Not Just for Summer Skin Care by Elizabeth Alsobrooks

 

Not everyone lives in the desert or on the beach, but everyone needs to be aware of the importance of good skin care. There are several reasons I became hypersensitive to skin care. First, I moved to the desert from the Midwest. The dry climate and hot sun sucked the moisture from my skin, hair, and nails. Next, I had skin cancer on my face. The doctor informed me it was from sun exposure in my teens and twenties (in the Midwest). Finally, I got older.

Over 5 1/5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Pretty surprising, I know. The sun can really damage your skin. That includes sunshine that’s reflected off snow or water, because both heat and cold are hard on your skin. The cold winter winds or hot, dusty summer breezes can also damage the sensitive skin of your face and hands, your neck, or any skin that’s exposed.

Although many adults pay more attention to skin care as they age, many young people don’t notice the abuse they subject their skin to, but that’s when proper skin care should begin, in our youth. Teens are more likely to use skin care products for acne,  and often experience oily skin so don’t consider using moisturizers with sunscreen or even using sunscreen itself, in either the summer or winter months.

Year-round skin care is essential for a more youthful, bright-looking skin, whatever your age. I know most people know this, but they sure don’t take good care of their skin. Several skin care products are available and carry different formulas for different skin types, such as sensitive, oily, dry and aging. Just a few choices include: CeraVe, Aveeno, Eucerin, Gold Bond, OGY, Neocurtis and Jergens. These are all over body lotions. Special care should be taken with the delicate skin of face, neck and chest areas. Some of the most affordable skin creams with SPF protection are Oil of Olay, Loreal, Ponds, Jergens, and Kiehl’s, Elizabeth Arden, Clinique and others. The point is to do your research, find the skin care products that best fits your needs and budget, and use them every day for the rest of your life. The sooner the better!

Enjoy that summer glow!