Taking care of your skin shouldn’t be hard, right?
It’s not – IF you know what you should be doing for YOUR skin
Wrong #1 – Skimping on the sunscreen
It doesn’t matter how sick and tired you are of hearing the “wear your sun screen” mantra. It’s said for a reason. Unprotected skin is skin at increased risk of skin cancer, actinic keratosis, hyperpigmentation, accelerated collagen loss, early wrinkling and early sagging.
Sunscreen is not an occasional necessity. It needs to be part of your every morning routine – BEFORE you get in the car to drop the kids at school or take the dog for a walk.
If you go to the beach or to golf or the pool – reapply per the product directions. If reapplying a lotion sunscreen isn’t feasible, hunt out some Colorescience mineral sunblock. It’s fantastic stuff, simple to apply and works equally well for men as for women.
Wrong #2 – Sleeping in your makeup
No matter how tired you are, or how much the nice lady at the cosmetic counter said leaving your mineral makeup on overnight is okay – it’s not. Sleep is restoration time, skin breathing time and toxin release time.
If you have a layer of moisturizer and primer and makeup (any type) and blush and the day’s accumulated pollutants (not to mention your new dead skin cells) your skin is not only going to be dirty – it’ll be smothered. Cleanse and cleanse well – with products that are appropriate for your skin and its current condition.
Wrong #3 – Not moisturizing
Southern California is very green – but not because of the natural moisture in the air. You know how the hills turn brown when winter’s on its way out. That’s because it’s DRY here. Your skin needs humectants but you aren’t going to get them naturally here. The outside air is dry, the inside air is dry – either from heat or a/c, and the air in your car is dry.
If your skin is perpetually dry, it can’t properly self-exfoliate, the cells become dehydrated, pores clog and your skin will look and BE dull.
If your skin is oily, you still need moisture to keep that excess sebum from clogging up the pores. Try new moisturizers on your hand and sprtiz with water – if they don’t rinse off, they contain an ingredient that can ACT like more oil, so choose carefully.
Normal skin? Lucky you, but you still need an every day moisturizer that keeps things in balance.
Wrongs # 4 – 12
# 4 Not adding in some kind of routine exfoliation.
At the very least, use a clean dry cotton washcloth a few times a week. Or invest in a Clarisonic cleansing brush – not cheap but they are GOOD! A gentle Alpha Beta acid product can be miraculous for clogged pores. Microdermabrasion is another great option for getting rid of rough surface cells.
#5 Mistaking Rosacea for acne and treating it with acne meds.
If you have a counter covered with acne treatment and your acne just gets worse, it might be Rosacea. Find out and treat it right.
#6 Skipping or stopping your prescribed acne meds because your skin is looking better.
You’ll get a new round of breakouts if you routinely interrupt your routine. Acne is controlled – not cured. Stick with the control program! Especially when your skin seems to be clearing up – that just means the products or medications are doing their job. Stay with the program!
#7 Picking.
Picking at a pimple is never a good idea, but we know it’s hard to resist. If you feel you can’t control the urge, then always make sure your hands and nails and skin are super clean. At least then you lessen the infection risk and won’t spread as much bacteria. A medical esthetician can show you how to “pop” a zit if you know you’re going that route. It’s worth the investment just to learn how to do the least damage.
# 8 Assuming if a little exfoliation is good, then a lot is better.
NOPE – too much of anything is not good and this applies to exfoliation too. Harsh exfoliants with jagged crushed shells just tear your skin. High percentage acids self administered at home throw your skin into shock – plus you can scar your skin. Be safe and treat your skin kindly.
# 9 Thinking you can burn the midnight oil as often as you like without skin “payback”.
Your body needs rest and your SKIN NEEDS REST. If you stay up late glued to a tv, computer, ipad or phone, you get poor sleep from the visual blow back of electronic screen light plus you miss the time your body needs to refresh. Dark circle cure? First step is adequate rest.
#10 Eating as if your skin doesn’t care.
It does. Bad diets will always eventually show on your skin. Caffeine, sugar, heavy dairy, hormone laden meats and processed foods suck the “light” out of your skin. Eat better – cold water fish, green stuff, fruits and lots of filtered water. A good book to read is The Perricone Prescription. We aren’t recommending product, but the information about diet and your skin is extremely informative and helpful. You “are” what you eat.
# 11 Discounting the quality of the water in your home.
Most areas in Southern California have heavily treated water. Often you can smell the chlorine just by turning on the tap. Get a shower filter. Your skin AND your hair will appreciate it.
# 12 Using the wrong makeup for your skin type and current condition.
Today’s makeups can be a virtual investment. But just because a makeup line is pricey doesn’t mean it’s perfect for everyone.
Many makeups are formulated to stay on all day. That’s convenient, but is it the right choice for your skin? With so many products out there, it’s pretty much a hit and miss process. Waterproof makeups are seldom a good choice for any skin.
Don’t be afraid to return products to the department store if they create problems for your skin.
#13 (Baker’s Dozen) Don’t believe everything you read on the internet
Over the years one of the biggest changes in how women – and men – take care of their skin has been a result of the internet. It’s been fabulous in many ways because as physicians, we have an unbelievable opportunity to educate. But it’s been woefully awful in other ways. Your skin has to be cared for well because it’s your first line of defense against the outside elements – bacteria, viruses, pollutants, etc. It’s the way your body controls its temperature. It’s the “face” you put forward in life.
Please don’t think you can self treat medical conditions with potions and home made remedies you find on the web. And don’t buy Chinese micro needle rollers and give yourself a case of MRSA. And don’t buy the sham fillers and think you can fill your own wrinkles using an insulin syringe. It’s the only skin you’re going to get. Take proper care of it!
If your skin is out of control and you don’t know where to start, come see us. Call (949) 727-3800 or complete a consult request for your personal consultation with Dr. Pilest.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
