Because I spend my time talking, breathing and living skin care, certain individuals automatically assume that I have secrets that I’m not giving up. I am often asked to tell all about the best, greatest, must-have skin care product. Most individuals express surprise (and then quickly lose interest) when I assert there is no such thing.
Why is it that people assume that the key to something good has to be a well kept secret? Like many things in life, achieving something good – a successful career, a happy marriage, a healthy physique and yes, great skin – rely on the same basic principles:
- Consistency
- Hard work and
- A plan
Sometimes, we’re fortunate to get a little bit of extra help along the way. And yes, unforeseen circumstances (or plain bad luck) can put us back.
The reality to achieving a great anything is far more boring than any ‘secret’ strategy, ingredient or formula could possibly be. If you ask me the secret to great skin, I’ll share with you the following:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, lean protein, colorful fruits and vegetables and healthy fats. Our skin is our body’s largest organ and like the rest of our body, requires the building blocks of good health to look its best
- Get enough sleep, manage stress and exercise. Our skin reflects our lifestyle – too many late nights, excessive worrying and being a couch potato will show on your face
- Find a good UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen and wear it – everyday! While UVB rays are mainly around in the summer, UVA rays can be found year round. They penetrate glass, clouds and cause deeper damage than UVB rays leading to wrinkles, saggy and discolored skin. The sun is responsible for more than 80% of skin aging. Prevention is your best strategy
- Treat skin gently. Harsh cleansers, overly aggressive treatments aren’t good to skin. Even if you have acne, be gentle
- Develop a good skin care regimen and stick to it:
- Incorporate antioxidants such as Vitamin C, green tea, retinol to fight free radicals and boost collagen production. Consider products such as Reversa Antioxidant Booster Serum, La Roche Posay Active C and Green Cream
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize if skin needs it. Moisturizers can contain a range of skin beneficial ingredients that may help to repair a damaged skin barrier and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. La Roche Posay moisturizers such as Nutritic, Hydreane and Hydraphase are suitable for all skin types
- Cleanse every day before going to sleep. La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansers are suitable even for the most sensitive of skin
- Whether you favor a chemical or natural, physical blocking sunscreen, find one that agrees with your skin type and use it daily. Consider Anthelios sunscreens or Keys Solar Rx.
Boring? Maybe. Effective? Yes!
