The arrival of a new year inspires many of us to make resolutions … to eat better, sleep more, and generally live a healthier lifestyle.
What better way to improve your health than to make sure you’re taking care of your body’s largest organ … your skin!
So here are five tips you can follow to make 2023 your skin’s best year ever:
Here is a routine that you can follow to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin:
Morning and night: Cleanse your skin using lukewarm water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser appropriate for your skin type. Then use a toner to balance the pH and tighten pores.
Follow the toner with a serum or treatment product, if you are using any. Moisturize your skin to hydrate and protect it using a product appropriate for your specific skin type.
Daytime Only: Apply a 30+ SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Nighttime Only: At night repeat the cleansing process and apply a night cream or facial oil if you need extra hydration.
Weekly: Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Sun damage occurs when the skin is exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or other sources such as tanning beds. These UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to changes in the skin such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage and the most effective way to do so is to avoid spending time outside during the sun's peak hours, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen daily.
When going out in the sun, avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and make sure to cover up with protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen regularly and liberally, especially if you are spending a significant amount of time outdoors.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds emit harmful UV rays that increase the risk of skin cancer. Instead, opt for self-tanning products or spray tans.
If you suspect you have a skin condition such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, it's important to book an appointment with your dermatologist to form a treatment plan that will manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
If your concerns are more cosmetic in nature, booking a consultation with an aesthetician will provide options that can bring back your youthful glow. Redness or melasma (brown spots) can be reduced with laser skin treatments. Fine lines and wrinkles can be treated with Botox, Genius RF Microneedling, and peels. Dermal fillers can be injected to plump the cheeks, lips, and fill deeper lines.
Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin, which can help to keep it looking smooth and supple. While there is no specific amount of water that you need to drink to maintain healthy skin, it's generally recommended to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day.
Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support the health of your skin.
Get enough sleep and manage stress, as these factors can affect the appearance of your skin.
It is important to visit a dermatologist every year for a skin check-up to detect any potential skin cancers or other skin conditions early on. Dermatologists are trained to recognize and treat skin abnormalities, and can often identify potential skin cancers or concerns before they become more serious.
During your exam the dermatologist will examine your skin for any unusual moles, spots, or changes in skin color or texture. They may also use tools such as a dermatoscope or a mole mapping device to get a closer look at certain areas of your skin.
If the dermatologist finds any suspicious spots or moles, they may recommend a biopsy or other diagnostic tests to determine whether they are cancerous or benign. Early detection of skin cancer is key to effective treatment and survival.
A New Year's resolution to have healthier skin is a great way to make positive changes in your life that will pay off for years to come. Our medical and cosmetic providers look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Call (757) 461-1033 to make an appointment today.
