Let’s face it! We can’t stop time. We do our best to rest, drink enough water, and wash our faces before bed, but we can’t do anything about getting older.
We try and try, but the clock keeps ticking and our skin is sure to show the signs. So what can we do?
The odds of looking young forever are low—and even if we could, we’d rather age than go back in time to our teenage acne days. There’s got to be a balance.
Dr. Robert Nossa from The Derm Group says there is—and he’s brought along Geri, our lead esthetician in TDG’s Paramus and Morristown offices, to give us 7 insider skin care and cosmetic dermatology tips for aging gracefully.
TIP 1: SUNSCREEN AND SUN AWARENESS
While it seems like a little sun here and there is no big deal, all that sun can add up.
Avoid direct and extended exposure during the sun’s peak hours, 10 p.m. to 4 p.m., as sun exposure can account for up to 80% of skin damage. Dr. Nossa recommends looking for a sunscreen that guarantees UVA/UVB “broad-spectrum” or “full-spectrum” coverage.
UVA Rays (aka aging rays) are always present, though they are invisible. They penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature skin aging and wrinkling. UVB Rays (aka burning rays) burn the superficial layers of your skin and play a role in the development of skin cancer.
Geri’s favorite sunscreen? Our DermPerfection BB Defense SPF 40. It’s a mousse-like, tinted sunscreen packed with antioxidants, formulated especially for the face! Use this in place of foundation or use underneath as your primer.
And remember, it’s always wise to schedule routine skin cancer screenings, especially if you have fair skin or spend a lot of time outdoors.
TIP 2: APPLY A TOPICAL RETINOID REGULARLY
Dr. Nossa recommends the use of a topical retinoid, like Tretinoin.
Topical retinoids use vitamin A to help exfoliate the skin, leaving it much smoother. Use of a retinoid helps with not only sun-damaged areas but also with hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and brightening skin.
TIP 3: APPLY AN ANTIOXIDANT LIKE VITAMIN C
A topical antioxidant, such as vitamin C, acts as a “shield” to protect skin cells from damage. It acts as a “2-in-1” product to also reverse the signs of aging for brighter, firmer skin.
Don’t know what to use? Geri suggests you try our DermPerfection Duo AM/PM topical capsules for 24-hour protection!
TIP 4: CONSIDER EXFOLIATING PEELS AND LASER PHOTOFACIALS
Exfoliating is one of those steps that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, if you’re not exfoliating, you’re missing a vital step!
Exfoliating not only unclogs pores, but it also gets rid of all the dead skin on your face that’s just waiting to be sloughed off.
While you should only exfoliate once or twice a week, those few times are vital in encouraging quicker skin turnaround, which helps skin look refreshed.
Need help figuring this part out? Come visit our DermPerfection Medical Spa. Performed by one of our medical esthetic specialists, we offer customized Derm Perfection exfoliation treatments and skin resurfacing for any skin type or skin condition.
TIP 5: ADDRESS DYNAMIC LINES WITH BOTOX®
BOTOX is becoming the go-to product for all sorts of issues—migraines, excessive sweating, and even an overactive bladder. Its original purpose, though, is to temporarily improve the look of wrinkles like crow’s feet and frown lines between the eyebrows.
BOTOX temporarily reduces muscle activity in the injected area. This reduction gives your skin time to relax, resulting in a reduction or correction of frown lines and crow’s feet.
TIP 6: ADDRESS FINE LINES AND VOLUME LOSS WITH INJECTABLE FILLERS.
Cheeks, lips, and even nasolabial folds (better known as smile lines) can lose their oomph as we age. Injectable fillers like Juvéderm and Radiesse literally fill these areas to restore a plump, youthful appearance. They can even be used to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
TIP 7: HEALTHY LIVING!
Dr. Nossa’s top 3 recommendations are: eat healthily, avoid smoking, and exercise regularly. Seems simple enough!
If you have questions or concerns about your skin issues, we’re always here to help. Contact us online or call us at (973) 571-2121 to schedule a consultation.