Many of you want to retain a youthful, vibrant appearance as you age. Your current course of action may include regular exercise, a healthy diet, tailored skin care regimen, daily application of sunscreen and a minimum of one appointment per year with a dermatologist. However, signs of aging are sometimes not escapable with facial wrinkles and uneven skin tone as two of the most problematic issues.
Spas and medical clinics offer numerous options to address wrinkles and uneven skin tone with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. One of the best ways to fight the signs of aging is with preventative measures and a tailored skin care regimen that targets specific issues with your skin.
AVOIDING DAMAGING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
While aging itself, as well as genetics, plays a role in wrinkles and uneven skin tone, you can avoid environmental factors that promote skin damage. Not smoking, using sunscreen of a SPF 30+ daily, limiting sun exposure and avoiding tanning beds are all options to maintain vibrant skin.
Limiting sun exposure
Be mindful of excess sun exposure when doing activities outside. You should always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and protective clothing whenever possible. If you are outside for extended periods, use a shade device (such as umbrella) or take regular breaks in the shade.
Sunscreen with a SPF 30+
Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your face and areas of your body exposed to sun daily. If you are in direct sunlight, swimming or sweating, you should apply sunscreen every two hours to maintain coverage.
IMPROVING YOUR SKIN CARE REGIMEN PRODUCTS
Skin care lines are either general in nature (all skin types) or target a specific issue such as acne, wrinkles, skin tone or moisture. With the array of facial cleansers, astringents, serums, lotions, masks, exfoliants and sunscreens, it’s important to note the ingredients in your skin care regimen.
It’s important to consult with a board certified specialist to determine the best course for your skin care regimen, as well as potential cosmetic treatments.*
If it is not 100 percent natural and organic, some of the ingredients may be harmful to your skin. Additionally, other ingredients in your skin care regimen products might be toxic chemicals that can harm your health. Pay special attention to the following ingredients in your skin care regimen to determine how you can improve your overall health. You can also discuss the following with your dermatologist to see which of the ingredients may be the most damaging.
Synthetic Colors
Synthetic colors are usually made from coal tar and contain heavy metal salts. This is especially problematic for those who have sensitive skin since the toxins may cause irritation. Additionally, many are carcinogenic in animal studies. Synthetic colors appear as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number.
Chemical Sunscreens
While wearing sunscreen daily is incredibly important, some of the chemical sunscreens can cause health issues. The guide to safe sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group’s found that more than 75 percent of sunscreens contained toxic chemicals. These chemical have the potential to increase your risk of cancer and other health issues. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octylmethoxycinnamate; look for sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Artificial Fragrances
Skin care companies aren’t required to tell you what the exact chemicals are in artificial fragrances. They can potentially contain hundreds of synthetic chemicals primarily made from petroleum and coal. Artificial fragrances are also a Top 5 allergen, which is especially problematic to asthma suffers. Other issues include skin disorders, cancer, headaches, dizziness and hormone and reproductive dysfunction.
1,4-Dioxane
While common in skin care regimen products, it’s also used ingredient in dry cleaning products, automobile coolants, and lacquers. Common ethoxylated compounds include polyethylene glycol (often listed as PEG) and sodium laureth sulfate. Avoid PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, oxynol, myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -eth).
Parabens
These antimicrobial chemicals are commonly used to preserve ingredients and extend the shelf. While useful, they also pose a risk to your health with hormone-disrupting effects. While the Food and Drug Administration still considers parabens to be safe, the agency is continuing its review of new data on them.
It’s important to consult with a board certified specialist to determine the best course for your skin care regimen, as well as potential cosmetic treatments. Differences in pigment, skin type and depth of age spots are all guiding factors.