November is National Healthy Skin Month and while we believe in keeping your skin healthy all year round, the “how-to” aspect can be intimidating for skincare gurus and newbies alike. To help make it easy for you, here are our top 5 tips to keep your skin beautiful and healthy in any month.
Tip #1: Create a consistent routine
While there are endless amounts of products on the market, one of the best things you can do for your skin is to invest in a simple routine using medical-grade products. Medical-grade products are FDA-approved, meaning they are proven to work.
Although pricier upfront, the investment will pay dividends with your skin reaping the benefits. While complicated routines can be fun to follow, they’re often not sustainable. Stick to three or four essentials and build out your routine as necessary. The simpler it is, the more likely you are to stick to it. Be sure to incorporate the basics before adding more: All you need are a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, retinol, and an SPF. We can help tailor your routine from this jumping-off point.
Tip #2: Stay out of the sun and don’t forget the SPF
Did you know that 90% of fine lines can be attributed to sun damage? In addition to premature aging, sun damage can lead to dark spots, and more seriously, melanoma. Protect your skin (and potentially your life) by wearing daily SPF — we recommend at least SPF 30, higher for the face — and avoiding the sun during peak hours wherever possible.
When exposed to the sun, be sure to lather up, cover up, and limit exposure if you’re able. Your skin will thank you.
Tip #3: Watch your diet, it matters
While what you put on your skin matters, so does what you put in your body. Healthy fats (from foods like avocado, olive oil, almonds, etc.) can help to hydrate the skin from the inside out, while foods like dairy and excessive sugar can lead to breakouts. The food you eat can even mimic the hormones that trigger oil production in the skin to ignite cystic acne and red spots, so be mindful to ensure your diet is rich in vegetables and other vitamin-rich foods.
Tip #4: Don’t neglect your neck
…or your décolletage, or your hands. Although we may have more foresight into skincare than the generations before us, oftentimes areas other than the face are neglected. These often forgotten are still exposed to the sun and other environmental factors (hello “tech neck” folds and wrinkles), but aren’t given the dedicated care of the face. Invest in both a moisturizer and an SPF you can use on any exposed skin to ensure you’re protected, well-hydrated, and taking care of your whole body — not just your face.
Tip #5: Invest in treatments
Monthly or annual treatments that address your specific skin conditions are a great way to pamper yourself and keep your skin healthy. Whether you love treating yourself to a monthly HydraFacial to stave off dry skin, or you prefer to opt for bi-annual chemical peels to address sun damage, treat deeper wrinkles, and even out skin tone, aesthetic treatments done by a qualified practitioner can make all the difference.
This month we’re challenging you to get your best skin ever and glow long past November. Give us a call to book an appointment or chat more about our favorite skin tips: (208) 888-0660.