Unfortunately we all get older….I know, I know. Sad, right?! 😉 Well we here at Scottsdale Skin Institute have put together some tips to help slow down the aging process. You can thank us later 🙂
- Moisturize Using a daily moisturizer on your skin is the best thing you can do to maintain your healthy complexion. Extreme heat or cold can decrease moisture in the skin causing skin cells to shrink, ultimately allowing wrinkles to set it and your elasticity to drop. Hydrating the skin not only creates a moisture barrier to lock in moisture, but it also keeps irritants and dirt out of your pores. For more oily skin, look for a gel type moisturizer.
- Protect your skin from the sun and/or heat Obviously sunbathing with no sunscreen on is the worst possible thing you can to your skin. Not only does not wearing a sunscreen dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer, it accelerates the aging process. What does aging bring on? Wrinkles, fine lines and blotchiness.We’re not talking about the day at the pool, it could even be running errands outside or driving in your car- remember your sun screen. UVA rays can go through windshield and even cloud cover. We all need to apply a minimum of SPF 30 or higher, daily.
- Watch what goes into your body Since your skin is the largest organ in your body, it benefits immensely from a nutrient- rich diet. Eating foods that are rich in essential fatty acids, omega- 3 & 6’s in particular, help hydrate and preserve the moisture barrier that keeps your skin from drying out.Also make sure to avoid processed, and sugar- rich foods. They stimulate the body’s inflammatory response which affects the production of healthy new skin cells.
- Exfoliate Regularly When the skin sheds the top layer of dead skin it replaces it with a new fresh layer. Over time this process slows down, leaving a dry flaky layer exposed. Regular exfoliation either done at home or by a professional, it speeds up the rate that the skin cells renew themselves. Thus leaving you with radiant looking skin!
- De-Stress Stress and tension stimulate the body’s product of cortisol, which is a hormone that produces the fight or flight response. It also can damage collagen. What do we typically do when we are stressed? Frown, or make other facial expressions that can hasten the development of wrinkles! So what’s the moral of the story? RELAX!! We recommend to schedule it like you would any other appointment to ensure you actually let go and de-stress.
- Get at least 8 hours of beauty sleep Sleep is when your body gets to restore itself, including your complexion. Focus on getting at least seven to eight hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep each night.
- Quit Smoking If you don’t smoke, never start. Not only does smoking cause lung disease, it also causes cancer, COPD, Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. How does smoking affect your skin? Well, it causes blood vessels to constrict limiting the nutrient supply, damages collagen and last but not least- wrinkles! YUCK!
