Ask A Dermatologist: 7 Awesome Skin Care Tips
When it comes to skin care sometimes the littlest things can have a big impact. These 7 great skin care tips may require small lifestyle changes, but they can dramatically improve both skin health and appearance.
Always the Perfect Amount
Practicing proper sun protection can dramatically prevent the effects of aging. Try this trick to determine the right amount of sunscreen for your face and ears: simply fill the hollow part of your palm. That amount (about ½ teaspoon) will be enough to provide full protection from the sun’s dangerous rays. Make sure to use a high-quality sunscreen. We carry the latest sunscreens from trusted brands here.
Omega Filled Breakfast
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to work wonders for the skin, with the power to reduce inflammation and prevent wrinkling. Walnuts and almonds are a great source of Omegas and are delicious additions to breakfast cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal. Add a cup of green tea and you’ll start your day off right!
Go for Low Impact
Did you know that undertaking high impact activities regularly can have a negative impact on skin collagen which can speed aging (specifically sagging of the skin)? Instead of running, try to incorporate some lower impact exercises like biking or swimming into your routine.
Combine Ingredients
Combining ingredients found in different skincare products can drastically improve your current skin care regimen. The combination of sunscreen and antioxidants is a great morning treatment for protecting your skin throughout the day. Incorporating retinoids and growth factors (like those found in Skinmedica TNS Advanced Serum) into your nighttime routine can result in anti-aging benefits.
Pass the Peas
Want to quickly reduce under eye swelling or dark circles with something you probably have at home already? Head to your freezer and grab a bag of frozen peas. Simply applying frozen peas to the eye region can reduce irritation, swelling, and “raccoon eyes”. For more power, combine regular pea treatments with Teamine Eye Complex.
Don’t Be Salty
Consuming high amounts of sodium directly results in facial puffiness. A popular sodium filled culprit is diet soft drinks, which can contain up to 50 milligrams of sodium per 12 ounce serving. Swap your diet soda for water and you’ll enjoy tight and youthful appearing skin.
Use a Cup
Regularly sucking from a straw or drinking from a water bottle creates lines and dynamic wrinkles around the mouth, especially in your 30’s as collagen starts to break down and can’t erase those lines as easily. Instead, enjoy your drink from a glass or use a cup with a spout that will allow you to squirt water into your mouth. Always remember to put your skincare products on your upper lip to help fight those fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Malini Fowler is a Board Certified Dermatologist that completed her undergraduate studies and graduated summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Fowler enjoys providing medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology at our new San Antonio office.