by Heather Karu, MD , Sanford Clinic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Vivaz Medical Spa
We’ve all heard that little voice in our head when we look in the mirror, sometimes it says “You’ve got it goin’ on, girl!” Other times it may say “Where did that beautiful skin go?” With a little TLC, everyone can make improvements to their skin’s health and appearance — today and for a lifetime.
Eat Well. Healthy skin begins on the inside — so maintain a proper diet. Eating foods rich in vitamin A — such as carrots, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe – helps regulate cell turnover keeping skin fresh and new. Antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, helps skin manage the effects of the environment. Because they are responsible for maintaining healthy cell membranes, omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and nuts are important to the health of the skin. With good, strong cell membranes, the skin is better able to hold moisture and maintain its plump, youthful appearance.
Drink Plenty of Water. Even more than other organs, our skin responds negatively to a lack of water. To tell if you’re mildly dehydrated, pinch the skin on the back of your hand. If it doesn’t bounce back quickly, you need to replenish fluids.
Limit Sun Exposure. There is no such thing as a “healthy tan.” Tanning is a damage response designed to protect the DNA of skin cells. Repeated exposure to UV rays causes premature aging of skin, damages elastin and collagen — the result is a future of blotchy, wrinkly skin and a risk of cancer.
Don’t Smoke. The damage smoking does to skin can be seen even in young people. Smoking constricts blood vessels in the skin, making it difficult to deliver oxygen and nutrients. The resulting deficiency damages the elastin fibers and collagen that give the skin its structure. In a more direct way, the act of smoking forces your face into all kinds of distortions – the resulting wrinkles can mar your face for years to come.
Take Advantage of Skin Treatments and Technologies. Women across the country are turning to technology to maintain healthy, youthful skin. Multiple non-invasive treatments are available for today’s women to sustain skin’s moisture, control blotchiness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Facials aren’t just for pampering, they’re an important tool for exfoliation and replenishing moisture. A proper facial massages the skin as well as nourishes, detoxifies and rejuvenates with mineral products and trace elements. Facials can be formulated to meet each woman’s specific needs including intensive hydration or acne control.
Microdermabasion is used to control age spots, acne and sun damage or to reduce the appearance of scarring, fine lines and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, painless procedure utilizing light abrasion to the surface of the skin, revealing the fresh, healthy skin below.
Dermal fillers soften fine lines and wrinkles by filling the wrinkle or fold from beneath the skin.
Laser therapies utilize a focused beam of high-intensity light to stimulate the production of collagen and gently reduce the signs of aging and sun damage. Laser treatments tighten the skin and reduce fine wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores and redness.
Appease your inner voice and achieve healthy skin for a lifetime by caring for your skin from the inside out.
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Posted In Health Information, Healthy Living, Women's
