Give Your Skin the Love It Needs

By Anne Littman, PA-C, MSHS

The Sendi Center for Cosmetic Surgery

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Give Your Skin the Love It Needs

To maintain a youthful appearance, many of us are encouraged to turn to over-the-counter products that claim to be wrinkle reducing and anti-aging as we mature. There are so many products on the market bombarding us with advertising images, which are often not government tested to ensure safety and validity of advertising.

Since many of these products come with a high price tag, it is often difficult to know where to start. We often ask ourselves questions like, “Do they work?” or, “How much do I need to take?”

It is important for consumers to educate themselves as to what they are using, how to use each product, and what ingredients to look for to maximize the overall health of their skin.

The health of our skin takes a beating throughout life, as it is a barrier to external stressors, such as UV rays and extreme weather conditions. Its appearance suffers as a result of these external stressors, our internal health, and our neglect of its care.

Blood flow to the skin surface decreases as we age, and the outermost cell layer does not slough off as it did in our youth. This gives the skin its dull appearance, and can lead to the development of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and rough texture. Furthermore, topical products are less likely to work, as they are unable to penetrate through this thickened dead skin layer.

To maximize the appearance and overall health of your skin, specifically facial skin, I recommend starting with exfoliation treatments to help improve the glow, hydration, and even out skin tone, texture, and stimulate new cell growth.

These treatments may also decrease pore size, and improve visible age spots. Opt for regular maintenance treatments, such as, microdermabrasion, laser peels, or chemical peels. All of these can target different layers of your skin, and come with some side effects, so see a licensed provider for proper education and treatment recommendations.

Following these treatments, it is important to retain good skin hydration, no matter what skin type you have. Finding a product that works for you and your skin type on your own can be difficult and costly. Seek professional advice for products that target your specific needs, such as melasma, redness, acne, enlarged pores, and even scars.

Remember, your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it is important to maintain its overall health both for cosmetic purposes and function.

General advice for aging well is basic stay orally hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid exposure to UV rays and inhaled smoke.

Turning back the clock may not be possible, but with technology and research, there are many products and techniques to create a more youthful appearance.

Find the right plastic surgeon or dermatologist to work with you to find the “recipe” for your skin, budget, and lifestyle.