The skin is the body’s largest organ and all too often overlooked as we bustle about in our hectic lives. We actively take care of our hearts, muscles, lungs and joints with exercise programs and good eating habits but often our skins is neglected. Acne, wrinkles, rosaceae and premature aging are just a few of the things that can be troublesome if we don’t care for our skin properly. Some of us don’t even really know how to take care of our skin. A daily program of skin care is essential for skin protection and repair and a good routine should be followed for life. We provide you with some tips on how to take care of your skin with this guide to common skin problems.

Acne

Acne affects people during puberty and their early teens but adult acne is fairly common too. In acne, the skin pores become blocked by oil called sebum. Sebum is natural oil that is responsible for the lubrication of skin and hair. Under normal circumstance it keeps them soft and supple but when our hormones become unbalanced too much sebum is produced and it can cause pimples and acne. This is most common on the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin) area.

To prevent breakouts or clear them:

* Cleanse your face with a mild acne preparation twice a day only. Start with a gentle massage in a circular motion. Never rub or scrub your face as this will only cause irritation and worsen your acne. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a benzoyl peroxide lotion after cleansing. This is a cheap lotion available without a prescription.

* Never pick or break open your pimples. This will channel infected cells deeper into the skin and cause even more swelling and redness as the bacteria take hold. It will also damage the skin and cause scarring. If you simply must get rid of a pimple before an important event visit a dermatologist and they will take care of your skin for you.

* Never touch your face with your fingers or place dirty objects like the telephone receiver against your cheeks. Your fingers contain bacteria that will spread into your pimples and cause infection. Always wash your hands before you wash your face and apply make-up or acne cream.

* Clean your glasses or sunglasses often to keep them bacteria free. Knowing how to take care of your skin means learning about hidden germs!

* Don’t wear tight clothes if you have acne on your body. Wear soft cotton clothing that lets your skin breathe. Avoid scarves, headbands, and hats or caps and if you do wear them keep the scrupulously clean.

* Never go to sleep with your make-up on if you want to take care of your skin. The make up you use should be ‘noncomedogenic’ or nonacnegenic’.

* Keep out of the sun as much as possible. Sun exposure dries out the skin and causes increased sebum production.

* Talk to your dermatologist. There are several treatments available that help to prevent and clear up acne and avoid scarring problems. Estheticians are trained skin specialists, sometimes found at spas and salons who offer advice and skin care treatments.

Sun Care for Your Skin

You can’t avoid the sun all the time, it is a vital source of Vitamin D and fun in the sun is one of life’s pleasures. However, to take care of your skin there are some steps to follow when you are enjoying the sunshine:

* Always apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Do this even if the day is cloudy or you won’t be in the sun for very long. Reapply your sunscreen after swimming and at intervals during the day.

* Use a brand of sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. If it says ‘broad spectrum protection” or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater then it is ideal. To prevent blocked pores choose one says “nonacnegenic” or “noncomedogenic” on the label.

* Reapply sunscreen frequently during 10:00 and 16:00 as this is when the sun is at its most powerful. Take a break indoors during the hottest part of the day.

* If you are around the pool or skiing use more sunscreen (with a higher SPF) Reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice intensify the suns rays.

* Protect your eyes. Harsh sunlight can cause UV damage to your eyes so wear good sunglasses and a hat with 100% UV protection.

* Contraceptive pills and some prescription acne medication can make your far more sun sensitive so increase your sun protection if you are using them.

* Fake it! Apply self-tanning lotions or have a salon treatment but avoid tanning beds as they do contain damaging UVA rays.

Cold Sores

These annoying sores are caused by a type of herpes virus (HSV-1). This is usually not sexually transmitted but is very contagious. Once you have been exposed to it, it will stay in your body and you’ll likely get cold sores every now and then throughout life. However, there are ways to prevent cold sores from bothering you:

* Take care of your skin and never share lip balm, toothbrushes, or drinks with other people. The HSV-1 virus is transmitted through the nose (in mucus) and the mouth (in saliva).

* Cold sores can flare up from too much sun, stress or illness. More reasons to slather on suntan lotion, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest.

* Tips for staying comfortable:

* Take acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) if you are in any pain.

* Suck on ice pops, chips or cubes to cool the sores and stop the pain.

* Avoid acidic foods (oranges, tomatoes, and lemonade) and salty, spicy foods, which will irritate and burn your mouth.

* Be patient and don’t pick at cold sores. This will cause them to bleed or become infected with bacteria.

Cold sores usually go away on their own after one or two weeks. If they recur often consult a doctor or dermatologist.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that features red, itchy and dry skin. You may notice several itchy skin patches especially on the backs of the knees or your elbows, and even on the neck and face. There is no real cure for eczema but there are some measures you can employ to take care of your skin and control the condition:

* Avoid harsh detergents, scented soaps, and fragranced lotions. These tend to irritate the skin and trigger eczema.

* Showers and baths should be short and warm, not hot. This is because the heat and moisture tends to dry the skin. When you wash dishes or the car always wear gloves.

* Keep your skin well lubricated with regular applications of moisturizer. These will help to prevent itching and dryness. Cream preparations moisturize a bit better and last longer than lotions for most people. Apply the cream to slightly wet skin, just after bathing.

* Wear cotton fabrics. Cotton is both breathable and soft. Avoid wool or spandex that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

* Take care of your skin by managing your stress levels. Stress can lead to eczema flare-ups so try activities like yoga, walking and breathing exercises.

* Wear makeup that is free of dyes and fragrances.

* Talk to a dermatologist if your eczema is not under control.

If you take care of your skin you will go a long way towards avoiding the common skin problems listed above. You may not find an immediate cure for some skin disorders but as you learn to manage them correctly you will minimize the discomfort and misery you experience. Take care of your skin problems and never neglect any irritating condition. Avoid stress and strain and always treat your skin with the tender loving care it deserves and it will last through a lifetime of smiles.