1 Minute to Healthy Skin
The busy girl's quick guide to skincare
While you're running errands, you're calling clients. When
you're reading books to your children, you're making a mental
grocery list. Like most women, you are a gifted multitasker, but at
times you are just plain stressed and overbooked.
Thankfully, keeping your skin healthy does not need to take a
lot of time. Howard Murad, M.D., founder of Murad Inc., explains
the top three steps you should never skip-no matter how busy you
are-to ensure your complexion stays glowing and youthful. We've
highlighted how long some of these crucial skincare steps truly
take, and we think you'll be surprised.
CLEANSE BEFORE BED
30 seconds
Consider all the elements your skin is exposed to every day:
pollution, dirt, grime, makeup, oily fingers, cleaning chemicals,
cooking ingredients-and the list goes on. "As these elements
accumulate on your skin, they sit there and cause freeradical
damage, which can lead to age spots,
wrinkles, and dull or dry looking skin," says Dr. Murad.
Therefore, if you skip cleansing at the end of the day, those
elements continue to sit on your skin and cause damage. Plus, it's
unsettling to think of all that dirtiness sitting on your skin for
at least eight hours overnight, when your skin could be healing
along with the rest of your mind and body.
SLAP ON SPF
10 seconds
Think of sunscreen as one skincare step you cannot afford to miss.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's estimated
that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her
lifetime.
To prevent skin cancer, as well as early aging and dullness of
your skin, you can't forget sunscreen. Dr. Murad says a multitude
of products can help you save time by combining steps such as
moisturizing and protecting. The Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30
and Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30 are two products that can save you
time and ensure you're never skipping the 10 seconds it may take to
preserve and protect your skin.
BREATHE DEEPLY
20 seconds
Emotional self-care is one of the most important steps in a proper
skincare regimen, Dr. Murad says. While we may do a great job of
controlling stress, this harbored anxiety eventually may surface on
your skin. Instead, take 20 seconds each day to take deep breaths
and allow yourself to relax. "Find a way to clear your mind," Dr.
Murad says. "Think of fresh flowers, a trickling stream or a beach
sunset."
Your skin is the largest living organ in your body and makes up
more than 15 percent of your total body weight. Taking less than a
minute each day to do these three things can help keep your skin
looking youthful and your mind and body healthy as well. -By
Julie Wlodychak Borm