skin inflammation is a common skin symptom that affects millions of americans each year. while it's not as serious as other conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, it can still be uncomfortable and embarrassing. fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing skin inflammation.
exfoliate regularly.
exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps prevent acne by keeping pores clear, but it's also good for your overall health. we recommend exfoliation at least twice per week for people with sensitive skin, but if you have oily or normal skin, once a week should be enough.
exfoliation can be done with a face scrub or washcloth--just make sure not to overdo it! if you're new at this kind of thing, start slow and work your way up from there as needed (or until you find what works best).
sleep with an eye mask.
If you're having trouble sleeping, or if your skin is inflamed, try wearing an eye mask. eye masks are designed to block out light and help you relax. they can be used both at night and during the day--and they're available at most drug stores.
protect your skin from the sun.
- wear sunscreen.
- wear a hat and sunglasses.
- avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, when it's at its strongest (and most likely to cause skin damage).
- use a sunblock with SPF 30 or higher--and reapply often!
use appropriate moisturizers for your skin type.
moisturizers are a key factor in reducing inflammation, as they help keep your skin hydrated. when you use a moisturizer that's appropriate for your skin type, it will help to prevent any dryness or irritation that might lead to inflammation. if you already have inflammation on your face and body (for example, eczema), moisturizers can also help reduce this condition by keeping the area well-moisturized so that there is less irritation than there would otherwise be if the area were left dry and flaky.
drink lots of water.
drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for your skin. not only does it keep it hydrated and looking younger, but it also helps flush out toxins that cause acne and other skin conditions.
if you're not sure how much water to drink, aim to consume between 2-3 liters per day (about 8-12 glasses). if you're worried about consuming too much sodium from sports drinks and soda, try adding some fresh lemon juice or cucumber slices into plain H2O for a refreshing beverage!
you can reduce skin inflammation by following these simple steps:
- exfoliate regularly.
- sleep with an eye mask. this can help reduce the time you spend in front of screens and other sources of blue light, which has been shown to increase skin inflammation.
- protect your skin from the sun. don't forget to wear sunscreen! it's not just about preventing wrinkles; it's also about protecting yourself from UV damage that can cause inflammation and even lead to cancer.
- use appropriate moisturizers for your skin type (e.g., dry or oily). moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated, which will help reduce any redness or flakiness caused by dryness or oiliness--and make sure you're using them daily! taking care of ourselves should be a priority no matter what we're doing at any given moment--even if it means getting up earlier than usual so we don't forget something important like putting on moisturizer before bedtime!
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we hope you've found this blog helpful and informative. inflammation is a common problem, but it doesn't have to be something you live with! these five tips will help you keep your skin healthy and glowing for years.