Your skin is more than just a beautiful wrapper that holds your body together. It’s a tough armor that blocks pathogens and shields you from the elements. Responding to changes throughout your life, your skin protects you, but it also needs your support.
As a dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon, Jennifer Baron, MD builds her career on the healthy skin of her patients. Dr. Baron is there when you need specialized skin care and she offers her own line of carefully crafted products to help you. We also offer up these seven suggestions for lifestyle habits that support healthy skin, no matter your age.
Chances are you already have sunscreen products and a plan for their use. Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) components of sunlight is your single biggest opponent when it comes to the fight to keep your skin looking young, so review your routine to ensure you’re using products with broadband sun protection of SPF 30 or higher. Follow the product’s instructions for reapplication throughout the day.
Sometimes, being aggressive and thorough is a good thing. It’s the wrong approach when it comes to cleansing your skin. Harsh cleansers with heavy scrubbing can strip away moisture and protective oils, without which you’re inviting skin irritation and accelerated aging.
It’s a simple fact of life that the collagen content of your skin starts to drop as you get older. Adding skin care products with retinoids can stimulate both new collagen growth and blood vessel production in your skin. This vitamin A derivative can be found in over-the-counter and prescription strengths.
The building blocks for healthy skin are all there in the foods you choose. Lean proteins and foods high in natural antioxidants are your skin’s friends, providing the raw materials for collagen formation while fighting the effects of sun exposure. Limit natural dehydrators like caffeine and alcohol to preserve moisture throughout your body. Adjust your water intake to adjust to changing activity and environmental conditions.
Activities that boost your cardiovascular health improve your skin too, since the resources required for body maintenance arrive through the bloodstream. Aim for 150 minutes weekly of moderate level aerobic activity like brisk walking, or 75 minutes of intense aerobic exercise. Physical activity is also a stress buster, and stress is another factor that can age your skin’s condition.
Another universal contributor to your health, restful sleep gives your body time to recover, and your skin is no exception. Aim for seven to nine hours of consistent sleep every night. It takes time and effort to establish and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
As well as its other negative effects on health, smoking takes a direct toll on your skin, increasing your chances for squamous cell cancer while hastening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You could be more prone to skin infections and wounds become slower to heal.
We have additional suggestions for virtually every skin type and condition. Call Dr. Baron’s office at 408-329-6056 to schedule a personal consultation to discuss the best habits for your continued skin health. It’s never too late — or too early — to make a difference, so book your appointment now.
