Healthy skin is happy skin.

Changing our focus from aesthetics to healthy skin.

We all know how frustrating it can be to battle with skin problems, not being able to feel comfortable in our own skin makes us lose confidence, and the saddest part is that we start changing our behaviors trying to conceal our imperfections and fit in with the others. Understanding that imperfections are normal is key to achieve a healthy mindset, taking pressure of ourselves and clearing our mind first will help us focus on things that we can change and accept those we cannot.

Use sun protection

Excessive sun exposure can damage our skin, making it appear dry and uneven in color, which may worsen the aspect of your skin in time, so do your research and find a sun lotion that is suitable for you and use it whenever you wear shorts, dresses, skirts or when you go to the beach. Pay extra attention to your calves making sure to apply enough lotion and reapply it if necessary.  

Exfoliate regularly (using mechanical exfoliation)

Keratosis pilaris is caused, as we said earlier by excess keratin, which makes our hair follicles appear darker, a great way to help our skin get rid of that excess is trough mechanical exfoliation. Choose a gentle exfoliator and make it part of your weekly skincare routine. Don’t overdo it, because too much exfoliation will harm your skin, try exfoliating once or twice per week using gentle circular motions,  focusing on the surface of your skin.

Reconstruct your skin barrier.

Everything looks worse on dry skin, so if you usually don’t use a moisturizer, start doing so and your skin will thank you. Harsh chemicals from soaps, body wash and deodorants make our skin sensitive, dry and overtime the skin becomes fragile, without elasticity which makes it scar easily. Choose your moisturizer depending on how dry your skin is, if your skin appears normal/ a little dry  you can use the CeraVe lotion or something similar, make sure to choose a perfume free, non-comedogenic product. If your skin is very dry you should use something with a richer formula, like a pomade or a balm .

Use a lotion with urea

After you used the moisturizer/ pomade or balm regularly for a few months start using a lotion that contains urea, this ingredient is going to help exfoliate the skin, helping you to get rid of that excess keratin that we talked about in the beginning of the article. This step requires a lot of patience, it may take a few months to see the result, and you should take into consideration including the urea cream in your skincare routine for a long time. Urea may cause irritation and even allergy so make sure to test it on a small patch of skin first. Read the instruction of use and follow them carefully.

Consider laser hair removal

If you are not pleased with the way your skin looks even after the topical treatment, look into laser hair removal. Look up for reviews and ask your dermatologist for their opinion and recommendations.

Love your skin, and wear those shorts anyway

Don’t wait for your skin to look a certain way for wearing the clothes that you like. Wear the shorts, smile and be proud of you for doing so, because without knowing you may become a source of inspiration for other women.