5 Key Essentials Your Skin Needs Every Day

With approximately 2 square yards (1.7 meters squared) of skin exposed, it’s no wonder many people's medicine cabinets are filled with various skincare products [source: iVillage]. However, using more than two or three of these products daily is often unnecessary—and could potentially cause more harm than good.

The outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis, is the part we apply lotions, creams, toners, scrubs, and cleansers to. As the most exposed layer, the epidermis is particularly vulnerable to environmental damage, especially UV rays that can cause discoloration and aging. Over time, skin naturally undergoes changes that lead to dullness, wrinkles, and dryness. This is where a wide range of expensive 'scientific' skincare products come in—some costing over $100 per ounce—promising to cleanse, rejuvenate, smooth out wrinkles, brighten, and enhance the appearance of various skin types.

In reality, it's not as complicated as it may seem. Skin only requires a few basic, affordable 'treatments' to remain healthy and glowing. Many of these treatments are the same as those your body needs to function at its best. While adding extra expert-approved products to your skincare routine may not hurt and can sometimes be helpful, for most people, effective skincare is actually a fairly straightforward process.

For more details on skincare routines, check out Skin Regimens: Fast Facts.

In this article, we’ll explore what your skin needs every day, why these elements are crucial, where to find them, and which so-called 'essentials' might actually be damaging your skin.

The first essential of the day is the most obvious: Healthy skin must be clean.

5: Cleansing

Cleansing is the foundational step in any skincare regimen. It not only eliminates excess dirt, pollutants, and pore-clogging oils from the epidermis, keeping it clear of blemishes, but also prepares the skin for the next products you’ll apply, allowing active ingredients (like vitamins or sunscreen) to penetrate and work more effectively.

However, not all cleansers are created equal. A facial cleanser should always be soap-free, as soap designed for the body is usually too harsh for your face. As with most skincare products, you must choose one that suits your skin type. For very dry skin, opt for a creamy cleanser. Dry and/or sensitive skin should always select an alcohol-free option, whether it’s creamy or not. If you have oily skin, consider an acidic cleanser, such as one containing alpha-hydroxy acids, which helps break down sebum — the oily substance your skin produces that can clog pores.

No matter which cleanser you choose, make sure to massage it into your face for at least 20 seconds to allow it to work effectively [source: SmartSkinCare].

Cleansing focuses on the surface of the skin. Now, let’s dive a little deeper…

4: Water

The human body consists of water — it makes up 55 to 75 percent of who we are [source: ASA]. Water helps flush toxins, enables our cells to absorb nutrients, and ensures our digestive processes function smoothly.

However, that water isn’t a constant. Basic bodily functions, like breathing and sweating, cause water loss from our cells. To keep our cells operating effectively, we need to replenish the water we lose.

The skin is just as reliant on hydration as the rest of the body. Water helps to eliminate impurities that can cause pimples and keeps the skin hydrated, giving it a plump and smooth appearance.

To keep your skin hydrated, aim to drink at least half a gallon (2 liters) of water daily [source: Edgar].

Next: Water won’t do much good if your cells can’t retain it.

3: Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are a crucial part of any balanced diet. They help build the lipid-based membranes of cells that retain water and nutrients. For the skin, these lipids form an oily barrier that protects it from UV damage and pollutants.

Without EFAs, the cell membranes and overall skin barrier can’t function properly. This leads to skin that’s overly exposed, dehydrated, and prone to producing a more harmful type of sebum, which results in dryness, inflammation, and blemishes [source: Bouchez].

The EFAs necessary for healthy skin are primarily omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 is abundant in foods like poultry, grains, and cooking oils, so you’re likely getting enough of it. Omega-3s are a bit harder to find, but they can be found in cold-water fish like salmon and sardines, as well as in flaxseed and safflower oils, kidney beans, walnuts, and spinach. Some experts also recommend gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) for its anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is mostly found in plant oils.

You may find it beneficial to take an omega-3 or GLA supplement to boost your skin health. These supplements are widely available at most grocery stores and definitely at any natural foods store.

EFAs can improve your skin's appearance from the inside. Next, we’ll talk about something to protect your skin from the outside.

2: Sun Protection

By applying sunscreen, you're not only protecting yourself from diseases like skin cancer, but you're also preventing the signs of aging caused by sun exposure. Skin that is left unprotected in the sun becomes more discolored, wrinkled, and less elastic compared to skin that is consistently shielded from UV radiation.

What many of us consider to be "aged skin" is actually more accurately described as sun-damaged skin [source: Mayo Clinic].

To safeguard your skin from sun damage, you can opt for either a chemical sunscreen, like avobenzone or oxybenzone, or a physical sunscreen, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Whichever you choose, make sure the sunscreen has a sun-protection factor (SPF) greater than 15, and apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure [source: Mayo Clinic]. This gives the active ingredients time to become effective before UV rays hit your skin.

If you plan to swim or anticipate sweating a lot, remember to reapply sunscreen afterward.

Next, we’ll discuss another crucial element for great skin that also serves as a defense against cancer.

1: Antioxidants

Antioxidants are widely recognized for their role in promoting heart health and preventing cancer. These powerful compounds are found in a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and oils. Antioxidants combat free radicals, molecules that can damage healthy cells, and they are just as beneficial for your skin as they are for the rest of your body’s cells.

While numerous antioxidants can benefit your skin, two in particular receive a lot of attention:

Other antioxidants that contribute to skin health include selenium, thiamine, beta-carotene, and zinc.