We all want the newest biggest baddest lotions, peels, injections, light therapies, whatever to keep our skin young and fresh, prolonging the inevitable. Happily, I have two simple solutions to age-proof your face that is as close as your bathroom cabinet.
First, you can keep years off your face by just cleansing twice a day. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s inexpensive. Cleansing is essential in maintaining beautiful, healthy skin. I get my fair share of clients on a Saturday morning with Friday night’s makeup on. And I know … we’re all busy, tired, stressed and overworked. But the damage caused by this practice is immediately identifiable: clogged pores, dull complexion, whiteheads, blackheads, premature aging and acne.
Cleaning the skin is important as it will remove the dead cells from the surface. I prefer a gentle, water-soluble cleanser to avoid irritating the skin, not one that needs to be wiped away with a tissue or washcloth. Removing the dirt and grime from the day will give a beautiful glow to your skin. And face it, it feels so good when you crawl into bed right?
C’mon, 2 minutes at night, and you’re off to sleepy-sleepy, night-night time.
Second, and you’ve heard this from me before, but the best defense against aging skin is a good offense … sunscreen. Changes we normally associate with aging are caused by a lifetime of exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, which penetrates the skin and accelerates aging through the production of free radicals. Photoaged skin is wrinkled, hyperpigmented, and readily loses its tone and elasticity.
Beyond avoiding the sun and covering yourself head to toe in clothing, sunscreens and topical antioxidants are the best way to prevent photodamage. The American Cancer Society recommends the use of sunscreens, applied correctly, that have SPF 15 or higher for all day protection.
I should have called this article 3 simple steps for age-proofing your face because I am going to add one more tip – get a good nights sleep. They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. Having the right amount of sleep can actually help the skin regenerate.
Lastly, please remember, what you do away from me effects what happens when you’re with me. So, if you’re not washing your face twice a day and not using sunscreen everyday, my reparative facial treatments can only go so far. It’s like spending big bucks to have a facial and then buying your skincare at a discount store. We’re in this together ladies, so you do your part and I’ll happily beautify America one face at a time!
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