The answer is no, and here's why: Skin is our first line of defense. It is our body's largest organ and is EXTERNAL, while our other organs are Internal. All of our organs need proper care and nourishment. Skin protects us from bacteria, injury and the environment. Proper care includes cleaning, toning, exfoliating, moisturizing, protecting it from the sun and "feeding" it with vitamins.
The following includes a list of skin care basics and why each is important.
- Why is cleansing important? In order to remove dirt, oil and debris from the skin. If we skip this step, dirt and debris will accumulate on the skin, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and clogged pores.
- Why is toning important? Spritzing a toner after the cleanse refreshes the skin, adds moisture, or mattifies the skin depending on the toner. But most importantly, toners rebalance the pH of the skin back to pH level 5. (Try putting your toner in the refrigerator in the summertime for a cool skin refreshment, or put your toner in your swim bag or gym bag for a quick moisture boost or to discourage sweat from causing breakouts).
- Why is exfoliating important? Exfoliating the skin is vital to keeping it young, supple, and free of clogged pores. We want to scrub away layers of dead skin cells that interfere with the new, healthy looking cells that are waiting to come to the surface. Let those granuals/micro scrubbers/jojoba beads get in your pores and eliminate blackheads. (Don't forget you can just scrub your nose or specific areas of concern every few days for continuous results) Break up stagnant fine lines and wrinkles to make your skin appear youthful. Slough off dry and flaky skin. Exfoliate your face (elbows, chest, anywhere!) at least once a week, more often if you have acne prone or very oily skin. If your skin becomes red or irritated you may want to ease off exfoliants or use a softer one. Remember that exfoliants include manual scrubs, microdermabrasian, chemical varieties like Retin-A, or any product that includes Alpha/Beta Hydroxy acids (Glycolic or Salicylic for example), and of course enzyme and chemical peels. Be mindful of how many exfoliants you are doing at once.
- Why is moisturizing important? Some moisturizers help regulate and normalize the skin, making it not too dry and not too oily. Moist and hydrated skin neutralizes chemical pollution, making the skin better able to protect itself from chemicals trying to invade cells. All skin types need moisturizer, even oily skins. Keep in mind there are many types of moisturizers- not just creams. Try gels or serums if you are weary of being too weighed down. Remember to really rub in your moisturizer and apply it immediately after cleansing and toning.
- Protect your skin: wear spf 15-30 daily. Why must I wear sunscreen everyday? Protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays is essential for youthful looking skin and fighting skin cancers. Look for sunscreens that protect you from Both UVB and UVA (the aging rays that go deeper into the dermis) rays. Remember that the sun is still out even when it's cloudy and that sunscreen is important even when you're not laying out by the pool or sitting on the patio. Day to day sun exposure (in and out of buildings, driving in your car) adds up to eventually cause fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
- Why are vitamins so important? "Feeding" your skin with vitamins helps its functions. Get essential vitamins and minerals from serums, topicals, supplements, and by eating fruits and vegetables. Vitamins improve barrier function, stimulate new cell growth and neutralize free radicals (which damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.) For best skin care results, take vitamins internally and apply externally.
The more of these steps that we include in our home care regimen, the better our skin will look and the healthier it will be!
