How to Keep Your Skin Clean and Healthy

For some reason, it always surprises me when I see the puzzled look on peoples face when they are told that the skin is the largest organ making up the body. I'm not sure why that is but it is a fact. The skin covers you from head to toe and plays a vital role in defending your body against disease and various other harmful elements such as the UV rays of the sun in much the same way a soldier defends his or her country. Keeping your skin clean and healthy will help you remain fit, strong and in good physical shape. 

One of the many important duties performed by your skin (24/7) is to keep potentially dangerous infections and viruses out. You can think of the skin as providing first line of defense against any possible attacks on your health. By keeping the skin clean and healthy you can avoid future problems with wrinkles and skin cancer.


How to keep the skin clean: (check out my recommended Acne Treatment)

Don't slack just because some things are still to come. Hygiene goes beyond the simple task of making sure you don't smell bad when you go out in the street. Proper hygiene means keeping clean the largest organ in your body and also the most exposed to the hazards of this world. Here's a list featuring simple tips for your daily hygiene:

- Start simple. Who said you need expensive products to take care of your skin? Gentle cleansers or soaps are usually enough for the daily cleansing of your skin.

- Start early. People tend to think that skin hygiene can be postponed indefinitely. This is not the case if you want to have healthy skin in your old age. Start protecting your skin today so it can stay healthy and fresh as the years go by.

- Use mild soap. Stay away from harsh cleansers that are made of strong chemicals. These can dissolve your skin's natural proteins and oils, thus doing more harm than good. Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Do not use deodorant soaps on your face! They are made of strong chemicals and also leave a detergent film behind. This protective layer will actually irritate your skin and clog your pores.

- Use lukewarm water. The water used on your face should always be lukewarm. If you make it too hot, you will dehydrate your skin, making it more prone to damage. You may also scald or even burn your skin. If it's too cold, the water will dry your skin.

- Be gentle. Some people think they ought to scrub their skin raw, but this is one of the things to avoid. You should instead be careful not to damage or tear your skin. Exfoliation is good because it will help remove dead skin cells, but be careful and so you will not hurt yourself.

- Toning is ok. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm, which is good. The best tones around are those containing alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic. Avoid those made with alcohol and those that are marked photosensitive.

- Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers work by preventing the loss of water. They either draw moisture to the outer layer of the skin, or coat the skin's surface with a film of substance, thus sealing moisture into the skin. The best substances for an intensive moisture treatment are pure vitamin E, or Aloe Vera oil. The oil is available in liquid form. You can also break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great treatment for the sensitive skin under your eyes. This part of your face is one of the first to succumb to show signs of aging because it secretes none of the oils that keep skin supple and firm.

Keeping your skin clean and healthy is your responsibility.