The job of the skin is very complex. It is your protective armor, keeping the outside world out, and your inside world in. It also keeps you warm, cools you off, senses the outside world, produces hair and creates nails to protect your fingertips. This is why you must preserve and protect this barrier. When it is well taken care of, it will take care of you in return! Here are some of my favorite tips to help keep your skin in optimal health:
1. Moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp
When the skin gets wet, water seeps into the microcracks of the skin. If left to evaporate, it also evaporates your natural oils, causing the skin to dry out even more (like a raisin).
When moisturizing when wet, you trap the water and natural oils inside the skin, and these molecules slowly repair the skin barrier.
2. Apply a daily tinted sunscreen
Tinted sunscreen applied every morning will translate to fewer pigment issues and reduced skin cancer risk over time.
Make sure it is a high-quality product without some of the risker chemicals (e.g. propylene glycol, fragrances, etc.).
3. Use facial massage to reduce puffiness
When applying a lotion, cream or cleanser, always work it from the center of the face toward the periphery (near the ears).
Mild inflammation and swelling must travel to the normal drainage route, which is to the neck beneath the ears.
By massaging outwards, you will improve the inflammation and puffiness, especially under the eyes.
4. Consider systemic peptides for skin health
Peptides are becoming more mainstream, and we are learning a lot about their benefits.
Going to a doctor/dermatologist run peptide clinic, getting baseline bloodwork and a thorough history, and sticking with FDA approved regimens can be a safe way to get started.
5. Don’t assume a stronger retinol is a better retinol
Retinols that cause irritation, dryness, peeling are likely causing more harm than good.
Chronic inflammation over time can lead to more fine lines, wrinkles, and chronic inflammation may even increase skin cancer risk.
Only use a gentle yet high-quality retinol every other night followed by a gentle moisturizer!
6. Wipe away dead skin with your hands
Once per week, at the end of a long shower, rub your hands gently along the face to rub off any built-up dead skin.
No need for any towels or rough exfoliating tools – your pruney wet hands are perfect! They are gentle and effective at mildly wiping away dead skin.
Remember to moisturize immediately after showering to lock the water into this fresh skin.
7. Wear a hat when outdoors for more than 15 minutes
Sun damage to the scalp can lead to skin cancer AND hair thinning.
Skin cancer of the scalp is extremely unpleasant and usually once you get one, more are likely on the way.
Hair thinning is a hot topic since most people love their hair – hair defines us! A healthy scalp can make healthy hair.
At our new Regenerative Hair Clinic, we get to the root of your hair issue and use the most advanced treatments to regenerate hair and keep your scalp healthy!
8. Never sleep with your hair pulled back tight
Sleeping with your hair pulled back tightly can lead to hair loss!
Thinning hair or hair breakage around the periphery is the first sign that your hair is being pulled back too tight.
9. Perform a self-skin exam every 1-2 months
Get familiar with what’s on your skin. This will help you recognize when something is new or changing.
If something on your skin looks like it doesn’t belong, have it checked out by a skin professional.
When dangerous lesions are caught early, they are easier to treat.
10. Never trust a lump under the skin.
If you develop a new lump under the skin, see a skin professional for guidance.
Unless it has an opening and you see cyst material coming out, no one can tell you it is benign. If it can’t be seen, it cannot be reliably diagnosed.
Have your provider either monitor it for growth or remove it. If it grows, it HAS to go!
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