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Skin Care
Exposure to our ever-changing environmental conditions exacerbates facial aging.
The sun, wind, and biological or chemical pollution damage the appearance of the
skin. Living in Florida, while beautiful, demands we watch sun exposure. Lifestyle
choices such as improper diet, not enough rest, and especially, smoking, can also
damage the skin. Genetic causes can be a factor, too, including changing hormone
levels that age your skin. The effects of these factors along with a slowed skin-cell-rejuvenation
process can ultimately appear in the form of wrinkled, discolored, rough-textured,
broken-out skin. Daily steps to help combat these effects include:
- Cleanse: Twice daily, and more if sweating or after rigorous activity.
- Exfoliate: Since the natural exfoliation process slows, it is helpful
to do at least twice weekly.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect the skin from harsh environmental
factors such as free radical damage.
- Sunscreen SPF 15 or more: Sunscreen can help prevent hyperpigmentation
(skin discoloration), sun damage, and skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that doubles
as a moisturizer, such as LaRoche-Posay Anthelios SPF15 with Mexoryl Daily Wear.
- Remove Make Up: As we sleep, pores enlarge and sweating often occurs.
This traps un-removed make up and results in breakouts.
- Moisturizing Night Cream: This provides the necessary hydration
and seals in moisture.
- Eye Cream: The under eye area requires special care.
- Diet and Exercise: Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water
every day, eat a balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables,
and exercise at least three times a week.
Sunscreens help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin.
Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your
risk of skin cancer. UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which
penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging,
and other effects of photoaging. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of
UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own.
Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB. Protecting your
skin is very important and often patients are unsure or confused about what to look
for in sunscreen, how to apply it, and when to reapply it.
Click here to learn more from our article "Sunscreen Demystified."
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