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Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can be rough on your skin. Follow these tips for gentle skin care:

  • Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. Use warm water rather than hot water.
  • Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. Choose mild cleansers instead.
  • Shave carefully. It's ideal to shave after bathing when your skin is moist. To help protect your skin, put on shaving cream, lotion, or gel before you start shaving. Use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. And rinse the razor after each stroke of the blade.
  • Pat dry. After you wash or bathe, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel. That way, some moisture stays on your skin.
  • Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, try a moisturizer that contains SPF to help protect your skin from the sun.