With so much skincare content floating around the Internet, it can be difficult to decipher the best advice on what can be time consuming, and often expensive, skincare myths.
Keep reading while we break down the Best New Skin Care Tips for 2017.
Eye Creams
We’ll start with one of the most prominent facial features, the windows to your soul. Let’s start with anti-aging creams. You’re probably well aware of the myriad of products offered thanks to overly aggressive marketing campaigns.
While few people would dispute the use of an eye cream, it is best to be exercise caution when it comes to the grandiose promises made by many eye cream manufacturers.
Unfortunately, it is a myth that even the most expensive skin creams have the ability to instantaneously reverse the signs of aging, crow’s feet, and/or sun damage. The cold hard truth is that creams can work wonders as PART of a skincare regime developed in one’s early 20s. No matter how much money you blow on a fancy eye cream, nothing will give you results like years of hydration and treating your face well. It is best not to expect a miracle.
Another time-tested skincare tip that’s imperative to follow. Wear sunscreen and not just on the days you’re headed to the beach. Every. Single. Day. You can purchase an inexpensive moisturizer that contains sunscreen do you can knock out two birds with one stone. Trust us, sunscreen will ensure your skin looks fantastic for years to come. Need more incentive? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, almost 86 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of non melanoma skin cancers are the result of too much sun exposure. This is precisely why daily sun protection is critical. Save your face and save your life!
Lips
Is it true that licking your lips can lead to irritation? You bet! Like your face, your lips require moisture, so carry an extra chap stick wherever you go. Treat but don’t lick. Additionally, if you assume a scabbing cut at the corner of your mouth stems from chapped lips, think again. It may be a fungal infection called perleche. It’s best to apply an antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, every few hours.
Your Body
Since the skin is our body’s largest organ it makes perfect sense that we’d want to protect and moisturize it. It seems like every magazine, online article and television program is praising the use of oils for skin moisturizing purposes. But is there any truth to this or is just a passing beauty fad. The truth? Not a fad! Oils are here to stay. Oils, including coconut, Castor and sweet almond oils have been used as a beauty treatment for thousands of years. They are also typically greener than most lotions, as they don’t contain any unnatural chemicals, fragrances or additives.
Americans may adore their scented body lotions, however in Europe, and other parts of the world, oil is actually far more popular for hydrating dry skin.
If you notice your skin becoming especially dry, coconut oil is one of the best remedies out there. It is also inexpensive and free from chemicals. Rub a small portion of coconut oil into your hands to warm it up. Once warm (and liquefied) use it in the same way you would a body lotion. It often helps to focus on dry areas including elbows and knees.
Coconut oil can also be used to sooth dry hands or splitting cuticles, or even as a face wash. Yep, you read that correctly. With its moisturizing abilities and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is a great way to cleanse and moisturize you face. In fact, it actually removes makeup better than most products on the market.
Another expert tip revolves around exfoliation. It is a myth that exfoliating harder will produce better skin results. The truth? Exfoliate loner, not harder. Too much force can be harmful, potentially leaving your skin red and/or irritated.
Finally, don’t believe any product that promises to ‘detox’ you. Your liver works every minute of every day to do just that, and (if it’s functioning properly) it doesn’t need any help. No cream or facial potion can detox you. There is simply no scientific backing to a claim like that.
Healthy Lifestyle
It goes without saying that your lifestyle choices are directly reflected in the condition of your skin. The proof is in the pudding. When you fail to get enough sleep, not only do you wake up irritated, but you typically have dark circles under your eyes, correct? There was a movement in the mid-1980s that tried to convince the masses they could eat whatever they pleased and still have beautiful skin. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth and it is absolutely considered a myth in our book.
A good place to start is drinking plenty of water and limiting your alcohol intake. More than a single drink per day can actually cause enlarged pores and increased oil production on the face, according to a prominent Beverly Hills dermatologist. As previously stated, lack of sleep can have the same effect, so be sure to get your rest. It is best to aim for at least seven hours per night.
Stress can also lead to ill effects, whether it be with your skin in the form of a breakout, thinning hair or even unsightly weight gain. When we stress over something we release dangerous chemicals into our bloodstream that wreak havoc on our entire body. For this reason it is important to find a way to de-stress. Find something that works for you. It could be yoga, a jog around the park, walking your dog or even knitting. While physical exercise is great, you could also try painting or reading to clear your mind. Get creative!
Watch your diet. Make an effort to eat the (natural) rainbow, and get plenty of fruits and vegetables. While junk food may not immediately cause a nasty breakout, like water, a well-balanced diet will nourish your skin from the inside out.
Lastly, do your research! Not all skin care companies and products are the same. Read reviews, check ingredients, and be a detective before purchasing any new products. For example, we recently published a Chamonix Skin Care Review. This covers the the companies reputation and all the necessary information you would need before buying Chamonix or any other skin care products.
With a little planning you will have beautiful skin for decades to come.