What is the largest organ in your body? Most people would not think to answer the ‘skin’, but that would be correct. The skin is made up of two layers. The thin top layer is called the epidermis and it acts as a barrier against harmful germs. The second layer is called the dermis. It provides strength and elasticity to the skin and also contains nerves to feel heat, cold and pain.
Proper skin care is important to look and feel your best. Proper diet and exercise can help your skin glow. Smoking is not only bad for your lungs; it can cause early aging in the skin as well as creases and wrinkles. Avoid the sun and the damage it can cause by wearing a hat or sunscreen. The sun’s rays are strongest between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the summer. However, you can also get sunburned in the winter, especially around snow, or in higher elevations, during a sunny day. You can protect your face against the cold with a scarf or face mask. This will help prevent the skin drying in the winter and protect you from frostbite. Wear gloves to protect your hands from exposure and avoid fabrics like wool or polyester that can irritate the skin.
Proper skin care includes gently washing your skin on a regular basis. Avoid soaps that have added fragrances, deodorants, colors and other chemicals. Use a gentle mild soap for your face and rinse well with warm, not hot, water. If your skin is dry, you may need a moisturizer. It is most effective when applied immediately after washing or bathing. Find a moisturizer that works for you avoiding ones with added perfumes or colors or urea. To decrease the dryness in skin, you can also add bath oil to your water for the last 5 minutes, lower the temperature in your home or use a humidifier to increase the amount of moisture in the air.
Changing seasons, stress and the environment can all take a toll on your skin. Having a facial with each change of season can really boost the look of the skin. Facials can be tailored to dry or oily skin, aging skin, acne and more. Facials are not just for women- men are frequently visiting spas as they realize the importance of skin care and spas are catering to male skin with specially formulated skin care products.
Fortelli Salon and Spa in Oakville has recently opened Fortelli for Men with facials and natural skin care products from Italy just for men. For a great Oakville facial, try Fortelli’s in Oakville or the Mississauga salon and spa of the same name. Their number is (905) 847-0706.
