Dermatologists know what skin needs to thrive, and skin care programs designed by doctors address these fundamentals. Optimum nutrition and protection from harm keep skin looking its best. The major threats to healthy skin are exposure to UV rays and other environmental stresses, along with the natural aging process. You can use these doctor-recommended ideas to promote skin health and to hold off the effects of age and gravity for as long as possible.
Cosmetic Products
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends fragrance-free cleansers, moisturizers and exfoliating scrubs. Choosing the right cosmetic products for your skin type is essential. To keep pores clear, oily skin may require cosmetic products that are noncomedogenic and nonacnegenic. Dry skin responds best to soaps and lotions that don't contain alcohol. Skin care for all types should include gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sunblock application daily, plus occasional exfoliation. Consumers should choose a sunscreen formula of SPF 30 or higher and reapply it after sweating or washing.
Geographic Location
People who live in extreme climates or experience seasonal changes that affect the skin will need special care to avoid painful and unsightly skin conditions. Those in cold or dry areas of low humidity will need to hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier with moisturizer more often. Those in high humidity may need to add astringent cosmetic products to tame bacteria and sebum that invade the pores. Dermatologists recommend protective clothing and shade breaks to protect and maintain healthy skin in sunny environments where glare from snow or bodies of water is strong.
Other Considerations
Your skin is in a constant state of renewal, with dead cells being sloughed off and replaced with new tissue. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic suggest aiding this self-rejuvenation process by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with antioxidant properties. Cigarette smoking, which depletes your body of vitamin A and other healthy skin nutrients, should be avoided. Getting enough rest and exercise to manage stress is part of skin care and may reduce your risk for skin conditions such as eczema.
Function
Regular cleansing clears away dirt and facial oils. Moisturizing lotion restores the water lost during washing and reinforces the skin's natural barrier against the elements. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles induced by aging. Sunscreen cosmetic products contain ingredients that absorb UV rays, preventing them from damaging the stratum corneum, or outer layer of the skin. Exfoliating products encourage skin cell growth by removing old surface tissue.
Benefits
Clear, healthy skin with an absence of disease, infections or cancerous growths can be achieved with doctor-recommended skin care. Health, however, unlike beauty, is more than skin deep. When your skin is functioning well, it has a harmonious effect on the rest of the body.
Member Comments