| How to Hang Curtains with Wire Posted: 14 Jun 2020 01:00 AM PDT Curtains offer much-needed shade for doors and windows that receive lots of direct sunlight, while also lending an endlessly-customizable decorative touch. The trouble is, putting them up usually requires a lot of measuring, drilling, and messing with complicated bits of hardware—unless you do away with the rod, that is. DIY wire curtain hangers make it possible to hang curtains in any part of your home where you don't have the space, or desire, to install a regular curtain rod. [Edit]Installing the Screw Hooks - Choose a location for your curtains. The beauty of hanging curtains with wire as opposed to a fixed rod is that you can put them anywhere. They can surround a window or door like normal, or you might string them between two walls to serve as an attractive partition. You could even stick them in the middle of a wall to highlight or cover a piece of prized artwork. You're only limited by your imagination![1]
- Make sure your designated hanging site is big enough to extend your curtain or curtains to their full length.
- If your curtains are for ornamental purposes only (to frame a recessed window or set of French doors, for example), you may be able to get by with only of wall space.
- Make two level marks on the wall for your mounting hooks. This will be a piece of cake if you're hanging your curtains over a window or doorway—just draw a small dot or 'X' on either end of the opening, using a tape measure and carpenter's level to align the distant marks. If you plan on putting them somewhere out of the ordinary, you'll first need to measure them from end to end to determine how much room they'll take up width-wise.[2]
- You'll also find the exact dimensions of your curtains listed on their original packaging, if you happened to save it.
- Drill pilot holes for the screw hooks. Fit a power drill with a bit that matches the diameter of the threaded body of the hooks (this number should be specified on the product package). Hold the tip of the drill bit against the wall at a perpendicular angle, then squeeze the trigger, push the bit into the wall about deep, and pull it straight out again.[3]
- Assuming you don't have a drill handy, you can also open up a small pilot hole using a good old hammer and nail.[4]
- If your curtains are on the heavy side, it's a good idea to confirm that each of your screw hooks is going into a wall stud, which will provide a much stronger anchor than thin, brittle drywall.
- Work the screw hooks into the wall by turning them clockwise. The easiest way to do this is to screw them in by hand. If you're having trouble getting them to go in, grab a screwdriver or a pair of pliers to give yourself some extra leverage. Keep twisting the hooks until their threads are no longer visible, and make sure that the curved ends are pointed upwards.[5]
- You can also use a drill to drive your wall screws for effortless installation. Just fit your drill with a round hook or eye bit.[6]
- Do your best to screw the hooks straight into the wall. If you move them around too much, you'll end up with a larger hole than you need, which could cause the hooks to come loose more easily.
[Edit]Rigging the Wire - Extend a spool of flexible metal wire to the desired length. Unravel the loose end of the spool until it's as long as the distance between your screw hooks, then feed out an additional . This will leave you enough excess to loop the ends and suspend the wire between the hooks.[7]
- Any type of lightweight, durable wire or cable will work just fine for this project, but galvanized steel aircraft cable is your best bet if you want your rig-up to withstand weight, friction, and time. You can buy a small bundle of aircraft cable at your local hardware store or home improvement center for around $30-40.
- Don't forget to subtract the length of your turnbuckle (the tightening device you'll be using to add tension to the wire). Standard turnbuckles are usually somewhere between in their normal state and when expanded.
- Cut the wire with a pair of wire rope cutters. Clamp the jaws of your cutters onto the appropriate spot along the wire. Squeeze the handles together forcefully to snip the section free. You may need to use both hands here.[8]
- A pair of high-tensile wire cutters will easily slice through cables that are especially strong or thick.[9]
- You can also use bolt cutters, a hacksaw, or a rotary tool equipped with a steel cutting wheel if you don't own a pair of specialized wire rope cutters.
- Double the ends of the wire over on themselves to form small loops. Try to make each loop as small as possible, but not so small that it won't fit over the curved ends of your screw hooks. When you're satisfied with the size of your first loop, use one hand to keep it pinched together tightly.[10]
- For the sake of precision, it can be helpful to use strips of tape to mark the points where the wire will connect to the screw hooks. This will tell you exactly how much spare length you have to work with at a glance.
- You'll be slipping these loops over your screw hooks when it comes time to actually hang your curtains.
