We come into this world wearing it, and we’ll wear it every day for the rest of our lives… our skin. As a cosmetic surgeon for over twenty-five years, I’ve seen a lot of trends in the industry. Currently, I’m noticing a new trend in aesthetic medicine that delights me: a focus on skincare. I find this inspiring to see, as skin care is more important than we think.
Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies, and works around the clock to remove toxins from the body, draws in oxygen that’s vital for cell life, and protects us from infection and disease. You can see why taking care of it is important. What’s great is that taking care of your skin is not only good for your health, it’s also the ultimate beauty hack: great skin keeps you looking youthful, vital and happy.
So what steps can we take to better serve our skin? The good news is that small adjustments in your daily routine can have major benefits. Here are some quick ways to better take care of your skin that you can start today:
Protect it from the Sun
That banana-boat bronze tan you see on the summer beaches is good for your skin right? Wrong. If you live in a sunny place like San Antonio, the sun shines almost 24/7…which means you need to protect your skin 24/7. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can change the look of your skin more than any other environmental factor, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, discoloration and sunspots. Luckily, there’s a simple, quick fix: Use sunscreen. It’s that easy. I repeat. Use sunscreen. Skincare experts across the board agree that sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare regimen. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and wear it everyday to avoid UV rays from wreaking havoc on your skin. At my skin care center, we offer a variety of specialized sunscreen products that will keep the rays at bay, and your skin protected from damage. Right now, we’re excited about my new Tinted Physical Sunscreen, which is SPF 50, and packed with restorative compounds like zinc oxide, vitamin C and Resveratrol. Quick tip: To avoid sunspots later in life, remember to apply to your hands, arms and neck.
Keep Stress in Check
From gained weight to hair loss, stress takes a toll on nearly every part of your body... including your skin. In a recent study conducted at Stanford University, researchers found that students who felt stressed during exams had more intense acne breakouts than did those under less pressure. That’s because anxiety increases the body’s production of “stress hormones” such as cortisol, which decreases its ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria and makes the skin oilier. To keep your stress at bay, and your skin bright and fresh, try practicing stress-management techniques, like deep breathing, yoga and meditation. High cardio activities like running or spinning are also great for the skin: they burn off steam, and get your heart rate up, which pumps oxygen-packed blood to the skin, giving its cells a revitalizing boost.
Moisturize and Treat your Skin
Like mother said, healthy skin starts with a fresh, clean face. Washing your face everyday with a gentle cleanser is an important, easy, daily measure you can take to keep your skin clean and your pores unclogged. Ideally, you want to choose a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that cleans skin and moisturizes it. At my skin care center, we sell a Glycolic Moisturizing Cleanser, packed with Vitamins A, C and E. Another important measure to take when it comes to skin treatment is moisturizing. The best time to moisturize is after your shower or when your skin is damp. At Elegante surgery center, we sell a daily Restorative Moisturizer with antioxidants and phytostem cells to incite cell rejuvenation. By choosing the right products to wash and moisturize your face with, you can protect your skin from aging and damage, and keep it looking fresh and vital.
Ultimately, your skin is the one thing you wear every day.. so it’s important to take care of it! By protecting it from the sun, keeping stress in check, and treating your skin with a daily regimen, your skin will look flawless and reflect your inner brilliance with an outer glow. I firmly believe when it comes to health and beauty, it all starts with the skin. So, take care of your skin, and keep shining!