Advanced Dermatology Celebrates Healthy Aging Month
Nine simple tips that can make a lifetime of difference
Labor Day, celebrated in early September, traditionally marks the last hoorah of summer, and the knowledge that we will soon be shaking out our sweaters, reveling in the changing colors of the leaves, and looking forward to everything pumpkin.
It also seems the perfect time for thinking about – and celebrating – how our skin changes seasons, too, and for taking a closer look at aging healthfully and beautifully.
Your Skin
Your skin works hard to protect you against toxins and germs from the environment, to regulate your body temperature, to protect you against the cold and the sun’s harmful UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays, and to allow you to feel sensations such as pressure, itching, and pain. Your skin stores water, fat and metabolic products, produces vital hormones, and constantly works to rid your body of toxins.
During the summer, your skin has been working overtime, fighting the effects of the sun, pool chemicals, salt water, and excessive heat and humidity.
You owe it to your skin to find ways to nourish and rejuvenate it to keep it soft, smooth and healthy. Following these tips is a great way to start.
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Wear sunscreen every day.
A good sunscreen protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburns, dark spots, wrinkles, premature skin damage, and skin cancer. For the best protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. The SPF rating protects against UVB rays, not UVA, so broad-spectrum protection is important. You should remember to wear sunscreen even if it is overcast out, and as the weather gets cooler. The reflective properties of the sun are just as damaging from the snow as they are from sand or water. To be effective, sunscreen must be applied in adequate amounts and reapplied every two hours (or more if you sweat excessively or get wet).
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Wash your face every night.
Never head to bed with your makeup on. Just as you brush your teeth at night, you should make washing your face before bed a daily habit.
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Exfoliate regularly.
Exfoliation helps remove dirt, blackheads, blemishes and dead skin cells. It also promotes healthy cell turnover, stimulates collagen synthesis, boosts circulation, and generally rejuvenates the skin. Aim to exfoliate twice a week, but don’t over-exfoliate and be on the lookout for signs of skin irritation. Use a gentle exfoliator and avoid rough washcloths and loofahs because they can irritate the skin.
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Make healthy food choices and reduce your sugar intake.
Diet plays a huge role in your overall skin health. Acne is in part caused by inflammation and infection of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Cutting back on saturated and hydrogenated fats, processed foods, and sugar can help prevent acne, a psoriasis flare, and other skin conditions.
Fresh fish, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and skin-loving antioxidants. Skip the chips and sweets and opt for raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, avocados, oranges, and blueberries as a healthy snack.
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Stay hydrated.
Hydration is another important factor for good skin and overall health. You lose water in large amounts every single day through sweat and urination. Drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeinated drinks and excessive alcohol intake are healthy habits.
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Monitor the temperature in your environment.
Hot air can dry your skin, especially in the winter when the heater runs continuously. Using a humidifier can help counteract the effects of forced air and indoor heat. Sitting too close to a heat source, such as a space heater, can break down collagen and thin your skin.
Cold weather can lead to chapped lips, dry and irritated skin, and accelerate signs of aging. During the winter months, make sure to use gentle cleansers, liberally apply moisturizer or body oil, limit hot showers and baths, wear SPF protection, and drink plenty of water. Since skin cancer can also form on the lips, don’t forget to apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors. If your lips feel chapped or dry, apply petroleum jelly for added moisture.
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Remember your neck, chest and hands.
It’s not just your face that is exposed to the elements and gets a fair amount of sun exposure, especially if you work outside. Daily tasks such as gardening and washing dishes, exposure to harsh chemicals, or just regularly working with your hands can take a toll. These areas often show early signs of aging. Give your neck, chest, and hands some TLC by exfoliating regularly, using a good moisturizer, and applying sunscreen every day.
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Learn which skincare products are best for you.
People often look to skincare products and cosmetic procedures as a quick fix. However, some anti-aging creams, serums, and makeup are ineffective, too strong or thick, clog pores, or have unsafe ingredients. If you have sensitive skin or plan to try a new product, make sure to research it first. Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of dermatologist-tested and recommended products in our online shop.
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Schedule your annual check-up with your dermatologist.
Your skin is constantly changing. Healthy Aging Month in September is a great reminder to book a visit with your dermatologist and schedule your annual Total-Body Skin Cancer Exam. These annual exams help detect skin cancer and other concerns in their early stages. Your dermatologist can also treat and manage chronic skin conditions and address other concerns.
Advanced Dermatology offers skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments designed just for you and your battle against age spots, wrinkles, freckles, acne scarring, rosacea and more. These include BOTOX® and fillers, photofacial and IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy, medical facials and chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and dermaplaning, HydraFacial® treatments, skin tightening, and microneedling and plasma treatments.
Our collection of cleansers, serums, pads and creams are rich with powerful blends that exfoliate, hydrate and restore a healthy glow to skin, while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and evening skin tone. These rejuvenating products help minimize some of the effects of aging on the skin and improve the skin’s moisture-binding capabilities to keep it looking youthful and fresh, and are strong, yet gentle enough for daily use.