Posted August 05, 2018 03:12:16 The average person ages 12-17 has an average of 1,200 pounds of skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While most of this weight is shed within two to five years, it is also a constant source of stress and frustration.
Here are 5 ways to take care of your skin, as well as learn about its health and beauty, so you can take the first step toward maintaining a healthy complexion.
1.
Wear sunscreen Every time you shower, wash your face, or apply your makeup, wear sunscreen.
You can find a variety of sunscreens, from SPF to SPF 15, on the internet, but these products offer broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
2.
Eat nutritious foods Healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
3.
Keep your skin hydrated If you are prone to sunburn, make sure you use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.
4.
Get your nails trimmed You can get nails done with a simple plastic tool called a cuticle comb, or by using a hand nail file.
It is important to keep nails trimmed and dry, but they can also be trimmed with a toothpick.
5.
Avoid the sun You can avoid getting sunburn by keeping your skin clear, and avoiding tanning beds.
6.
Get an SPF number If you live in an area where it is more common to get sunburn and are worried about it, consider having your sunburn treated at a local doctor’s office.
7.
Stay hydrated and active If you suffer from allergies or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, consider using an SPV-rated sunscreen.
8.
Learn more about your skin The Centers for Diseases Control and Disease Prevention ( CDC) recommends getting a SPV rating when you apply makeup, and getting an SPG rating when applying sunscreen.
These are useful tools that will help you stay in tip-top shape.
9.
Talk to your dermatologist About your dermatology and skin care can be complicated.
To help, the CDC has partnered with Dr. Nancy M. McElroy, MD, to create the Skin Health Awareness and Education Center (SHARC) for teens (and adults) across the United States.
Dr. McLaury’s program offers classes and workshops to help teens learn about the health risks and benefits of sunscreen, which she says are often overlooked in the media and education.
In addition to teaching teens about the dangers of sun exposure, she also provides support for them through research.
Learn about the SHARC at SHARC.org.
10.
Make sure your makeup is SPF 50, or higher Avoid wearing face and body makeup that has SPF50, or more, for more than 24 hours before going outside and interacting with other people.
SPF is a sunscreen’s active ingredient that helps to protect against harmful ultraviolet rays and helps prevent skin cancer.
It helps to provide protection against free radicals, which are produced when the body breaks down and produces damaging chemicals.
When you apply sunscreen to your face or body, it will also protect you from harmful UV rays that can harm your skin.
11.
Make a daily skin care routine You can make a daily, healthy skin care regimen to keep your skin healthy and look your best.
Makeup can be applied twice daily, or weekly, depending on your skin type.
Apply your favorite makeup, including lip gloss, powder, concealer, and eye shadow.
Apply a moisturizer to your skin or add a cream or lotion.
You also can use facial masks, soaps, and lotions to help protect your skin from the sun.
12.
Get enough sleep Learn more at Sleep-Deprived.gov.
13.
Keep up with new products Discover the latest beauty trends and products to help keep your makeup and skin healthy.
Learn what makes a great makeup artist and make-up look.
Get the latest in beauty and wellness at SleepDeprived Health.gov/healthcare.
The Sleep-deprived Health team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You may also connect with the Sleep-Powered team to learn more about the Sleep Deprived Health service and other ways you can get the best sleep possible.