The skin is more than just a pretty face – it is the body’s largest organ. It protects the body against heat, sunlight, injury and infection. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet rays (from the sun or indoor tanning) can damage the skin, causing wrinkles, blotchiness and sagging. This exposure results in premature aging and about 90 percent of all skin cancers. Following these steps can help you achieve and maintain beautiful skin throughout your life:
1. DRINK MORE WATER
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This will help hydrate your cells and keep your complexion at its best.
2. DAYTIME MOISTURIZERS
Use daytime moisturizers, foundations or creams with UV protection. The best time to apply a moisturizer to the skin is immediately following a bath or shower.
3. MINIMIZE SUN EXPOSURE
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, especially between noon and 2 pm. When in the sun, wear a broad rimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protective lenses.
4. STOP SMOKING
Smoking causes premature aging and wrinkling of the face.
5. EAT YOUR VEGGIES
The saying “You are what you eat” is truer now than ever. Studies show that food not only nourishes the body but also has a marked impact on the skin. Skin wrinkling can be influenced by the types of foods people eat. Higher intakes of meat, dairy and sugar products create more stress and damage on our bodies but high intakes of vegetables, legumes, olives & fruit protects our skin against this damage.
6. TAKE YOUR FISH OILS
Ingestion of fish oils for 3 months was found to significantly increase one’s ability to tolerate the sun.
7. NOURISH YOUR SKIN FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
More evidence confirms that certain vitamin and antioxidant extracts, when applied topically, improves the health and appearance of the skin. Look for vitamins C & E, CoEnzyme Q10 and green tea extract to not only improve the skin’s appearance, but also to protect the skin from precancerous spots!
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a a free consultation with our skin care specialist!. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments.
Dr Lisa Benest can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
For permission to reprint this article in full or in part, contact info2006@lisabenestmd.com
