If you’re starting to notice age spots, deep wrinkles, or a bit of sagging skin on your face, you’re seeing the effect of structural changes associated with skin damage and aging.
Have you ever wondered why your butt cheeks are smoother and generally unblemished while your face becomes dull and has wrinkles and age spots?
That’s because over time your skin suffers NOT ONLY the effects of aging but also the effects of the environment on your skin. Particularly, the sun.
Other factors that contribute to skin health are good nutrition, hormone balance, and of course, a skin care regimen.
The Science of Skin Care
There have been great advancements in skin care, but the fountain of youth is yet to be discovered. Scientists have uncovered enough data, however, that help understand how the skin regenerates and what causes it to structurally change.
We won’t go into the scientific details in this article. Suffice it to say, there are things we can do to prevent and repair skin damage.
So let’s get to it. If you’re serious about preventing and restoring a smooth, spotless, youthful glow to your skin, below is a list of things you can do:
Avoid things that damage your skin
Remember, as we age, the ability of our skin to regenerate and heal from damage is compromised. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate things that damage it is imperative for healthy-looking skin.
Some of these may be obvious, but a reminder may be due…
- Smoking and secondhand smoke
- Excessive sun exposure like sunbathing during the day will take a toll on your skin over time
- Swimming in a chlorinated pool
- Wearing too much makeup or sleeping with makeup
- Picking at your skin – don’t do it!
- Long hot showers and steam rooms
- Consuming too much salt
- Waxing too often
- Exfoliating too often
- Squinting and frowning
- Stress
- Sugars
- Dry cleaned clothes
- Too much alcohol
- Avoid chemicals directly on your skin (i.e. cleaning, grease, etc.)
Did you know that many creams, lotions, and cosmetic products use harmful chemicals already banned in European countries? Avoid them at all costs!
Develop a plan to protect your skin
Protecting your skin from the inside out has proven to be an effective strategy to prolong a youthful complexion. The goal is to do things that help the skin regenerate and protect it from further harm.
- Apply sunscreen
- Wear clothing that provides UV protection
- Drink sufficient water
- Use skin moisturizers
- Get enough sleep
- Use lip balm
- Use clean sheets and pillowcases
- Exercise (sweat)
- Wear clinically proven healthy makeup
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take supplements if you suffer from any nutritional deficiency
Get professional help
Visit an experienced aesthetician, aesthetics doctor, or dermatologist to help you RESTORE your skin’s healthy appearance. Professional help will allow you to get the most dramatic improvement for your specific type of skin.
Remember, your skin does not become dull, dry, wrinkled, or spotted overnight.
Understanding the advantages professional help provides can help you get the results you want more effectively, in less time, and often more affordable.
Experience Matters
Knowing what to look for is imperative to prescribing the right treatment. Getting the results you desire takes experience and know-how. If you’re fortunate to have a medical doctor assess your skin, he or she can also make recommendations based on your health history or condition.
Treatment Options
Your skin rejuvenation professional will recommend a wide range of options, including facials and treatments for specific concerns, and will know which services are best to improve the condition of your skin. For example, a hyper-allergenic solution for oily skin suffering from blackheads/whiteheads.
Advancements in Technology
Some skin damage cannot be treated at home. Age spots and scars, for example, take specialized devices to treat the damaged area. These conditions may require laser, IPL technology, or micro-needling to solve.
Skin Care Products
Most aesthetic or dermatology offices offer skin care products, including makeup, that are safe and effective for your skin type. You can often take advantage of free consultations and demonstrations.
Remember, not all skin types respond the same to treatments. That’s why having a medical doctor as your aesthetic professional is of great advantage in that he or she can better diagnose skin issues affected by health conditions or medications.
Additionally, only a medical doctor can prescribe pain medication should you receive an uncomfortable treatment.
As you know, there are plenty of resources online to help improve your skin’s health. Try them with caution since some of these anti-aging treatments may cause allergic reactions or are simply ineffective for your skin type.
As in exercising or cooking, a professional can expedite the progress you make by providing the know-how to do it effectively. The same thing occurs when attempting to restore a healthy glow to your skin.