Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Nancy Gardner, Ph.D., Board Certified Nurse Practitioner at South Osprey Dermatology, Sarasota, Florida
Throughout history, people have been interested in maintaining youthful-looking skin and preventing the effects of aging. The
desire to care for our skin has evolved significantly, from Cleopatra’s milk baths to the 1980’s when sunscreens began competing with sun tanning products.
Evidence-based research has shed light on why there is such a variation in how our skin ages. This evolving knowledge base, along with public demand, has taken science to today’s advanced cosmetic technology and industry.
Our skin is our largest organ and serves an essential role in protecting our body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and water loss while regulating body temperature. Maintaining the integrity of our skin is very important to maintaining our well-being and feeling good.
Epidermal lipids (cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids) of keratocytes origin play a role in skin barrier function. As we age, the barrier becomes thinner, causing dryness, loss of youthful appearance, and fine lines.
Premature aging can be caused by:
• Health issues
• Daily exposure to environmental pollutants
• Sun exposure
• Climate extremes
• Dehydration
• Poor diet
• Stress
The breakdown of the lipid barrier contributes to various surface skin problems such as premature aging, infections, inflammation, irritation, itching, dryness, discoloration, acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and sun damage.
I am often asked how someone can improve skin health and decrease signs of aging. Here are some things I recommend:
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water
• Use a high-quality moisturizer
• Adopt a diet rich in polyphenols
• Limit meat consumption and avoid processed or cured meats
• Consume multiple servings of fruits and vegetables
• Get restful sleep
• Spend time in the fresh air
• Avoid pollution and extended sun exposure
• Protect your skin from extreme temperatures
• Exercise for 30 minutes daily, walking counts!
• Practice mindfulness meditation for 5 minutes daily and engage in enjoyable activities
Sound familiar? What is suitable for antiaging is also good for our health!
Beware, there are some things we do to our skin that can adversely impact skin health such as over or under-exfoliation, excessive alcohol, smoking, sun exposure, and use of low-quality skincare products.
High-quality products like CeraVe, Cetaphil,
Neutrogena, SkinCeuticals, Beverly Hills, MD, and others can help protect and restore skin damage and slow signs of aging. Cleansers enhanced with vitamin antioxidants can reduce dryness and inflammation. There are several versions of enhanced moisturizers, some with hyaluronic acid, oils, vitamins C, B, and E. There are creams and Gels with vitamin B3 – niacinamide. Many contain quality sunscreen. Beverly Hills MD Brighten and Tighten Restorative Skin Oil, and SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2-4-2 are excellent moisturizers for any skin condition and climate with optimal proportions of ceramides, fatty acids, and
cholesterol.
Products based on natural oils that help protect and heal the skin’s barrier are those with coconut, olive, jojoba, sunflower, and rosehip. Vitamin A products such as Retin-A should be prescribed by a dermatologist. They come in different strengths and should be used appropriately for optimal results. Vitamin A- retinol products offer an excellent way to make the most of what you do to protect your skin barrier and decrease signs of aging.
Emerging affordable office procedures with limited to no downtime stimulate the natural process of improving and supporting a more youthful appearance. These treatments can help slow the appearance of lines to help turn back the clock.
Treatments such as:
• Botox to relax overused muscles
• Microchanneling (stimulates cell turnover and the body’s collagen production to reduce fine lines and increase natural resiliency to the skin)
• PRX TC33 peel-less peels (zero downtime – it works from within, promoting cell turnover and collagen production underneath the top layers)
• Facial peels have different strengths that smooth, increase cell turnover, exfoliate, and reduce fine lines
• Hyaluronic acid fillers plump, lift, and stimulate natural hyaluronic acid
• Lasers treatments
• Plastic surgery
• Daily nutritional supplements
While most skincare products can enhance skin health and appearance, selecting the right ones for specific skin conditions is crucial. Consult with your dermatologist to determine the best options. Choose the right skincare products and seek professional treatments to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come. Love your skin and promote its well-being.
www.southospreydermatology.com
941-957-7804
1801 S Osprey Ave Suite 201
Sarasota, FL 34239
