Prevention in Skincare

When it comes to most things in life, prevention is preferable to fixing problems. Skincare is no exception, and people who care for their skin throughout life and take the time to ensure its health and beauty will usually suffer less from skin problems and signs of aging as time goes on. Of course, this is easier said than done, as prevention takes dedication and can seem like a hassle when the results of your diligence aren’t obvious right away. However, prevention is well worth the effort, as signs of aging can only be reduced so much with skin treatments. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin looking radiant over the long term.

Sun Protection

You’ve probably seen a huge number of articles over the last few years going on about the importance of sun protection for maintaining skin health and youth. While the sentiment may get old, it’s an undeniable fact that people who are diligent about sunscreen use and sun avoidance get old slower! UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun are present and harmful year-round, even through car and building windows. In addition to helping to prevent skin cancer, sun protection will help hold off signs of aging—another reason to skip the tanning beds.

A Good Skincare Routine

Everyone should be taking everyday skincare seriously, according to the skin’s individual needs. The basics of skincare include cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Though all of these steps are important, it is also key to not overdo any of them, and to customize your routine with the help of a dermatologist. Proper daily care can make a difference in overall skin quality over time.

The Right Makeup Rituals

Most women like to use at least a minimalist makeup routine to look and feel their best, but sometimes people practice poor makeup habits. Leaving makeup on overnight, choosing formulas that clog pores, and never giving the skin a chance to breathe are all habits that can lead to acne, clogged pores, and other problems. Taking simple steps to eliminate these habits can be beneficial to the skin’s well-being and appearance.

Diet and Exercise

The same lifestyle choices that can affect your overall health in a positive way will also help you keep your skin healthy and youthful. The skin is an organ, and it is affected by both internal and external influences, including diet, exercise, and hydration habits. Poor food choices like a high sugar diet can lead to collagen loss, a component in the skin that keeps the skin supple, firm, and youthful. Collagen loss leads to wrinkling, dull skin, and other aesthetic issues. Following a normal routine of a healthy diet, lots of water, and regular exercise will pay off in many ways throughout life.

Regular Checkups

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and while it is more likely to occur in people with fair skin, anyone can develop the disease. If left untreated, skin cancer can be disfiguring or even deadly, depending on the type of cancer. Everyone should be diligent about checking for suspicious skin irregularities and getting regular checkups, especially people at high risk for the disease. If caught early, skin cancer can be treated in a number of ways, including the MOHS surgical technique for removing cancer cells with little trauma to surrounding tissues.

Early Intervention

When you do start noticing signs of aging, it is better to act sooner rather than later. When cosmetic treatments are started early on, typically less invasive tactics can be used to achieve good results. As aging becomes more advanced, more invasive techniques may be required to reach patient goals. Some treatments that can be used to slow down or reduce the appearance of aging include:

• Botox® & Dysport
• Dermal Fillers
• Chemical Peels
• Ultherapy®
• Laser Treatments

Each patient is different, and some treatments are not appropriate for everyone. Only a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can give patients reliable advice and recommendations for cosmetic procedures.

Choosing a Dermatologist

If you are interested in preventing or correcting skin problems for a lifetime of beautiful skin, then you will want to enlist the help of an expert, board certified plastic surgeon to be a trusted ally in your efforts. It is best to choose a specialist with experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, like respected skin expert Dr. Diane Walder and her knowledgeable colleagues. Dr. Walder is a nationally acclaimed cosmetic skincare expert who also specializes in skin cancer treatment. Whether you would like to discuss your skincare routine, get checked for skin cancer, or explore cosmetic treatments, Dr. Walder can help you reach your goals. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Walder or her colleague Dr. Stacy Chimento, in Miami, call 305-866-2177 today.