- Secure the loops with wire rope clips. Clamp the two pieces of your first clip over the open end of one loop, making sure that the U-shaped top half is positioned over the "dead" (cut) end of the wire and that the lower half (also known as the "saddle") is sitting on the "live" end. Using a socket wrench of a suitable size, turn the two nuts on the saddle clockwise to tighten the clip. Repeat the process with the opposite loop.[11]
- The wire rope clips will ensure that the two sections of wire forming the loop stay cinched together.
- You should only need a single clip for the kind of small gauge wire this project calls for. If you decide to make use of more than one, be sure to separate them by at least a full saddle's length.[12]
[Edit]Attaching and Adjusting the Curtains - Pass the wire through the holes in your curtain or curtains. Snake the wire in an alternating fashion through the front side of one hole and the back of the next. That way, the curtain will bunch properly when it's drawn open completely. If your curtains have rings attached to the top for ease of installation, simply pull the wire straight through.[13]
- It may help to lay the curtains out on the floor while you do this rather than trying to hold them upright.
- Once you've threaded the curtains successfully, gather them near the middle section of the wire so they won't get in your way while you finish hanging them.
- Loop a turnbuckle over one of the screw hooks on your wall. A turnbuckle is a small device used to manually add tension to ropes and wires. Turn the shaft connecting the eye and hook ends counterclockwise to expand the turnbuckle to its full length. Doing so will allow you to gradually stretch the wire once it's in place and guarantee that it won't sag or droop under the weight of your curtains.[14]
- Most turnbuckles are designed to expand beyond their starting length, so you'll have quite a bit of wiggle room.[15]
- You can pick up a turnbuckle at the hardware store or home improvement center when you go to purchase the rest of your supplies.
- Drape the looped ends of the wire over the screw hooks. Place one loop over the hooked end of the turnbuckle. Then, pull the slack out of the wire and slip the other loop over the opposing screw hook. Your curtains are now officially hung. Just one last step to take care of![16]
- If necessary, have an assistant hold the curtains from below while you concentrate on attaching the ends of the wire or vice versa.
- Twist the shaft of the turnbuckle clockwise to tighten it until the wire is taut. As you rotate the shaft, it will shift further down the threads on the eye end, creating more tension on the wire. A few quick turns should be all it takes to get your curtains hanging nice and straight.[17]
- If you discover that your curtains are still sagging after you've tightened the turnbuckle all the way, you may have no choice but to unclamp one end of the wire and move the loop closer to the middle to shorten it.
- If you're looking for a way to hang your curtains without putting any holes in your walls, try using press-on adhesive hooks in place of screw hooks. Just be aware that these sorts of solutions typically can't support more than about .
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Tape measure
- Carpenter's level
- Pencil
- Power drill w/ hook or eye bit
- Screw hooks
- Lightweight, flexible metal wire
- Wire rope cutters
- Tape measure
- Wire rope clips
- Turnbuckle
- Hammer and nail (optional)
- Plastic wall anchors (optional)
- Metal thimbles (optional—for reinforcing loops)
- Adjustable wrench or screwdriver (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Wash Your Bathroom Floor Posted: 13 Jun 2020 05:00 PM PDT Cleaning the bathroom is probably everyone's least favorite chore. Your bathroom is also one of the most important places to keep clean in your home. In fact, experts suggest that you should clean your bathroom, including the floor, at least once a week.[1] That might sound like a lot, but you'll find that the more often you clean your bathroom floors, the less work it is. With regular sweeping and mopping you won't have to do deep-cleaning tasks like scrubbing the grout between tiles as often. [Edit]Clearing and Sweeping the Floor - Take any moveable objects out of the bathroom. Remove the bath mat, trash bin, and any moveable pieces of furniture, so the floor is as clear as possible. This will give you plenty of room to work and ensure you don't miss any areas of the floor when you're cleaning.[2]
- This would be a good time to wash your bath mat, too. It's recommended to wash your bath mat once a week, especially if you share it with other people.
- Sweep dust and dirt towards the center of the bathroom using a small broom. Start in a far corner of the bathroom and sweep along the edges of the room. Collect everything in a pile in the middle of the bathroom, so you can easily collect it.[3]
- Alternatively, if you have a small vacuum that works on hard surfaces, you could use that instead of sweeping.
