5 Dos and Don’ts for Back-to-School Skin Prep

Summer is slowly wrapping up and schools are starting to get back in session. The transition from summer fun to school stress can have a toll on your skin, hair and nails. Dr. Kent Walker, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology shares some simple tips and tricks to help adjust to the transition, and keep you looking flawless:

DON’T try to pop pimples
Popping pimples can lead to deeper, more painful acne and can even lead to scarring. The best plan of action is to keep washing with a good cleanser. Don’t expect a magical overnight cure though. It takes times for the product to work, but it will also continue to fight of future acne.

DO exfoliate
If you dream of having healthy and glowing skin, regular exfoliation is a must. It will remove the dead cells from your skin’s surface, as well as keep your pores clear from pesky black and white heads.

Depending on your skin type, exfoliating once a week can bring new life to your complexion.

However, do not use an exfoliator that is too rough because it can leave your skin dry, irritated and damaged. Always apply moisturizer to your skin after exfoliating.

DON’T keep products for too long
Beauty products have expiration dates. It’s very common for eye makeup to grow bacteria that can be harmful to your eyes. Make sure you’re keeping your makeup bag filled with relatively new products to avoid any infections.

DO get 7 to 8 hours of sleep
Every single cell in your body, including your skin cells requires sleep to function properly. Night is the time when fresh and healthy cells rise to the skin’s surface and repair any damage accumulated over the day. Without enough time to sleep, the skin does not get repaired and that is when skin related problems begin to surface more frequently.

DON’T take hot showers
Even though hot showers are immensely relaxing and soothing, they are considered less than ideal for your skin. Taking a hot shower not only upsets your skin’s natural moisture balance, but it also strips the natural oils and proteins from your skin that keeps it healthy. This eventually will result in inflammation, dryness, redness and even itching.

Skin Struggles?
Whether you are suffering from acne, an unexplained rash or any other skin issue, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.