IN McKeesport Winter 2017 | Page 17

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN As we learned in grade school, our largest organ is our skin. Our skin regulates body temperature, protects against the elements, and gives us the feeling of different sensations. Since our skin does so much for us, it is important to take care of it. A skincare routine is important for men and women of all ages, although it will vary throughout the years. TEENAGE YEARS When starting your first skincare routine, it’s important to first determine your skin type. It’s pretty simple to figure out whether oily, dry, or combination. Between breakou ts and blemishes, think about how your skin feels on a day-to-day basis. Here are some do’s and don’ts about treating your skin during your teens: • 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 keep an SPF product on whenever you go outside to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun 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! This could lead to long-term, damaging effects on your skin. • 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 at least get a majority of 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 something with SPF to face, neck, and hands. Skipping the protection of an SPF could throw off your entire routine. Find a good moisturizer that combines protection with moisture 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. • Quitting bad habits. Now is a better time than ever to kick the bad habits you learned in high school and college. The number of benefits of canceling your package at the tanning salon and quitting smoking would take up this entire article, but 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 overexposure 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 will be 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 classroom, making learning more interactive and current than most textbook learning. The AOA’s 2015 American Eye-Q® survey states that 41 percent of parents say their kids spend three or more hours per day using digital devices, and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone or tablet. As technology becomes more of an essential part of modern life, it is important for parents to find balance in their children’s digital usage. Electronic devices, including televisions, give off blue and violet light that may affect vision by causing eyestrain and discomfort. If your child has to do homework using the computer or tablet, keep the television off during dinnertime and instead enjoy conversation together. Optometrists also researched the importance of natural sunlight exposure to the eyes and say that the lack of exposure to natural light could affect the growth and development of vision. DIGITAL EYESTRAIN • Burning • Fatigue • Itchy or tired • Blurry vision • Increased headaches • Head and neck pain The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year. Continued on page 18 > McKeesport Area | Winter 2017 | icmags.com 15