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Health & Fitness

Treat Your Skin With Care

After the cold, harsh winter we just had, we welcome spring with open arms – weather-beaten arms. A proactive spring skin-care regimen can help us recover from our dry elbows and chapped face, and ensure that our skin stays healthy as the season heats up.

You may not realize it, but the skin is the largest organ of the body. It blocks harmful bacteria, regulates body temperature, and hydrates and cools us in hot weather. Skin protects our bones, muscles, ligaments, and internal organs. We really should return the favor and protect our skin.

Here are some tips for keeping your skin healthy:

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  • Protect your skin from the sun. Overexposure creates wrinkles and brown, leather-like skin, and puts you at risk for cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, often caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun and other sources such as tanning beds.
  • Always use sunscreen. Sunscreen, with an SPF factor of no less than 30, should be used and re-applied frequently, during direct exposure to the sun. A daily moisturizer with SPF 15-30 can protect skin year-round. People with allergies or sensitive skin can apply natural sunblocks with ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium. If you do happen to get a sunburn, use pure aloe vera gel or products containing manuka honey and calendula to soothe and heal the skin. If blisters develop, seek medical attention.
  • Enjoy the sun in moderation. The sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so avoiding it during these peak times decreases the risk of sunburn, dehydration, and exhaustion. Covering up with hats, light-colored long-sleeve shirts, and long pants will protect the skin from damaging UVR. Lounging under an umbrella or in the shade provides additional protection.
  • Eat healthy foods and exercise. Eat a diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Foods rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats can keep your skin looking and feeling younger. Staying hydrated and exercising regularly will help keep your skin looking young and make you feel great.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking, besides causing cancer, decreases blood flow and diminishes oxygen and nutrients that are important for healthy skin. Smoking damages collagen and elastin, which give skin strength and elasticity, and increases wrinkles from the repetitive facial expressions made while smoking.
  • Reduce stress levels. Stress can trigger acne breakouts and make skin more sensitive. Taking time to relax whenever possible can have a dramatic effect. Explore ways to manage your stress through preparation and organization.

Taking care of your skin today will help prevent problems in the future. Proper skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can improve the overall support, elasticity and shine of your skin and keep you feeling fresh and radiant.

Steve Bernardi is a compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham.

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