During the summer, the skin is usually more exposed to possible damage, mainly due to exposure to sunlight greater than usual, as well as contact with sea water or chlorine from swimming pools. Also, climate changes and environmental pollution behave as harmful agents for the skin.

All this makes the return of the holidays a good time for you to examine the state of your skin and take various measures for its care. Not in vain, the skin is one of the largest organs of the body, which protects the body from environmental risks, regulating its temperature and allowing the perception of touch.

Hence, we present the following series of tips for your skin to be healthy and have a smooth appearance.

Excessive cleaning can cause excessive loss of fat in the outer layers of the skin and produce dermatitis, or accentuate the dryness of the skin ”

Basic for a peach skin
Drink plenty of water

Your body loses water throughout the day. Therefore, you need at least to replace what you lose, for what you have to drink between two and three liters a day. Water helps the body to function as well as possible (not in vain, two thirds of our body is water) and makes your skin look smoother and fresher.

do exercise

The elasticity and toning of the skin are lost with age. You can maintain the firmness of your skin by doing physical exercise regularly. Moderate exercise such as yoga can be as beneficial as more vigorous muscle exercise.

When you exercise, you increase the blood flow to the skin, which means that it receives optimum nutrients and essential vitamins. On the other hand exercise tones your muscles, which helps shape your skin.

Keep your skin glistening

A clean skin is the best way to prevent infections and body odors. Most soaps, facial cleansers, shower gels and products of this type have been previously tested to ensure that they will not cause irritation or allergic reactions, hence the type of products you choose should only respond to personal preferences.

Remember that excess cleaning can cause excessive loss of fat in the outer layers of the skin and produce dermatitis, or accentuate the dryness of the skin.

Take a sauna

By making you sweat and expel impurities, the sauna helps cleanse your skin. It also improves circulation. Remember that before a sauna session you do not have to drink alcohol or have a heavy meal.

Older people or those with heart, respiratory or chronic ailments should avoid saunas. Keep a comfortable temperature and, yes, if during the session you feel bad or dizzy, get out of the sauna immediately, drink lots of water and sit quietly for a while. If the symptoms do not go away, seek medical attention.

Brush your skin

Moderately brushing your dry skin with a special brush will help eliminate dead skin cells that can make your skin look damaged. Always brush in the direction of the heart, that is, from the hands to the shoulders, from the feet to the hips.

Do not brush your skin if you have cuts, wounds or if you have skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, since brushing will only worsen those conditions.

Use exfoliants

It is similar to brushing the skin. Shower gels or exfoliating massages contain particles that favor the cell renewal process without attacking the epidermis. Some contain acids from some fruits (alpha hydroxy acids) that help to eliminate dead skin cells.

These acids, also called AHA, can irritate some skins, so you should stop using them if you notice signs of skin irritation or redness.

There are many exfoliants in the market, so you’ll have to try which one suits your skin better. Or, if you dare, from a mixture of olive oil and coarse sea salt, you can try to make your own natural skin scrub (obviously, do not apply it on cuts or wounds).

To soften the roughest parts of the skin, such as knees, elbows and heels, you can rub with avocado pulp in these areas. You will have enough with an amount of avocado comparable to the one that fits in the palm of your hand.

Hydrate your skin

Hydrating your skin daily will help keep it smooth by increasing moisture levels. The skin shows different needs according to age and skin type, therefore, if you are not sure what is best for you, it is recommended that you consult your pharmacist.

Many moisturizers contain AHA acids, vitamin E, wheat germ, aloe vera, plant extracts and other added ingredients to improve skin toning and texture, as well as to reduce age marks and wrinkles. Look for a moisturizer that is not comedogenic (that does not block the pores) and flees from the “miracle creams”.

Use sunscreen

Skin cancer is the greatest risk of prolonged exposure to sunlight. The best preventive measures consist of moderation and protection. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, and use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (usually called SPF) of 15 or higher.

A new application of sunscreen is advisable, especially after you have sweated or bathed. An excess in sun exposure can worsen or accentuate skin problems such as ezcema or rosacea, a condition characterized by the intermittent appearance of redness or inflammation of the skin.

Observe and watch your skin

Observing your skin regularly will make you habituate and know the appearance of your skin, which will make you detect any change in it more quickly. Pay special attention to moles; If you see that someone changes shape or bleeds, visit your GP to have it examined.

You should also check the skin surrounding the testicles and breasts monthly, especially in the event of the appearance of bumps, dimples, wrinkles, or texture changes.

Stop smoking

Finally, if you are a smoker, the most important thing you can do to improve the condition of your skin is to stop smoking. Tobacco smoke dries your skin, at the same time it constricts the blood vessels and, therefore, the amount of blood that reaches the skin, depriving it of essential nutrients. On the other hand, smokers are two to three times more likely to develop psoriasis.