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Despite the still scorching temperatures, September 22 ushers in the first day of fall, which means it’s time to reflect on your skin routine and reevaluate your concerns.
After spending many weekends at the beach during the summer, dark spots and wrinkles may be more noticeable, especially if you haven’t protected your skin from the sun with sunscreen and a hat.
The cooler, drier air that will eventually arrive in a month or two can wreak havoc on the skin by drying it out if not properly moisturized.
September is National Skincare Awareness Month and it’s time to make some adjustments to your skincare regimen.
Susan’s previous three columns:
Choosing the right cleanser for your skin is an important part of the daily routine.
Usually, in the summer, a lighter and finer cleanser is used by many consumers.
However, during the fall and winter months, it may be helpful to choose a thicker, more hydrating cleanser such as Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Milky Cleanser, Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser or Gel Cleanser. Neutrogena moisturizer.
No matter what the weather is like outside, remember to use sunscreen even if it gets cooler in the fall.
Sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, prevents signs of aging such as dark spots or wrinkles, and helps us retain our youthful glow.
Some over-the-counter sunscreens to try are Vanicream or Cerave Mineral Sunblock, Elta MD Facial Sunscreen, Eucerin Sensitive Sunblock with Titanium Dioxide, La Roche Posay Melt-In Sunscreen Milk.
Don’t forget to apply your favorite moisturizer.
La Roche Double Repair Face Moisturizer, Elta MD Tinted Moisturizer or Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel-Cream. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, but it’s important that you use it daily and feel nourishing enough to use daily.
If your skin can tolerate it, nightly use of a retinoid can help even out skin tone and improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles.
Various retinoids are available, such as over-the-counter ROC, dermatologist’s prescription retinoids, or some offices sell retinoids better known as Retin-A or Tretinoin Cream.
Be sure to wear sunscreen every day as retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
A visit to the beautician with a relaxing facial or chemical scrub can exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production.
Laser treatments help reverse signs of aging such as dark spots and wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
Dermaplaning is great for removing unwanted peach fuzz from the skin and can improve various skin care products by allowing it to better penetrate the skin.
For those who don’t establish a skin routine now, in 20-30 years your skin will show this aging compared to others who have pampered their skin.
Basic tips that contribute to healthy skin are to watch what you eat, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
Certain types of foods and drinks like fried foods and alcohol can contribute to inflammatory skin problems like acne or rosacea.
Conversely, fruits, vegetables, almonds and avocados can help keep skin healthy as they are rich in antioxidants.
Aim to get 6-8 hours of sleep regularly, as this is key to restoring your skin by allowing your body to rest.
Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day several times a week has been shown to help maintain healthy, youthful looking skin.
By exercising, it improves blood circulation, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which promotes the production of collagen and new skin cells that maintain skin radiance. .
Be sure to clean your phone and pillow case regularly to remove all the oil and bacteria transferred to your skin.
It can be hard to know where to start or what needs to be done when looking at your skin in the mirror.
In order to be the most efficient and effective in getting the best treatment plan for you and your family, be sure to consult with your dermatologist who can customize an affordable and effective plan for your goals.
Our skin deserves to be pampered, and when it is, we will come out looking our best.
Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, is a PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) and works at Brevard Skin and Cancer in offices in Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge.
