SKINCARE - A NECESSITY OR LUXURY?

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It protects our internal organs from the outside environment. It acts as a protective barrier by protecting our skin from bacteria, virus, fungi and harmful UV rays. Though our skin protects us every single moment but still we don't feel the necessity to take care of it. Whenever we hear the word skincare, the first thing that comes across our mind is 'Luxury'. But is it actually a luxury or is it a necessity? Well, skincare is a necessity because it is essential for our overall health and well-being. Having a basic skincare routine is as normal and crucial like drinking water regularly. A skincare routine is not about serving aesthetic purposes but it is about taking care of an organ so that it can function properly.

Why skincare matters

Skincare has several advantages that go far beyond aesthetics; it has much to offer than just making us look beautiful. Our skin serves as a physical barrier which protects us from air-borne contaminants and pollutants of outside world. In order to keep us cool in hot weathers and maintain our body temperature, skin releases sweat and oil. Thus, for proper functioning of our skin, we need to take care of it.

When we skip our skincare routine, our skin can gradually lose it's resiliency and liveliness. The skin has not only impact on our internal body but also has an impact on our state of mind and mental health. Because the people who suffer from skin problems like acne are tend to be very insecure and they do not consider themselves as pretty as others. Often they are found to be depressed.  Moreover, a lack of skincare can cause serious skin problems and even deadly diseases. Some common skin problems are:

Acne: Acne is a skin condition where pores are clogged with excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, pus and dead skin cells which result in painful pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. People with oily skin are found to be suffering from acne generally Due to lack of skincare cystic acne can take place which is the worst of all acne.

Eczema: It is a skin concern that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Dust pollen and certain foods can trigger it.

Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which causes redness on skin. It causes inflammation and bumps on skin. Sun exposure without proper protection can worsen it.

Psoriasis: It is a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes scaly, red patches on skin. It is triggered by certain medications and stress.

Skin Cancer: It is the abnormal growth of cells caused by prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation without proper sunscreen.  

This is why, it is really important that we maintain a basic skincare routine regularly.

Types of skin

To maintain a healthy skin and to function it properly, a basic skincare routine is required. A basic skincare routine does not have to be complicated. it can be time effective and inexpensive. Skincare is not about using skincare products but about using certain products to take care of it. At the beginning of creating a skincare routine, we need to know the skin type. There are five types of skin:

Normal skin: It is not too oily and not too dry. It stays the same throughout the year.

Oily skin: Oily skin people have oils all over the place. Still gets oily really quick and causes clogged pores.

Dry skin: In this case, skin is really dry throughout the year and in winter it gets worse. Skin do not even produce it's natural oils.

Combination skin: People with combination skin have oily T-zones and dry cheeks.

Sensitive skin: Skin easily gets inflamed and irritated. Anything can trigger this type of skin.

How to make a basic skincare routine

According to our skin type, we can build a basic skincare routine.

Cleanse: It is the first step of  building a skincare routine where we clean our face with a cleansing oil to take off dirt and makeup. Then following up with a water based cleanser. Cleansing face twice a day is a must for every skin type 

Exfoliation: Exfoliation is a process of taking off dead skin cells from face. Chemical exfoliants are the best as they go deeper in skill cells and take off dead skin  and clean up pores. Exfoliating once or twice a week is enough to keep our skin fresh and healthy.

Moisturization: After cleansing and exfoliating(if needed), moisturizing skin is very important to maintain balance of our skin oils and so that they can function properly. No matter what skin type we have, we have to use moisturizer so that our can regulate sebum production.

Sun protection: Using sunscreen every single day is a must for every single person irrespective of age and color. Sunscreen protects skin from UV rays which causes skin cancer and triggers acne, rosacea.

Diet: With proper products it is really important that we maintain a balanced diet. Because what we eat, will reflect on our skin. Eating too much junk food can cause acne and it makes skin flaky. 

Hydration: To keep our skin plump and hydrated drinking enough water regularly is necessary.

References

1.Duffy, L. (2023, January 23). Why skincare is a necessity, not a luxury. Magnolia Skin Essentials. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://magnoliaskinessentials.com/blogs/news/why-skincare-is-a-necessity-not-a-luxury

2.Edmondson, P. (2021, June 3). Skin treatments: Luxury or necessity? Skin Essentials Healthy Beauty. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.skinessentialswichita.com/blog/skin-treatments-luxury-or-neccesity

3.https://www.dreamstime.com/beauty-cartoon-skincare-woman-white-background-beauty-cartoon-skincare-woman-image124144278