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