- Collect the dust and dirt you gathered with a damp paper towel. Moisten a paper towel so it is just barely damp. Hold it in one hand and gently scoop up the small pile of dust and dirt, then throw it away in a trash can.[4]
- You could also sweep the pile into a small dustpan and dump it out into the trash.
[Edit]Mopping and Drying the Floor - Fill a bucket with warm water and mix in a commercial floor cleaner. Get a bucket that can hold at least 1 gallon (3.78 L) of liquid and fill it up about 3/4 of the way. Pour in the amount of floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer, which is usually measured in capfuls.[5]
- Examples of commercial floor cleaning liquid brands are Pledge, Bona, Rejuvenate, Mop & Glo, Nature's Miracle, and Aunt Fannie's. These brands offer all-purpose floor cleaners and floor cleaners made for certain types of surfaces. Look for water-based and natural formulas.
- Read the label of the commercial cleaner you plan to use to make sure it is safe for the type of bathroom floor you have. Acidic cleaners and bleach-based cleaners are not recommended for natural stone floors, for example.
- If you don't have any commercial floor cleaner, pour 1 cup (236 mL) of white vinegar into a bucket of water instead. This vinegar solution is also a safe way to kill off mold and mildew on your bathroom floor.
- Open up any bathroom windows, leave the door open, and turn on the fan, if your bathroom has one, for ventilation when you mop. Wear rubber cleaning gloves if you plan to wring your mop out with your hands.
- Dip a mop in the bucket of cleaning solution and wring it out. Submerge the head of your mop all the way in the bucket full of water and floor cleaner. Pull it out and wring out the mop head, so that it isn't dripping.[6]
- Applying too much water can damage certain types of floors, especially if you have porous tiles. Make sure the mop head is fully damp, but not soaking. The idea is to avoid leaving big puddles of water on the bathroom floor.
- You can use any kind of mop for this, such as a sponge mop or a string mop. Alternatively, you could use something like a Swiffer Wet Jet.
- Start mopping from the side of the bathroom furthest from the door. Stand in a corner of the far side of the bathroom and place the wet mop head against the floor. Move the mop across the floor from side to side, walking your way backwards until you reach the door.[7]
- This technique will ensure that you don't step on any parts of the bathroom floor that you have already mopped and that you don't get trapped on the other side of the bathroom waiting for the floor to dry.
- If your bathroom is on the small side, you can probably mop the whole floor without re-wetting your mop. If you have a large bathroom, you might need to dunk the mop head and wring it out 1-2 additional times as you mop.
- Push the mop all the way into corners and up against the baseboards. Squeeze the mop all the way into each corner of the bathroom when you reach a corner and wiggle the mop head around to dislodge any accumulated grime in the corner. Run the mop along the floor right up against the baseboards each time you reach a side of the bathroom to ensure you clean the floor where it meets the wall.[8]
- Push a dry towel across the floor with your feet to dry it off. Lay a towel out flat on the bathroom floor in the doorway and stand on it with one foot. Use your foot to slide it around the whole bathroom floor, moving side to side and working your way forward, to dry up excess moisture from mopping.[9]
- If the towel gets totally saturated, switch it out for a new dry towel. Depending on the size of your bathroom, the size of the towel, and how wet the floor is, you can probably get by with 1-2 towels.
- Drying the floor right away will help prevent mold and mildew, as well as avoid slipping accidents.
- Clean any areas you missed with a sponge, paper towel, or wet wipe. Get into any nooks and crannies where you couldn't clean well with the mop, such as corners or around the toilet. Wet the hard-to-reach areas with your floor cleaning liquid or some kind of all-purpose spray cleaner, then wipe them clean.[10]
- A disinfecting spray or wipe is good for cleaning in these areas, specifically around the toilet, where germs and bacteria tend to accumulate more.
[Edit]Cleaning Tile Grout - Make a whitening cleaning solution that includes baking soda. Combine 2 parts baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide or 1 part water in a container. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly until the solution is an even consistency, which will be somewhat pasty.[11]
- This is a safe cleaning solution for all types of tiles. There are harsh commercial tile cleaners and other homemade solutions that you can make, but they might not be safe for certain types of tiles, so it's best to stick with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
- If you don't have a tile floor or the grout between tiles doesn't look dirty, you don't have to do this part of cleaning your bathroom floor.
