Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly thinking about our skin, especially women. When we go on vacation, we imagine coming back with beautiful, sunkissed skin. When we wear clothing that shows off our skin, we make efforts to eliminate hair from the exposed areas (bikinis and pubic hair; tank tops and armpit hair; shorts and leg hair). When we wear makeup, we are usually doing so to hide discoloration and blemishes.
But taking care of your skin is more than just buffering insecurities for vanity reasons. The skin is our body’s largest organ and protector, and we should prioritize its wellbeing as we would any other organ of ours.
If you’re ready for feel-good skin that you also feel good about, read on to discover how to prevent and manage common skin issues.
#1: Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the nation. While it’s not life-threatening, it can be painful and range vastly in type, severity, and the demographics of whom it affects. Acne can begin in the early adolescent years, making it one of the first opportunities to start learning about proper skin care.
Although acne may require you to seek professional treatment, there are preventative measures you can take on your own to combat breakouts. One of the obvious top culprits of acne is clogged pores, which can be attributed to factors like bacteria, oil, and dead skin cell build up.
While certain cleansers are great for removing dirt and bacteria from the skin, an exfoliator works to remove the build-up of dead skin cells. This is important because dead skin cells clog pores and create a barrier making it difficult for your skin to absorb products such as moisturizers. Not to mention, exfoliating before a wax can reduce your risk of infection and lessen your time between waxes.
When choosing an exfoliator, women especially should consider a natural scrub containing salt. Adult acne in women can be linked to fluctuating hormones; the week before a woman’s period, estrogen levels drop and testosterone levels rise, triggering the production of sebum (oil). Salt can dry up excess oil.
Be careful not to exfoliate too much or too rough because it can dry out skin, causing a counterproductive reaction as the skin will produce excess oil to compensate, leading to further breakouts.
#2: Folliculitis
This skin infection may present itself similar to acne, but folliculitis differs in that it’s caused by damage to the hair follicles. There are various types of folliculitis, but one worth noting is pseudofolliculitis barbae (aka razor bumps) caused by ingrown hairs. Despite the terminology, folliculitis can occur from waxing too — not just shaving with a razor.
Wax is applied in the natural direction that our hair grows (with the grain), but is stripped or removed in the opposite direction into blunt(against the grain), which increases the likelihood of the hair breaking. When hair breaks, its ability to grow in its natural direction is compromised, leading the hair to grow back into the skin becoming trapped and causing infection.
Bikini lines are especially susceptible to ingrown hairs, so it’s particularly important for women to follow best practices before, during, and after waxing. Gently exfoliating prior to waxing can remove lingering dead skin cells which cause infection and prevent the wax from fully adhering to the hair. Waxing hair shorter than a quarter of an inch can also pose difficulties for gripping the hair. Avoid causing further skin irritation post-wax by wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably cotton.
Pro tip: The soothing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can be our skin’s greatest ally — so choosing hair removal wax strips containing chamomile is the way to go!
#3: Sun Damage
Ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun are known to damage the skin such as sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging, and melasma, amongst many other conditions. With warmer weather quickly approaching, many women may find themselves seeking smooth, hair-free skin. But your skin is more sensitive to heat and sunlight after a wax, making it extra susceptible to sun damage.
Regardless if you wax or not, it’s still imperative to take preventative measures to protect your skin. If possible, minimize the amount of time you are exposed to UV radiation (this includes tanning beds). If you find yourself soaking up the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen (we recommend SPF 50+) as well as wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing.
If you notice you are developing a sunburn, dermatologist Dr. Neil Sadick recommends you seek immediate shade from the sun and cool off with a cold shower. He also warns against sun exposure for individuals with scars or tattoos: “Be especially aware if you have any exposed scars or tattoos while out in the sun. “The structure of scar tissue is not the same as that of healthy skin. It’s more prone to sunburn, [and] prolonged sun exposure can permanently darken a scar, especially in skin of color.”
Medical experts will also be able to help you check for skin cancer, and point you in the direction of treatments for melasma, wrinkles, or any other sun-induced condition you may already have developed.
Closing thoughts…
When our skin looks good, we feel a boost of confidence. But when our skin is healthy, we also feel a sense of comfort and pride. When choosing products for your skin, aim for cruelty-free products (such as those that are Leaping Bunny Approved for instance) as they are better for your overall health and the environment. Don’t forget that healthy skin also starts from within, so be sure to drink plenty of water and be mindful of the foods you put into your body.
For more tips, tricks, and advice on how to maintain the most beautiful, smooth skin possible, Contact us today!