1. Consistent and Correct Skincare Every Day
No matter how great your skincare products are, they’re not going to do any good sitting on a shelf untouched. Thus, the first step in achieving smooth, healthy-looking skin is to establish and follow a consistent and correct skincare routine every single day. But the good news is that this routine does not have to be complicated. Just make sure that yours includes at least these three key steps:
The proper cleanser for your Baumann Skin Type®
SPF 15 or higher every day
A retinoid such as retinol if you have acne or are older than 30 years.
2. Try Sun Avoidance Behaviors
The sun is one of the leading causes of skin damage and premature aging, so it’s crucial that you’re diligent about sun protection. Wearing SPF every day should already be part of your regular routine, but it’s also a good idea to practice healthy sun avoidance behaviors. Of course, this isn’t to say that you can’t go to the beach or to play golf, but make sure you wear sunscreen, take an antioxidant supplement such as Heliocare, stay in the shade when you can and wear a hat, sunglasses and other sun protective clothing.
3. Add Antioxidants to Your Diet
Antioxidants have countless skin and health benefits, and there’s not a skin type out there that can’t benefit from adding more antioxidants to their diet. One easy way to do this is to add two tablespoons of Pom Wonderful juice to your eight-ounce iced tea or other beverage.
You should also be looking for skincare products that contain antioxidants as well. A high-quality vitamin C serum is well worth the investment and can be really easy to incorporate into your morning routine.
4. Use the Right Moisturizer
Many people tend to notice dry, itchy skin that develops in the cooler winter months, but keep in mind that the sun can also dehydrate your skin. For this reason, it’s important to moisturize your skin with the correct product for your skin type all year-round. Zerafite moisturizers like the Ultra Rich Body Cream and Barrier Repair Moisturizer are excellent products to help rehydrate and protect the skin, no matter the season.
5. Get an Annual Skin Exam
Finally, if you don’t already see your dermatologist for an annual skin exam, make it part of your New Year’s resolution to start now. This is a great preventative measure to stay on top of your skin’s health, as melanomas are deadly but also highly curable if found early. The American Academy of Dermatology is an excellent resource to help you find a dermatologist in your area.
Dr. Baumann’s Bottom Line
By making just a few easy changes to your regular routine, you can have a significant impact on your skin’s health and appearance. If you’re struggling with a specific skin concern that’s difficult to manage on your own, check in with your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. And as always, stay tuned for more skin health tips here!
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.