Your skin care isn’t just your monthly treatments and product routines. There are many factors that contribute to skin health. Here are some ways to boost your treatments and home routine that don’t involve adding more clutter to your medicine cabinet.

Change your pillowcases weekly

Your pillowcase is grosser than you think it is. Even though we just sleep on them they can hold on to sweat, dead skin, bacteria, drool, and more. This build-up on the fabric can both damage the skin and cause break outs. By changing your pillowcases weekly, you limit how much build up can form, saving your skin the stress and allowing it to properly restore while you sleep. This is especially true if you allow your pets on the bed. As cute as they are, their fur and anything on their fur will make this issue worse.

If acne prone or sensitive- wash your pillowcases and facial towels with unscented detergent and use a fresh towel each wash.

The smell of fresh laundry is wonderful but not for your skin. The fragrance in your laundry products may be contributing to sensitivity and break outs. These products leave a scent on the laundry by creating a film for the scent to stick to. A film that can then be transferred to your skin and cause negative reactions. This is why I recommend using unscented laundry products for anything that will touch your face to ensure optimal skin health. I especially recommend avoiding scent beads. This, combined with the use of a fresh towel each time you cleanse, will make sure your skin gets clean and stays clean.

Don’t wash your face in the shower

Washing your face in the shower seems convenient and efficient but it may be contributing to dry and irritated skin, especially if you take hot showers. The water temperature our bodies can tolerate is much higher than what should be used on the skin of the face and neck. Excess heat means inflammation and inflammation means red, angry skin. The hot water and steam causes TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) which dries out and dehydrates the skin. I recommend leaving your protective products, like moisturizer, on in the shower to keep moisture in and then wash your face over the sink with room temp to warm water after.

Use an ice cube to calm inflammation

If you have swollen and tender breakouts, ice can be very useful in calming them down and reducing their appearance. It only takes 5 minutes and can be done with any ice cube; it doesn’t need to be a facial roller or beauty tool. Simply take the ice in a towel and glide it across clean skin, spending a little more time over break out prone areas. This can be done daily or as part of a weekly routine. Follow with the application of toner, serums, and moisturizer as you would normally in your routine.

Incorporate massage

Massage is very healing. Taking the time to slow down and use some massage movements while cleansing the skin and applying product is very beneficial. These movements increase blood flow to the face, which brings lots of nutrients and healing. They will also work with the lymphatic system to depuff the face, giving an awakened appearance and glow.

Overview

Bettering your skin health doesn’t have to mean more clutter or a clunky in-home treatment
device. These simple shifts can have huge impacts when paired with consistent treatment.
However, if you’re ready to start your skin health journey and are looking for more than at
home changes book a complimentary consultation with me at Lake Country Plastic and
Hand Surgery.