Complements New Year's resolutions for your skin

12/29/14

By Lashelle Kuhlman, licensed aesthetician, reconstructive & cosmetic surgery, Mount Nittany Physician Group

Happy New Year! A new year brings new resolutions. Most would say New Year resolutions include taking better care of ourselves, so why not take better care of your skin? Just a few additions to your skincare routine will result in healthier, younger looking skin for 2015.

1. Daily SPF protection

Daily SPF protection year-round is important to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and sun damage. The sun is the harshest critic to your skin and will cause significant damage over time. Using sunscreen on your face daily to protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays is a must. I have found that it is best to use a moisturizer with SPF prior to applying foundation. You can outsmart the sun and aging with Intellishade, a tinted moisturizer with SPF 45 that protects from UVA and UVB rays. This anti-aging product reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as providing broad-spectrum protection - the smart way to care for your skin!

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine, no matter what skin type you have or what season it is. As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down. This means that the body is slower to shed skin cells and generate new ones. When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough and dry. Furthermore, the build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and acne. Proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin and uncovers fresh new cells below. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. In short, a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.

3. Moisturize daily

Whether your skin type is dry, oily or sensitive, you shouldn’t skip this step in your skin care routine. Leaving it out might quickly cause redness, flaking and in time can allow wrinkles and other aging signs to show up on your skin earlier than they otherwise might. There are many different types of moisturizers, from ultra-light to a thick consistency for very dehydrated skin. We can help you decide what is best for you!

4. Professional treatments

What you do at home is only one part of the equation. The other is receiving deep cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating treatments that only professional treatments can provide. There is little to no downtime in the many non-surgical treatments that our office provides. Many of the treatments we offer can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged and open pores, dull skin, sun damaged skin and fine lines and wrinkles. By using our services, we can help jumpstart your home care regimen to accelerate and maximize the benefits of products you’re using for even faster results.

5. Treat skin from the inside out

Unhealthy eating habits can lead to dull, sallow skin. When your skin is dehydrated, it is more prone to wrinkles. Drink plenty of water and choose foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants, found in fruits, veggies and tea can help your body fight free radicals and can protect you from a number of diseases. In order to achieve healthy and luminous skin, it’s important to hydrate from the inside out.

Here’s to beautiful, healthy skin in 2015!