While skin problems, such as acne and dry skin, can affect many areas of our bodies, the delicate skin of our faces is usually one of the first places affected when these types of skin problems arise. Ironically, though, our faces are the last places where we want to experience skin problems. Because our faces are so closely tied into our identities, keeping our facial skin as healthy as possible is essential to having a healthy self-esteem.

Getting and maintaining healthy facial skin requires that you:

• eat a healthy diet
• practice a healthy lifestyle (i.e. exercise)
• regularly cleanse and moisturize your face with the right products
• understand your skin type.

Facial Skin Types and Tips

Because facial skin is highly individualized, a facial skin care routine that works for one person won't necessarily promote healthy skin for another. Before starting a facial skin care regimen, make sure that you know what type of skin you have. Here is an outline of the various skin types, along with tips on how to care for each skin type:

Facial Skin Problems: Treating Acne and Wrinkles

Along with identifying your skin type, the proper facial skin care routine for you will depend on the current state of your skin. Specifically, you will need to take extra measures if you currently suffer from acne or are looking to minimize your wrinkles.

For acne:

• Clean your face throughout the day to prevent pimples from getting worse.
• Cleanse your face with stronger washes to ensure that excess oil and skin cells are thoroughly removed from the face.
• See a dermatologist for prescription cleansers and medications if your acne persists for longer than a month or two.

For wrinkles:

• Practice a healthy skin care routine that includes moisturizing. Be sure the products you use contain alpha hydroxy acids.
• Protect your face from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and hats whenever you are outdoors for more than 15 to 20 minutes.
• Quit smoking.

Keep in mind that both acne and wrinkles are an inevitable part of life. However, by practicing the proper facial skin care, you can minimize the symptoms and/or onslaught of either of these skin problems.

Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Facial Skin

Along with using the proper products (and using them in the appropriate manner), you can improve the health of your facial skin by practicing the following habits:

• Drinking plenty of water (The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, recommends drinking 64 oz of water each day). You will need to drink more water if you exercise, are pregnant or suffer from some underlying health condition.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. If you feel that your diet isn't providing you with the nutrition you need, talk to your doctor about adding multivitamins and dietary supplements to your health regimen.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes every other day. Exercise improves your overall health, and as you exercise, the sweat you expel also improves the health of your skin.
• Get enough sleep so that your skin, as well as the rest of your body, has time to heal itself. Sleep deficiencies can cause dark bags under the eyes, as well as a host of other skin problems.

Resources

MormonChic (updated July 20, 2004). Skin Care 101: Achieving that Healthy Glow. Retrieved October 31, 2007 from the MormonChic Web site: http://www.mormonchic.com/healthy/healthy_skin.asp.