From wrinkles to scars to just about any other issue, your skin can be an indicator of other issues, as well as one of the first things that people see when they look at you. Don’t go looking for that magic bullet for skin health, but instead try a hybrid approach, using some of the techniques you see here.
Living Skin Healthy
Lifestyle changes are something you should incorporate into just about any health regimen. Not only is it cheaper to start this way, but you can also create good habits and changes that will set you up for better prolonged health for years to come.
Watch The Sun: Even if you don’t live near the beach, sun exposure can rack up over time, leaving you at risk for skin cancer as well as leading to those unsightly wrinkles and age spots. Don’t be afraid to be prepared—this means putting on sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade if you know the sun is going to be bright.
It’s Not Just Your Face: Many people just think of their faces when applying the skins and creams that are a part of just about any skin care regimen. What they may not realize is that the neck and other parts nearby sometimes get neglected, and can show aging just as easily. Check yourself to make sure you are attending to every body part.
Relax: Yes, it’s true, being too stressed can lead to breakouts, acne, and other skin issues. We can’t get rid of stress completely from our lives, but practices like meditation can help us come with them better. If you need a little extra help with stress management, consider seeing a therapist. You don’t need to be dealing with an active mental health issue to get some support.
Seek Out New Ingredients: There are other ingredients that you may see on the shelf that help in this regard. One of the most popular for aging specifically is collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps our skin elastic and youthful, but the body produces less and less of it as we age. Many supplements can help restore balance in this area. Some probiotics even specifically target the skin, as it has its own microbiome just like the mouth or gut. Another option is seeking out skin-healthy ingredients like almond butter or coconut oil
Handling Aged Skin
When the damage is done, lifestyle changes might need a little help in order to get you where you want to look. There are more cosmetic options than ever to help in this area.
Chemical Peels: These are generally focused on scars or discoloration. However, this procedure is valid for wrinkles around the mouth and age spots as well. These remove outer layers of skin while stimulating the growth of new skin. Budget accordingly when debating what is the best option for you.
Microdermabrasion: This process uses small particles or a diamond-tipped wand to cut off cells from the top layer of skin while encouraging new skin to grow. Don’t let the description fool you—this isn’t necessarily a painful process. Expect some discomfort, though. What you may need to do is have the procedure done multiple times over a period of several weeks to ensure that it is working.
Laser Resurfacing: Lasers for your skin? It may sound a bit surprising, but this is not only real, but one of the most versatile options on the table. Your surgeons use lasers to send short, pulsating beams of light at the skin. This removes damaged, irregular, and unwanted skin.
The laser beam used in laser resurfacing will remove your outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. At the same time, it heats the lower layer, called the dermis. This action works to stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer.
Who you choose to work with may also determine how effective your laser resurfacing is. According to Carmen Laronn, M.D., Laronn Clinique laser skin resurfacing can help treat:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and brown spots
- Pigmentation issues
- Scars and stretchmarks
- Deep wrinkles
- Sagging and loose skin
- Skin tightening and firming
- Skin rejuvenation
- Acne and acne scars
It’s important to note that whatever path you choose to better skin, try not to do it alone. A good dermatologist will be an invaluable asset, from helping you figure out what type of skin you have to suggesting cosmetic procedures that match your price range.
