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Writer's pictureJenna bint Hakeem

SKIN DO'S AND DON'TS

Did you know that your skin is actually your body’s largest organ? When you look at it that way, it's no wonder you should be taking care of it. During Puberty, you may have acne that clears and reappears over the years.


Things like blackheads, whiteheads, and a pimple here and there are totally normal, and you should only be worried if the pimples look like a rash, are overly painful and sensitive, or come in large clusters on your face. In cases like that, you should see a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nails doctor), and they will prescribe a treatment plan that is right for you.


But if you have fairly normal skin with a few pimples on your cheeks or forehead, a blackhead here and there, and whiteheads on your nose or chin, then there isn’t anything to worry about. Your skin will likely clear up for good after your puberty years are over.


Until then, as long as you follow these steps, your skin should stay fairly clear and won't flare up as much in the first place. Another thing to remember is that if you are stressed and end up eating foods that make you feel bad or you are on your menses, then your acne might get worse, but no worries, it's only temporary and will probably clear up on its own in a few days.


DO: WASH YOUR FACE WITH COLD WATER


Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils and dries it out. It also opens your pores, which means the tiny holes in your face become apparent and give you a worn-down appearance. Open pores are not so good to have, because dirt and bacteria can build up inside them and turn into blackheads and more pimples. If your pores are open but barely visible, this is how they should be, but if they make your face look bumpy or are overly obvious, that is a sign you should take better care of your skin.


Cold water tightens the look of your skin by closing your pores, which keeps you looking young and fresh. It also helps with blood circulation, which gives you a slight blush and a healthier appearance. As Muslims, we wash our faces many times a day by offering wudhoo. Try to use cold water when offering wudhoo on your face.





DON’T: TOUCH YOUR FACE


Our hands hands carry a lot of buildup because we use them to touch everything all day. If you touch your face, the dirt and bacteria can easily transfer to your pores, which will make any acne you have a lot worse. The bacteria can also get into your nose and mouth, which can make you sick. A lot of acne and sickness can be avoided just by keeping your hands off your face.


Also, remember not to pick at any pimples you may have. By constantly squeezing, pinching, and poking at those spots, they will become red and inflamed and leave dark spots when they finally go away. The best thing to do is to let the pimple go away on its own, or use an over the counter spot treatment.





DO: MOISTURIZE


Keep your skin moist by applying a thin layer of Vaseline, shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, or moisturizer of your choice. Moisturizing your skin reduces acne by reducing extreme dryness and oiliness. It also keeps your skin hydrated and looking supple, smooth, and fresh.





DON’T: USE SKINCARE PRODUCTS WITH FRAGRANCE IN THEM


Skincare products and soaps that have fragrance in them can do a lot of harm to your skin. It is an unnecessary, irritating ingredient that often causes breakouts, rashes, and redness. Always check your skin products to make sure this ingredient is not included.





DO: DRINK LOTS OF WATER


If your skin is looking dry, constantly breaking out, or looking a little worn, you probably need to drink more water. Water helps get rid of toxins and bacteria and also prevents your skin from producing too much oil, which breaks you out. Staying hydrated means your skin gets the moisture it needs and levels your hormones, which clears your skin and makes you look fresh.





DON’T: EAT FOODS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL BAD


Fast foods and foods with lots of sugar, and dairy will make you weak, tired, and give you headaches. It also breaks out your skin and worsens acne. Staying away from foods like these does not mean you have to go on a diet; it just means you shouldn’t eat them excessively, especially since they are purposely over-processed so the companies that make them can leave the product on the shelves longer or produce them faster with less cost on their end.


If you notice that you feel unwell, more tired than usual, or break out after eating certain foods, it might be best to avoid them. Instead, choose foods that leave you feeling refreshed and full of energy. Your body will thank you for it, and you'll likely notice a positive difference in how you feel and how your skin looks!





DO: USE SUNSCREEN


No matter how much melanin you have in your skin, you still need sunscreen! If you allow your skin to be sun damaged, no matter what skin tone you have, you can develop age spots, hyperpigmentation, a rough, uneven skin texture, and sunburn. This will make your face look older than it actually is, and it isn’t as easy to even out once it's there. Using sunscreen will protect your skin from UV radiation that your skin absorbs from the sun. Sunscreen can also prevent skin cancer in some cases by creating a barrier between your skin and the UV radiation.





DON’T: LEAVE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER ON YOUR SKIN


Shampoo and conditioner can soak into your skin by sliding down your face when you’re washing your hair. Always be sure to completely wash it out of your hair and face so the chemicals, bacteria, and dirt don’t stay on your face and break you out.




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