A lot of the time, folks, when we think about skin, we’re musing on what we can put on it, from sunscreen to moisturizer. As much as a good skincare routine is important, there’s more to caring for the biggest organ of your body than your skin cream applications!
In fact, there’s a lot more going on with your skin than you may realize, including the three facts below.
Delayed sun damage is a thing
We’re actually supposed to use sunscreen all year-round, but many people don’t, especially during the winter or on rainy days. However, it’s still necessary, even in those conditions, when you’re out and about during the daytime. Contact between your unprotected skin and UV rays, even briefly, can cause skin damage that is long-lasting. Not only does sun damage cause spots, wrinkles and other signs of aging, but it can also be behind skin cancer.
To make this an easier habit to get into, replace your morning facial moisturizer with something that has SPF protection. This way, you’re not really adding too much to your normal skincare routine.
Skin types can change
Your skin may be oily now, but it could end up being dry or combination down the road, and vice versa. Many factors impact your skin type, such as UV exposure over time, pollution, collagen breakdown and, for women, menopause.
Review your skin type at least once a year to ensure you’re still using the right products for the skin you have now. You may find, for example, that your ultra-dry skin lotion isn’t doing your now-oily skin any favors.
Bacteria might just play a role in skin balance
The “gut-skin axis” is a concept that is still being debated among the experts, but it’s worth mentioning. Researchers say that both the inside of your gut and your skin’s surface host beneficial bacteria that help balance your body, and it’s possible both of these bacteria homes are connected in some way.
When your skin is disrupted, you normally see irritation and inflammation, and it’s possible that having your gut out of balance could also cause this to happen to your skin. Good digestive health is better for your body and well-being overall, so it makes sense to aim for a healthier diet and a more balanced gut–it may just benefit your skin, too!
