The Five Staples of Skincare & Antiaging
By Tiffany Carmichael, FNP, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
If you’re anything like me, you look back on your lack of proper skin care and regret every minute of it. When we’re young, we think we’re invincible and won’t ever age — until we do. Fortunately, for those of us that are behind the ball, there are a ton of options to reverse the signs of aging. For all my twentysomethings, start taking care of your skin now.
1. Wear Your SPF! All. The. Time.
It is 2023. Skin cancer is becoming more prevalent every year. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States according to the American Academy of Dermatology (2022). Sun exposure is also one of the number one causes of premature aging. Sunscreen should be worn daily, even when it’s cloudy. I recommend SkinBetter Science, Sunbetter Sunscreen to both male and female patients. This is available as a compact (SPF 56-68) or lotion (SPF 7075) and is available in sheer and tinted formulas. They are oil free, fragrance free and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Not only will you reduce your risk of future skin cancer, you’ll also prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity.
2. Cleanse Your Face.
Stop sleeping in your makeup. Throughout the day, the skin surface builds up pollutants, dead skin cells, oils, bacteria, and makeup. Lack of bedtime cleansing can result in dryness, breakouts, and aid in early signs of aging. Even better, double cleanse! The first cleanse is used to remove makeup and debris. The second cleanse will provide a deeper cleanse into the pores and ensure your skin absorbs serums and moisturizers to their fullest. No fancy tools or washcloths are required. I am a strong advocate for using clean hands for facial cleansing. In the morning, a single cleanse is ideal.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydrated skin is a key element for healthy, glowing skin. This includes both the hydration we consume with our daily water intake and the products we apply topically. A daily moisturizer should be applied, both morning and night. The type of moisturizer you need may vary depending on the season, your age, or your personal skin concerns. Drinking an adequate amount of water every day can make a drastic improvement in the hydration of the skin, improve fine lines and wrinkles and improve suppleness.
4. Stop Picking.
This might be the hardest recommendation for patients to follow. Picking at that one irritating blemish can spread further bacteria from your hands to your face, making the problem worse. You’ll also experience more inflammation from picking which can result in scarring and what we term post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This form of scarring can last months or longer and can take a multitude of treatments to significantly reduce. Trust me, stop picking.
5. Invest in Your Skin with Medical Grade Skincare and Clinical Treatments.
High quality, medical grade skincare can change your skin dramatically. Medical grade skincare is only available through medical professionals. When it comes to skincare regimens, everyone’s needs are different. I highly recommend a skincare consultation to discuss your skincare concerns and goals. Together, we will work to start you on a regimen you feel comfortable with to start achieving those goals. Many times, there is a misconception that a regimen includes using 10 products, morning and night. That’s why medical grade skincare is different. Less is more! Many times, patients report significant improvements in their skin with as little as 2-4 products. When we are working to correct, or to prevent signs of aging, the next step includes clinic treatments. Neurotoxin injections, like Botox, are used to reduce and/or stop the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers are used to replace lost volume in varying areas of the face. Microneedling is used to correct scaring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and reduce pore size. Medical grade chemical peels can improve hyperpigmentation, fine lines, active acne, or improve overall texture and glow.
The Moral of the Story.
Take care of your skin early on. It won’t stop the hands of time, but it will work in your favor. If you’re past your 30’s and feel behind, it’s never too late to start. There are options available to get your skin back on track. Our office at Boone Health Medical Spa provides free consultations to discuss your options, goals, expectations, and cost. If you’re unsure where to begin, let’s chat!
Book your Boone Health Medical Spa consultation today!
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