Self Care 102- Skin Care

Moving into the second quarter of  2021, we are all feeling hopeful with more people getting vaccinated, cases of Covid-19 starting to decline and a new President who is busy with the issues facing the country and not twittering. As we cautiously venture back out into the world,  it might be a good time to reevaluate our self-care routines. I've spent some time reading about new advances, trends and philosophies in skin care during the pandemic, and although I've always been diligent about taking care of my skin, (even a bit of a skin care junkie, always trying new products) I've learned a lot. I am surely not a dermatologist or aesthetician but think there's some info here that is helpful in taking care of yourself.

Skin changes dramatically as we age, because of how our cells function, or lose function, and is reflected in how we attempt to correct and prevent the damage in our skin care regimens. While office procedures can offer quick fixes ( Botox, fillers, peels, laser treatments and even surgery), the right daily skin care is most important for a fresh and lasting result.

Almost weekly it feels like we hear about new skin care ingredient that will our skin for the better. Some are a lot of hype, but others genuinely make a difference  skin for the better. 

A well-designed skin care regimen should contain the following ingredients:

Retinoids to increase cell turnover and stimulate the specific cells to make collagen. Most Derms consider Retin-A or retinols the gold standard in skin care. For super sensitive skin plant-based alternatives such as Bakuchiol provide comparable results.

Antioxidants to protect against the constant attack on skin cells by environmental issues, smoking and all forms of light. These harmful rays cause oxidation within the cells, which contributes to aging. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with antioxidant properties to protect against free radicals, while reducing sun damage, brightening skin tone and fighting inflammation.*

Hylauronic Acid (HA) is a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin binding to water and collagen to plump you skin and give it a glowy effect. As we age, we lose collagen and HA naturally and skin becomes dehydrated. HA is often found in moisturizers,masks and serums to help increase moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to help gently exfoliate dead skin layers, stimulating skin turnover and assist in better absorption of your products.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens with iron oxides, antioxidants and active mineral ingredients protect against damaging light rays.

Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. They assist in building more collagen which can mean younger-looking, firmer skin. They are naturally occurring in the skin, but are also in some skincare products for a boost.

There is no quick and easy fix to slow down the effects of aging. It takes consistency and commitment. Your skin care regimen is the most important part of your overall anti-aging plan. One of the good things to come out of this pandemic is the philosophy that "less is more". You need just a few good products suited to your individual needs rather than a medicine cabinet-full. Most dermatologists will tell you the keys to a daily routine are cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize and protect.

Finding products that combine several of these ingredients and can do more than 1 thing will help streamline your routine. Finding a line you love and following their own regimen makes life easy (they've done the research and combine the ingredients for you!) Also, if you are watching what you eat to be healthy, you may want to watch what you put on your skin, too. Look for clean, non-toxic ingredients, like those in BeautyCounter www.beautycounter.com/juliemorales1, Naturopatheca, Follain, True Botanicals, Tata Harper and more. Check online for clean skincare or Sephora. Be aware natural, green or organic does not necessarily mean clean. 

Colorscience makes two of my favorite sun protection products that multitask. Face Shield Glow is a tinted moisturizer and/ or primer for a healthy glow. I keep a Sunforgettable  brush in my car to remember to use on my hands when I'm driving or if I'll be outside and need extra protection later in the day. Because it is a powder it does not go bad if left in a hot car.

Taking the time to find the right products to take care of your skin will keep you looking as young on the outside as you feel on the inside! "60 is the new 40" is my mantra. (For my younger readers, starting your routine early will keep you looking ageless and healthy longer) 

*While vitamin C provides sun-protection benefits, it's not a substitute for sunscreen. Apply a moisturizer with an SPF or a separate SPF lotion daily.

Always look forward to hearing your thoughts :)