- Put the mixture onto dirty grout between tiles and let it sit for 10 minutes. Carefully pour or scoop out the baking soda solution onto any dirty tile grout that you want to clean, so that the grout is completely covered. Leave it alone for at least 10 minutes to let the solution work.[12]
- Always do this after you sweep and mop the floors, so that you have already removed as much surface dirt as possible and are only left with the stained and discolored tile grout.
- You can use your fingers to spread the solution on top of the grout. The mixture is harmless to your skin.
- Scrub the grout with a stiff-bristled brush. Use an old toothbrush or a stiff-bristled cleaning brush. Scrub the cleaning solution into the grout lines using vigorous back and forth motions, going with the direction of the grout.[13]
- This will whiten the grout and can remove stains caused by mold, mildew, rust, and other things that cause discoloration.
- Wipe the tiles clean with a wet rag. Soak a towel or cloth in plain water and wring it out so that it isn't dripping wet. Wipe up the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture from the tiles you just scrubbed. Rinse out the rag and repeat this until you clean up all the solution from the floor.[14]
- If the grout between your tiles is still stained or discolored, you can repeat the whole process until you are happy with the results. Try letting the cleaning solution sit for longer on the second go-round and see if it whitens the grout more.
- Try to clean your bathroom, including the floor, once a week. This is especially important if you share it with multiple people.
- Sponge mops work well to clean bathroom floors because they have a built-in wringer that makes it easy to squeeze the excess moisture out.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using acidic cleaners and bleach-based cleaners on your bathroom floor if you have a natural stone floor.
- Ventilate your bathroom as much as possible before you start mopping by opening windows and doors and turning on the fan, if there is one.
- Wear rubber cleaning gloves if you plan to wring out your mop with your hands to avoid getting any floor cleaner or germs on your skin.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Broom
- Paper towel
- Bucket
- Floor cleaner
- Mop
- Towel
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Container
- Stiff-bristled brush
- Rag
[Edit]References |
| How to Take Care of Your Skin With Natural Methods Posted: 13 Jun 2020 09:00 AM PDT Your skin is your body's biggest organ, and it shields the rest of your body from dirt, germs, and other everyday dangers of the outside world. Since it has such an important job to do, taking good care of your skin is a major part of protecting your overall health! If you have sensitive skin or are nervous about using a lot of artificial chemicals in your skincare routine, there are lots of gentle, natural options you can turn to. Take care of your skin by cleaning and moisturizing it daily and using gentle products like plant oils and colloidal oatmeal. [Edit]Cleansing, Exfoliating, and Moisturizing Your Skin - Wash your skin twice a day and whenever you sweat. Washing gets rid of oils, dirt, bacteria, and other nasty stuff that builds up on your skin throughout the day. Wash your face in the morning and evening to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.[1] While dermatologists don't all agree on how often you should shower, most say it's a good idea to do it several times a week (e.g., every other day).[2]
- It's good to break a sweat sometimes, but letting sweat sit on your skin can cause acne breakouts and irritation. If it's hot out or you've been hitting the gym, change out of your sweaty clothes as soon as possible, take a shower, and wash your face. Wash any sweaty clothes before wearing them again.[3]
- Wash up immediately after being in a swimming pool or in the ocean.
- If you wear makeup, wash it off every evening before you go to bed with an oil-free makeup remover and a gentle cleanser.[4]
- Cleanse yourself with warm water. Using hot water when you shower or wash your face can dry out and irritate your skin. Stick to washing with comfortably warm water instead.[5]
- Apply your cleanser with your fingertips or a soft cloth. While exfoliating your skin occasionally can give it a healthy glow, regular scrubbing can cause irritation. Be kind to your face and wash it with your fingers instead of sponges or washcloths.[6] When you bathe or shower, use a soft washcloth on your body if you want a little gentle exfoliation.[7]
- If you have a skin condition such as psoriasis, don't use washcloths, loofahs, sponges, or scrub brushes. Stick to gently cleansing your skin with your hands.[8]
- Rinse off your cleanser thoroughly when you're done. Even a gentle cleanser can irritate your skin if you don't rinse it away when you're done washing! Use warm water and your hands to gently rinse away any residue that's left on your skin.[9]
- If you like, you can rinse your face with cool water when you're done cleaning it. The cold temperatures will temporarily tighten up your skin and minimize the appearance of pores.[10]
- Pat your skin dry with a clean, dry towel. When you're done washing up, don't rub your skin with a towel, since this can be irritating. Instead, take a soft towel and blot or pat your skin to remove excess moisture. Your skin will thank you for the TLC![11]
- If you have dry skin, apply a little moisturizer immediately after patting yourself dry, while your skin is still slightly damp.
