Spring is here, and as the seasons change, it’s always good to check and update your skin care regimen as needed. With the clouds moving away and the sun coming back out, it’s also essential to keep your skin from getting sun-damaged.
This spring, focus on preventing skin damage, protecting the skin and repairing the skin barrier. Our goal is to help our patients achieve healthy skin. Continue reading to learn more.
HOW DO I START MY SKIN CARE ROUTINE?
The foundation of a healthy skin regimen begins with preparing the skin by cleansing, exfoliating and toning.
Cleanse the Skin
To eliminate oil and prevent breakouts, you should start by gently cleansing your skin twice each day — once in the morning and once at night before you go to bed. Cleansing more often than that can irritate your skin. Wash with lukewarm water and gently cleanse with your hands; do not use soap and do not scrub your face with your towel. You’ll want to pat it dry instead. When searching for a good cleanser, ideally you want to choose a cleanser that best fits your skin type (acne, normal, oily, sensitive, dry or combination skin). At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, we offer many different cleansers; you can view them here.
Exfoliate One or Two Times Per Week
Exfoliation is essential to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. When you exfoliate, you remove the dead skin resulting in increased blood flow and more radiant skin. But we have to be careful when we exfoliate to avoid damaging our skin. You can choose to exfoliate at home with exfoliating brushes, scrubs, gloves or sponges. You can also choose to seek professional help and receive chemical peels or microdermabrasion customized for your skin problems.
Different skin types can benefit from other types of exfoliation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can often cause more damage like microtears and irritation by choosing to exfoliate at home with manual methods, so chemical methods may be better suited for you. Oily skin types can benefit from manual exfoliation to reduce the build-up of oil and dead skin. Those without complicated skin can choose either method and see which is better for you.
Our scrub uses powerful microdermabrasion resurfacing ingredients to remove dead cells and debris from the skin’s surface and reduce fine lines and wrinkles and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Each use improves skin tone, texture and elasticity, as non-abrasive exfoliation from pumice granules smooth dull, dry skin to a healthy, radiant finish.
Apply a Toner
After you cleanse your skin, follow with a toner. A good toner will rid of extra oils on your skin and make the appearance of pores seem smaller. Using a toner after washing your face will cleanse the skin and tighten pores to give your skin a renewed glow and allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin thus increasing efficacy. You can view our toners here.
HOW DO I PROTECT MY SKIN?
The right sunscreen is dependent on your skin type. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your skin from the sun throughout the entire year. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that works on UVA and UVB rays. When you’re looking for a sunscreen that will work for you, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for things that are:
- High SPF
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
Sunscreen is a vital step in a good skin care regimen. This one simple product will protect your skin and keep it looking young and healthy. You can view our line of sunscreen here. If you’re having a difficult time choosing sunscreen, you can read our helpful blog, Sunscreen Labels: How to Read Them.
HOW DO I PREVENT DAMAGE TO MY SKIN?
Topical antioxidants help keep your skin radiant. Topical antioxidants are essential for your skin, as they help to prevent the clinical signs of photoaging. Topical antioxidants are found in skincare products in multivariate combinations and include caffeine, green tea, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and CoEnzyme Q10. The gold standard antioxidant is vitamin C in its stable form.
You can find antioxidants in some of our medical-grade skincare products here.
HOW DO I REPAIR MY SKIN?
Apply Moisturizer
While moisturizing your skin may feel like just another step in your skin care regime, using a moisturizer each day is a must — no matter what skin type you have. Moisturizers act as protective barriers for your skin, and they help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. They also help give your skin a more youthful appearance as they fight against wrinkles. If you would like to learn more about moisturizing, check out our blog, Why is Moisturizing Important?
Choosing the right moisturizer can be a journey. Every skin type needs the right blend to go with your body’s individual needs. But as temperatures rise in springtime, you may want to search for a light-weight moisturizer that does the job without excess weight. You should choose a moisturizer geared toward your skin concerns and skin type, whether it be dry, normal, oily, acne-prone, etc. Age, skin type and oil production vary for each person and can make finding the perfect moisturizer difficult for some people. If you are having trouble finding the right balance for your skin, you can view our moisturizing products to see which one of our formulas is the right fit for you.
Incorporate Retinol
Retinols are vitamin A based products that have potent anti-aging properties. They increase cell turnover, boost collagen, improve skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, retinol can be used as a preventive option for pre-cancers like actinic keratosis. You can view our skincare products that contain retinol here.
Use Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid creates a peeling effect by breaking down the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells. This can help reduce breakouts and make the skin appear more even and smoother in texture. Those dealing with acne and other skin conditions may find glycolic acid particularly effective. However, you should consult with your dermatologist before using glycolic acid, because it is not for everyone. It may be too harsh if you have dry or sensitive skin, for example.
You can find glycolic acid in some of our medical-grade skincare products here.
LEARN MORE AT THE DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC
Having a skincare regimen is vital for skin health. Take some time this year to test which products are suitable for your skin. Keep in mind, each person’s skin is unique; therefore, a combination of professional treatments, preventive practices and products may be required to see improvement. Your skin will thank you!
We are happy to share that we are now offering free skin care consultations with our Clinical Cosmetic Specialist, Karen Shafer. Karen can help you customize products and services to achieve your individual skin care goals. If you are interested in a free skin consultation, or if you have any questions, contact us today at (304) 598-3888 or online here. We look forward to hearing from you!
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