HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN
As we learned in grade school , skin is the largest organ in our bodies . Our skin regulates body temperature , protects against the elements , and gives us the feeling of different sensations . Since it does so much for us , it is important to take care of it . A skin care routine is important for men and women of all ages , although it will vary throughout the years .
Teenage Years
When starting your first skin-care routine , it ’ s important to first determine your skin type . It ’ s pretty simple to figure out whether oily , dry , or combination . Between breakouts and blemishes , think about how your skin feels on a day-to-day basis .
Here are some do ’ s and don ’ ts for treating your skin during the teen years .
• DO : Pick a cleanser , scrub , toner , and moisturizer that are meant for your skin type . Labels make it easy to choose between the different brands . Many brands have a line of products developed especially for oily , dry , or combination skin . It is still important to put on moisturizer if you have oily skin , but be sure to look for one that is oil-free .
• DO : Look for a moisturizer or foundation that has SPF ! It is important to have something with SPF whenever you go outside , to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun both now and in the future ( you ’ ll be so glad you did ).
• DON ’ T : Pick ! You can pick your friends , but don ’ t pick your stubborn pimples ! Although you might want to rid yourself of whiteheads and blackheads , resist the urge ! It could lead to long-term damaging effects on your skin .
PHOTO BY CHEYENNE DOIG ON UNSPLASH
• DON ’ T : Leave makeup on overnight . As tempting as it is to crash after a long day , make sure to give your pores a rest from makeup . Makeup-removing wipes are a quick alternative to a full washing , to at least get a majority of the products off of your face .
• DO : Be sure to wipe down your cell phone . Bacteria can live on the surface and cause major breakouts on your cheeks and chin if not properly sanitized .
Prevention Years As a young adult , it ’ s important to continue good habits of caring for your skin . This is the prime age to prevent unwanted wrinkles that you may start to face in the next five to 10 years . Now is the time to take charge by :
• Wearing eye cream . We have seen the commercials about preventing wrinkles . But when do you have to start ? NOW ! The skin around your eyes is very thin and just a short amount of sunlight could cause lasting wrinkles .
• Applying a product with SPF to face , neck , and hands . Skipping the protection of an SPF could throw off your entire routine . Find a good moisturizer that includes protection and apply it to your face , neck , and hands . The neck and hands are often overlooked , but are prime spots for the sun to hit and cause wrinkles and other damage .
• Quitting bad habits . Now is a better time than ever to kick the bad habits you may have picked up in high school and college . The benefits of canceling your package at the tanning salon and quitting smoking / vaping would take up this entire article , so for skin ’ s sake , give them up !
Treatment Years Now is the time to treat the years of damage that the sun and other elements have caused to your skin .
• Put the right nutrients into your body . It ’ s important to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs on the inside for radiant skin on the outside . This includes lots of water !
• Take cover when heading outside . SPF shouldn ’ t be skipped at this age either and should be applied daily . Try adding a hat and cover your skin to prevent over-exposure to the harmful rays of the sun , even in the cooler months .
• Find a good retinoid . Derived from vitamin A , retinoids boost collagen production in the skin to stimulate blood vessels and unclog pores .
SEEING INTO THE FUTURE
Twenty-first century children are looking beyond genetics as a cause for needing corrective eyewear , according to the American Optometric Association ( AOA ). In the Digital Age , children are exposed to electronic devices their whole lives as an integral part of social and educational practices .
Teachers are continuing to increase the amount of digital technology used in the classroom , and it is expected that computer simulations will account for much of the learning style in the future . Both teachers and parents are finding that children are adapting well to the use of technology in the
24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags . com