The Year of New Skin!

With the new year and new decade upon us, I realized that in a whirlwind 2009 left us and it's been a while since my last post. One of my resolutions for 2010 - keep up on this blog not only for me, but to help keep you informed!

So let's start out this new year and new decade fresh faced...we resolve to have our best skin yet!

Resolution #1: I will wear sunscreen every day - 365 or 66 days a year!

By now, I'm sure you've had this drilled into your head about how important it is to wear sunscreen EVERY day. But, just in case, let's review some key points. Sun exposure, even 15 minutes can damage skin and lead to fine lines, loss of elastiscity and discoloration down the road. Sun exposure is cumulative, meaning you won't see the effects of today's sun. When you do see it, it's already too late. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 will help maintain the shape of your skin. Do I even need to mention the risk of skin cancer you're subjecting yourself to? For tips on skin cancer screenings, you can read an article that I was interviewd for: http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/news/x541365925/Skin-cancer-among-most-common-deadly-diseases



Resolution #2: I will wash and moisturize my face morning and night.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? You would be amazed at how many female patients tell me that they either a.) don't wash their face at night, or b.) don't use a moisturizer at night after washing. This might be considered a cardinal sin of skin care! Never, never, never, EVER, sleep in your makeup. Even non-comedogenic make-up will clog your pores if you don't take it off. If you don't have a skin care routine, 2010 is the perfect starting point! Begin with a gentle basic cleanser (one that doesn't foam or contain salisylic, glycolic, or benzoyl peroxide). If after cleaning your face, you feel dry, tight and squeaky clean, you have gone too far! Windows should look dry and squeaky clean, not your skin. When cleansers do this, they initiate a process that signals oil glands to compensate for the lack of moisture, regardless if you put moisturizer on afterwards. You might end up waking in the morning with an oil slick on your face, and start the entire vicious cycle over again.

After washing, apply a moisturizer with some kind of antioxidant like Vitamin C or Green Tea to help ward off free radicals. Obviously, ending the morning routine with sunscreen. Once you get the morning and evening routine down pat, you may want to start investing additional skin care products or treatments. Consult with you Dermatologist or Esthetician for products suited to your skin type and needs.



Resolution #3: I will use an eye cream

The truth is in your eyes! They are also the first to show signs of aging because the skin around the eyes is the most fragile on the face. They get puffy when we cry, dark when we don't sleep, and saggy when we age. Using the same lotion on our eyes that we use for our face might seem logical, but in reality the particles are too large for the skin cells around our eyes. So really you are aging yourself faster! Use an cream specifically formulated for eyes and take whatever they tout with a grain of salt. Better than Botox? Hardley, but it will hydrate the skin around the eyes correcting some of the lines caused by dehydration. Keep that youthful look and fool those around you by using an eye cream.



Resolution #4: Don't sweat the small stuff
Easier said than done...I realize this. But maybe knowing this will help in your times of stress or distress: When you stress your body releases a stress h ormone, cortisol. This hormone reeks havoc on your oil glands, stimulating them to produce oil and clog pores causing acne or other skin problems. Stress can also age you faster. So this year resolve to take time out for yourself! Get a facial, take that yoga class, grab a girlfriend and go on that trip. You've worked hard this past year...you deserve it!

I wish you all the very best skin possible in this new year! Don't be in the dark...practice safe sun!

Sincerely,
Bella Derma