprises three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The external products you use on your face also help support the function of the underneath layers of the skin.
Not many people have normal skin. But, many people have sensitive skin. Looking for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products may be helpful. Still, suppose you are reactive to many products; even in this category, it is best to see a professional dermatologist who can determine what products are safe for you or your skin reactive chemicals list.
If you are swapping out to different products, you want to do a patch test on your neck before going all in. Only test one product per area of the face. You can be sensitive to the toner but not the moisturizer. Sensitivity or a reaction usually shows signs immediately or within a day. Any redness, itching, or swelling indicates that the product isn't for you. Many high-end cosmetic brands will give you a one-off sample to try before you buy. It is also a good idea to stick with one product line, although I don't think many people do that. If you start to layer products from different brands, you may notice more reactive skin. Brands typically design their skincare line to work in sync with each product. Your skin does not need 20 products layered on top of each other. You want your skin to have balance, and it has a whole built-in system for doing just that—beauty products aid in keeping your skin healthy while giving your skin what it craves.
What kind of climate do you live in?
Do you live in an environment that is arid or humid? Are you a traveler who goes to many different locations with various weather extremes?
Your skin will respond to your climate or where you travel. The kind of climate you live in and any seasonal changes will affect your skin condition and what it is craving. You want to keep track of how your skin looks and feels during these transitional weather changes. You may need to adjust your skincare regime based on these changes. When you travel to different climate environments your skin will acclimate, but may need more or less of a skincare product. Rule of thumb, if the climate is dry, either hot/dry or cold/dry, you will need more moisturizer and can re-apply it mid-day to aid in maintaining your skin's moisture balance. If the climate is humid, you may need a less moisturizer because the high humidity keeps your skin well moist.
Adapting your skincare routine based on your environment, any seasonal changes, or where your travels take you will fulfill what your skin is craving.
Hormonal changes can affect your skin.
Other factors like hormonal changes can also affect what your skin is craving. Not only will a monthly cycle of renewal create hormonal shifts, but a maturing body. Don't be surprised when you get that monthly blemish breakout or two or three. Monthly blemishes can be annoying at any age, but they signify your hormones are talking and letting you know your skin is functioning well. One week your skin feels well-nourished then dry and flaky the following week. A hormonal shift can do that. It becomes about managing skincare and expecting your skin condition can vary over the monthly and yearly cycles.
Know your skin is changing every day as a natural cycle of renewal.
What else does your skin crave?
Your skin craves water. Keeping your body hydrated on a daily basis is necessary for the optimal function of all your organs, including your skin. Hydration is what keeps your skin looking plump. Plump skin shows fewer lines and wrinkles and will ultimately keep your skin looking more youthful. That is why cosmetic fillers have become so popular. It is like inflating a tire, but it eventually goes flat without the continued use of fillers.
Fine lines and wrinkles and maturing skin is part of life, but if you start taking care of yourself today, the longer your skin will look youthful and vibrant without the costly treatments that go on endlessly.
The better hydrated you are, the better your skin will look on the surface.
It is an excellent measure to drink half your body weight in ounces each day. You also want to avoid drinking too much water; it can lead to salt and electrolyte imbalance.
You also want to note how hot the weather is, how much sun exposure you have, or how much you sweat during a workout. Those signs and signals will help you determine how much additional water intake you need for those hotter days or more strenuous activities.
Limit those sugary drinks and opt for water instead. Refined sugar is not your friend, so keeping it to a minimum will help your skin look and feel better. High sugar intake can lead to inflammation which is harmful to your overall health and can lead to skin issues.
Think of your skin like a living plant. Like plants, your skin needs clean water, nutrients, and light to thrive.
Your skin craves nutrients
We get nutrients by eating and drinking healthy foods and taking those most basic vitamins and mineral supplements. Spices are also a rich source of nutrients and can help overall skin health. Sometimes it feels like our skin is craving a burger and fries, but keep those fat-rich foods to a minimum. Too many fatty foods can lead to all kinds of skin problems and aid in craving more fatty foods. Breaking down what your skin needs to be healthy can vary from person to person. Finding what your skin is craving is a journey worth discovering. It's not about the perfect diet. But, if you want to improve your skin condition or keep your skin youthful long term, then eating and drinking vitamin-rich food and spices is a must (Spice doesn't mean spicy, but it can be). Adding one more piece of fruit or veggie or adding some spice to your food every day will lead you to better skin health.
Your skin craves natural light
You need natural light to absorb that valuable vitamin D. You can safely get natural light by putting on sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, or a visor. The extra protection for your skin and your eyes is a must-have. Always keep in mind the skin around your eyes is the most delicate skin on your face. Protecting your skin is important since too much sun damages your skin and will age your skin faster than anything else. The worst contributing factors for unhealthy lackluster skin are too much sun, sun damage, smoking, alcohol, pollution/free radicals, harmful stress, and an inadequate nutrient-rich diet. Your skin is craving water, nutrients, and light, along with some good sleep, of course. Take the journey to discover how you can improve your skin health and love the skin you are in.
Future posts will include more specifics on skincare regimes, from the easiest to elaborate. Stay safe and take care of your skin. You are worth it!!
Read more on how water can affect your skin. https://www.beautyswholehealth.com/post/hydrate-your-body-hydrate-your-skin