- Exfoliate your skin gently 2-3 times a week. If your skin tends to get flaky or uneven, a little gentle exfoliation can help. However, don't do it every day or use harsh scrubs, since this can damage your skin and even lead to breakouts.[12] Apply a gentle exfoliating wash, such as an oatmeal-based exfoliant, with your fingertips.[13] Use small, gentle, circular motions. Rinse the exfoliant away with warm water when you're done.
- If you have really sensitive skin, talk to a dermatologist about dermaplaning. This procedure involves gently shaving the skin with a razor to remove fine hairs and dead skin cells. It's gentler than most forms of exfoliation, including scrubs and chemical peels.[14]
- Moisturize your skin whenever you shower or wash your face. Bathing, showering, or washing your face can all dry out your skin. To keep your skin happy, soft, and hydrated, put on moisturizer as soon as you're done washing, while your skin is still slightly damp.[15]
- If you have very dry skin, you may need to moisturize it several times a day.
- Your hands are especially prone to dryness, since they get a lot of exposure to the elements and must be washed frequently. Try to remember to moisturize your hands any time you wash them, do the dishes, or apply hand sanitizer.
[Edit]Choosing the Right Products - Use cleansers and moisturizers that are free of dyes, perfumes, and alcohol. Skincare products with harsh ingredients can dry out your skin or even cause allergic reactions.[16] Look for face and body cleansers and moisturizers that are free of these types of ingredients.[17]
- Chemical preservatives, such as parabens, can also harm your skin. Choose cleansers and other skincare products that are paraben-free.[18]
- Some people may also have bad reactions to ingredients such as retinoic acid (an anti-aging ingredient), salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant), or common plant-based allergens, like nuts and berries.[19]
- Select a moisturizer that won't clog your pores. No matter what skin type you have, it's a good idea to use a moisturizer that won't clog up your skin with oils. Look for products that are labeled "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores."[20]
- This is especially important if you have oily or acne-prone skin, since pore-clogging moisturizers could lead to breakouts.
- Pick a moisturizer with lactic acid if your skin is extremely dry. If you have really dry skin, lactic acid is a strong natural moisturizer that helps pull moisture into your skin and keep it there. Apply it to stubborn dry areas, such as your arms, hands, legs, and feet.[21]
- Lactic acid is also great for evening your skin tone and reducing roughness.[22]
- You can also use thick or oily moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or cocoa butter on very dry areas. However, avoid using these products on your face or acne-prone areas, since they can clog your pores and cause breakouts.
- Get calming ingredients like chamomile or aloe if your skin is sensitive. It can be tough to treat skin that's prone to redness, rashes, or itching. Look for moisturizers with gentle, natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile and aloe are both great options.[23]
- In addition to smelling nice, lavender essential oil is also a great for sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.[24]
- If you use any essential oils, always dilute 2-3 drops in of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sunflower oil, before applying them to your skin. Otherwise, you may irritate your skin.[25]
[Edit]Treating Common Problems - Apply tea tree oil to blemishes to reduce inflammation. Tea tree oil can help fight bacteria and soothe inflammation, making it a powerful natural remedy for acne and other skin conditions.[26] If you struggle with acne or blotchy, uneven skin, grab some tea tree oil from your pharmacy or beauty supply store. Dilute 2-3 drops in of a gentle carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive oil. Gently apply it to any blemishes or inflamed areas once a day with a cotton swab or your fingertips.[27]
- Tea tree oil tends to have fewer side effects than most over-the-counter acne medications. However, it may irritate some people's skin. Always test it on another part of your body, such as the back of your knee or behind your ear, and wait a few hours to see if you experience any negative effects before putting it on your face.
- Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Never eat or drink it.
- Use onion extract gel once a day to minimize scars. Scars can be painful or embarrassing, but luckily, there are natural remedies that can help! Gels or creams containing onion extract have been shown to soften and reduce the appearance of scars. If you have scars from acne or injuries to your skin, purchase a scar-reducing product containing onion extract and apply it to the affected area(s) once daily or as often as recommended on the package.[28]
- Test a small amount of the product on another area of your body (such as your arm or leg) to see if it causes any ill effects before putting it on your face. Some people are sensitive to onion gel.[29]
- Reduce wrinkles with a vitamin C serum. Vitamin C can help repair your skin and protect it from sun damage. To even out your skin and plump out any annoying fine lines and wrinkles, pick up a vitamin C serum or cream at your local drug store or beauty supply store.[30] Check the label to determine how often to use your serum.
- When you first start using a vitamin C serum, you may notice stinging or redness. If this happens, don't give up right away! These side effects usually go away over time as you continue using the product and your skin gets used to it.[31]
- Minimize excess oil with a witch hazel lotion or toner. Witch hazel is an astringent, meaning that it helps tighten your pores and reduce oil production. It can also reduce inflammation and help fight bacteria that cause acne and skin irritation.[32] If you have oily skin, look for toners, cleansers, or lotions with witch hazel.
- Be careful using witch hazel, since astringents can cause irritation for some people. Stop using it if it dries out or irritates your skin, or if you start to experience breakouts.[33]
- Treat dry or itchy skin with an oatmeal bath. Finely ground (colloidal) oatmeal can help improve skin dryness, itching, and irritation. It can also strengthen your skin's natural barrier and protect it from moisture loss and damage.[34] Try relaxing in a warm bath with a colloidal oatmeal soak (such as Aveeno Bath) to relieve itching and dryness.[35]
- You can also get lotions, creams, masks, and exfoliants that are oatmeal-based.
[Edit]Preventing Skin Damage - Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It feels good to soak up some rays when the weather is warm, but too much sunlight can age your skin prematurely and put you at risk of developing skin cancer. Keep your skin healthy by putting on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. If you plan to be in the water or think you'll be breaking a sweat, use a sunscreen that's labeled "water resistant."[36]
- Put on protective clothing if you plan to spend time in the sun. For example, wear a long-sleeved shirt and put on a hat and sunglasses.[37]
- As much as possible, avoid being out in the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, which is when the sun is harshest. Try to stay in the shade if you're outdoors during these times.
- If you'll be out in the sun for a long time, re-apply your sunscreen every 2 hours, or even more often if you're in the water.
- Use shaving cream, gel, or lotion whenever you shave. Shaving is one of the safest and gentlest ways to remove unwanted hair, but it can cause irritation if you don't do it carefully. Before you shave, wash and wet your skin. Apply a shaving cream or gel, then carefully shave in the direction of your hair's growth to prevent razor bumps and burns.[38]
- You can also prevent irritation and infections by caring for your razor properly. Always rinse it after shaving, and store it in a dry, clean area. Change your razor blade after every 5-7 shaves.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet to promote skin health. What you eat can make a big difference in the health of your skin. To make sure your skin is getting all the nutrients it needs, eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins (like those in fish, poultry breast, and peas and beans), and healthy fats (such as those in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds).[39]
- Avoid greasy and sugary foods, which can cause inflammation.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated.
- Do stress-reducing activities to minimize inflammation. Stress can cause inflammation throughout your body, which may trigger breakouts and make your skin more sensitive.[40] It may even cause skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis to get worse![41] If you're stressed, try doing things that help you relax and unwind, such as:
- Meditation or yoga
- Exercising
- Listening to peaceful music
- Spending time with your friends and family
- Working on creative projects or hobbies
- Going outside
- Avoid smoking to prevent premature skin aging. Smoking can damage almost every part of your body, and your skin is no exception. If you smoke, quit or cut back to prevent wrinkles and promote better circulation in your skin.[42]
- Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult. If you're not sure how to stop, talk to your doctor. They can give you advice or prescribe medications that can help.
