TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING ITS BEST
Dr. Joseph A. Russo, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Do Not Use Products That Harm Your Skin
Avoid products that contain chemical preservatives, fragrance and dyes. All of these things may damage your skin and cause major skin irritation and sensitivity. Most over the counter skin care products contain mineral oil, petroleum-based ingredients, artificial fragrance, dyes and parabens.
These low-quality ingredients are used because they are inexpensive. With long term use their effects can actually be devastating on your skin. Mineral oil is commonly used in cosmetics as a “spreading agent”. Mineral oil has been shown to clogs pores because it does not allow the skin to breathe and prevents oxygen flow to the skin. Your skin’s natural oils can not break through the barrier mineral oil forms, therefore promoting the formation of wrinkles.
Do Not Use Products That Contain Parabens
Parabens are preservatives, similar to formaldehyde which is used as an embalming agent by undertakers. Parabens are commonly used to preserve the active ingredients in many skin care products and hair care products. Recent studies indicate that parabens may be linked to increased incidents of breast cancer, fluctuating estrogen levels, and even DNA damage. In the past couple of years, new ingredients have come into the marketplace that makes the use of parabens as cosmetic preservatives completely obsolete. Therefore, it is not necessary for cosmetic companies to continue the use of parabens in their products.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds
As we all know, the sun damages your skin. UVB and UVA rays from the sun cause the formation of free radicals in your skin; breaking down collagen and elastin fibers which make the skin wrinkled and prematurely aged. The most important time to avoid sun exposure is between 10 AM and 3 PM. This is the time when the suns rays are the most intense and the most damaging to the skin.
The most important anti-aging product you can use is a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You should apply this everyday and make it a part of your normal skin care regimen. The best sun protection products are ones that contain high amounts of zinc oxide. Zinc oxide creates a physical barrier on your skin that actually deflects the sun’s rays and prevents your skin from absorbing their damaging effects.
Maintain a Good Diet – You Are What You Eat
The skin is the body’s largest organ. What you eat absolutely has an affect on your skin’s health and ability to function normally. Walnuts, canola oil, ground flax seed, foods rich in Vitamin E, green leafy vegetables, and wheat germ are all good for your skin. Take a multivitamin with minerals daily to support total body health and well-being.
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking 2 liters of water per day. Minimize alcohol intake as it causes free radical damage, dehydrates your skin and prevents the absorption of important vitamins necessary for skin health.
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
-Sleep at least 6-8 hours per night
-Exercise - increases blood flow to the skin- blood delivers important nutrients to your skin and rids it of harmful toxins
-Stress Reduction – yoga, walking, doing a favorite activity, just taking a little time for yourself!
Keep Your Skin Moist When You Cleanse
-Avoid long soaks in hot soapy water – it can remove the protective oils from your skin.
-Use mild bath products that are Ph balanced and have all natural ingredients.
Avoid petroleum-based products, mineral oils, and parabens.
-Pat your skin dry, don’t rub it.
-Apply moisturizing lotion right after bathing or showering to help the skins protective layer.