In summary: What does an Facial Plastic Surgeon know about skin care? Find out and see the top skin care tips from a dual board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Otolaryngologist – Head and Neck Surgeon.
I’ve put together a few quick and basic skin care tips which are easy ways to keep your skin healthy and youthful.
1. Beware of Sun Exposure
The first and foremost variable to control is sun exposure. The sun is not your friend. It increases the risk of skin cancers and overexposure without protection can result in premature aging and wrinkling, sun spots and textural irregularities.
Peak brightness is between 10 am to 2 pm.
Use sunscreen, at least spf 30. It’s helpful to also wear protective clothing.
Try not to use aerosolized sun blocks, they are less strong and protective than direct aplication products. And remember, even areas you don’t think get sunlight, like the bottom of your nose, get light by reflection off the ground. I recommend to all my preop and postoperative patients that they get a moisturizer with sunblock built into it already.
2. No Smoking!
Don’t smoke. Physicians can always tell smokers not just by the way they smell, but because they always look older than their stated age.
Smoking damages the microvasculature, which means less delivery of important nutrients. In fact the decrease in oxygen delivery is so significant that I won’t even consider a facelift on a smoker. I will wait a good 4 months from the date of smoking cessation to make sure that the red blood cells aren’t stuck with carbon monoxide anymore. Furthermore, also damages collagen and elasticity of the skin.
3. Limit Bathing Time
Limit bath time with hot showers. They tend to remove natural oils from skin. So take shorter, warm (not hot) showers.
Use gentle soaps that won’t strip your natural skin oils.
Shave in the direction of hair follicles, and after warming up your skin with water because it softens the skin. Pat dry and don’t rub hard. Use moisturizer immediately after showering to hydrate your skin. Try to use creams instead of lotions if you can.
4. Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water. It helps to keep your skin hydrated, which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Finally, anything on your skin that is new or you are worried about should be checked by a dermatologist or your physician. When caught early most things are easier to treat.
I hope this helps. If you have any other questions about skin care, check our our website at drundavia.com or email us at info@drundavia.com.