[Edit]When to Seek Medical Treatment - See a doctor for dry skin that doesn't get better with home treatment. Most of the time, dry skin isn't serious and can be treated with simple home remedies. Sometimes, however, it can cause more serious problems or be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have dry skin that doesn't get better even with moisturizers and proper home care, see your doctor. You should also get medical help if:[43]
- You have redness along with dry skin
- The dryness causes so much itching or discomfort that you can't sleep
- You've developed open sores or infections in your skin (often caused by excessive scratching)
- Large areas of your skin are scaling or peeling
- Call your doctor if you develop a rash that doesn't go away in 1 week. Skin rashes can have many different causes, but most of them aren't serious. However, if you develop a rash that doesn't heal up on its own or with home care within a week, it's best to have a doctor check it out.[44]
- You should also get medical attention if your rash gets worse even with home care, shows signs of infection (such as swelling or discharge), or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands, fatigue, or swollen joints.
- Go to the emergency room or call emergency services if you have a rash along with difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, nausea, confusion, or hives.
- Get medical attention for severe or unexplained itchy skin. Itchy skin can be caused by dryness, irritation, or illness. Most of the time, it's nothing to worry about, but it may require medical treatment in some cases. Itchy skin can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as an allergy, liver disease, or an infection. Go to your doctor for itchy skin if:[45]
- The itching lasts longer than 2 weeks, even with home care.
- Your itching is so severe that it prevents you from sleeping or makes it hard to focus on day-to-day activities.
- The itching comes on suddenly and has no obvious cause.
- Your entire body feels itchy.
- You have other symptoms, such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, redness of the skin, or changes in your bathroom habits (such as diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination).
- Visit your doctor if you have red skin along with other severe symptoms. Red skin is a common symptom of sunburn and a variety of other skin conditions, such as dermatitis or rosacea. If you're not sure what's causing your red skin or if you have other worrisome symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Seek medical care if:[46]
- You have unexplained redness that doesn't go away in a few days.
- The red skin covers a large area of your body.
- You have other symptoms, such as a fever or pain.
- The redness starts suddenly and quickly spreads.
- You notice blistering in the red area.
- You see signs of an infection, such as warmth, swelling, pus, or discharge in the affected area.
- Make an appointment for wounds or ulcers that don't heal up in a week. Most minor skin wounds heal up or improve significantly within 1-2 weeks. If you have open sores, wounds, or ulcers that don't heal up in that time, have them checked out by a doctor.[47]
- Having open wounds puts you at risk of developing a severe skin infection.
- Wounds that don't heal can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition, such as diabetes or blood clots.[48]
- Go to a dermatologist if you notice changing or unusual moles. Most people have at least a few moles on their skin. If you have moles, keep an eye on them during your regular skin care routine. In rare cases, moles can become cancerous. Call your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:[49]
- That a mole is asymmetrical in shape
- Moles with an irregular border
- Changes in the color of your moles
- That your mole is growing, especially if the growth is more than in diameter
- Other changes in a mole (e.g., if the mole changes in height or shape, develops itching or bleeding, or turns completely or partially black)
- Talk to your doctor about severe or persistent acne. Acne is a common and aggravating skin problem, especially for teens. Mild acne will often go away on its own and can be managed with good skin care and home remedies. However, more severe cases are harder to control and can cause pain, scarring, and embarrassment. See your doctor or dermatologist for acne if:[50]
- You've been using home remedies or over-the-counter treatments without success
- You have acne that comes on suddenly when you're an adult
- Your acne is causing you pain or upsetting you emotionally
- Seek medical care if you have a severe reaction to a skin care product. Even mild, natural skin care products can occasionally cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Stop using any skin care product if it causes symptoms such as irritation, itching, redness, or peeling. For more severe reactions, you may need to see a doctor or get emergency care.[51]
- Call your doctor if a rash from a skin care product is extremely painful, severe, or widespread, or if it comes on suddenly. You should also see a doctor for rashes on your face or genitals.
- Even if your reaction isn't severe, see your doctor if it doesn't clear up on its own within 3 weeks.
- Go to the emergency room or call emergency services if you see signs of a skin infection after using a skincare product (such as a fever or oozing blisters).
- Get emergency care for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, confusion, nausea, or swelling of your face, tongue, or throat.
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