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Skin is your body's largest organ. It serves as a protective barrier between your insides and the rest of the world, helps regulate body temperature and acts as a filter. Skin exists in a constant state of growth, with old cells dying as new cells are forming. It's affected by every aspect of your life, from what you eat to where you live. Healthy skin is better able to fight signs of aging, heals much faster and staves off potential disease better than unhealthy skin.

Appearance

Proper skin care is vital if you're concerned about your physical appearance. Unhealthy skin tends to appear sallow and dull, whereas healthy skin appears full and vibrant. Wrinkles develop with more ease and sink deeper if your skin is dehydrated and unhealthy, and it can result in uneven patches that have a mottled color. When skin is unhealthy it loses elasticity, which can make it sag and appear thin.

Health

Proper skin care is not only about looking good, it's about staying healthy. Poor skin care habits can lead to rashes, sores, acne and wrinkles. Unhealthy skin is more susceptible to disease, infection and is more likely to scar after an injury. Proper care is particularly important for people who experience skin issues, such as psoriasis, or have skin allergies.

Keeping Skin Healthy

Skin is constantly growing and changing, so you have to remain vigilant in caring for it. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and maintain a balanced diet to provide the vitamins and minerals your skin needs. Stick with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein for the best results. Always make sure to use sunblock if you're going to spend time outside.

Proper Skin Care

Proper skin care means cleansing it properly. Skin needs moisture to survive, so avoid using hot water when you wash your face, as the heat sucks moisture from your skin. Try using warm or cool water instead. Also, avoid harsh or chemical-heavy soaps, as they strip moisture from your skin while polluting it. Keep your skin moisturized by applying lotion within a few minutes of bathing. If you have a problem with dry skin, use an oil-based lotion on the problem area several times a day.

Skin Care and Pregnancy

Proper skin care is important for health and appearance during a pregnancy. Unhealthy skin can cause an unhealthy body, which in turn can cause an unhealthy baby. Healthy skin is more pliable and will minimize the stretch marks that typically occur in the later stages of pregnancy.