Skin Savers to the Rescue

Do you sometimes look in the mirror and say to yourself, “If only my skin still had that healthy glow it had when I was younger?” It’s true: even if you have wrinkles, age spots, and a pimple or two, healthy, glowing skin can offset your flaws dramatically and draw attention to its own radiance.

So how do you get your skin to radiate good health?

FEED YOUR FACE

You can start by eating foods known to plump up skin cells. Vitamin A is excellent for your skin. In fact, Vitamin A is known to be helpful for healing surface wounds—so how could it not be good for your skin? Carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, peas, low-fat yogurt, milk, liver and other animal products all contain Vitamin A, just to name a few . But if prefer the capsule, be sure not to overdo it. Surplus quantities of synthetic Vitamin A are not excreted by the body the way some other vitamins are. A buildup of Vitamin A can lead to toxic symptoms, including osteoporosis and liver abnormalities.

You can also get that healthy glow by increasing antioxidants into your diet. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and prunes are full of antioxidants that are great for your skin (and your other organs too). So are artichokes, beans, pecans, walnuts, and fatty acids (such as those found in salmon). If you damaged your skin cell membranes over the years by having too much fun in the sun, these foods will help to offset your gaffes. So will foods containing selenium, such as whole wheat products, turkey, tuna and Brazil nuts. And the anti-inflammatory and cell-membrane-protection properties in green tea are not to be understated!

KEEP HYDRATED

Exactly how much water is good for you is a subject of frequent debate. The answer depends on the climate you live in and how much water you lose per day through urine, perspiration and simply by breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average healthy adult living in a temperate climate should be drinking eight or nine cups of water a day. What is not in dispute is that good hydration from pure water helps keep skin healthy. Hard water is healthier than artificially softened water, which is mineral deprived.

MOVE IT

Exercise is good for your skin. Vigorous exercise is even better for you skin. When your blood is circulating properly, it flushes toxins from all parts of your body, and skin is no exception. If your job requires you to sit for hours, you need to find ways get your blood flowing.

HIGH AND DRY?

Be sure keep your skin moist, especially in the winter, in higher altitudes, and in situations where the humidity level is very low, such as traveling in an airplane. You will need to apply additional moisturizing products when moisture levels are compromised. Be certain to use superior products that have been endorsed by your dermatologist or skin care professional. Otherwise you may wind up clogging pores and making your skin worse.

OFF WITH THE OLD…

To exfoliate the skin is to rub off dead skin cells with an abrasive. Once the dead skin cells are gone, young, healthy cells can rise up to take their place. The cell rejuvenation process happens automatically for the young. But as we age, the dead cells actually stack up, often unevenly, giving the skin a blotchy look and keeping the young cells submerged. Exfoliation can be accomplished with natural abrasives, such as sea salt, or with chemical facial peels. Because it is so easy to over exfoliate, which can result in dry and irritated skin, it is always best to consult your skin care professional about your best options.

BECOME ENLIGHTENED

Many people are afraid to even consider a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Some may fear the discomfort and the recovery time associated with surgery. Others may even feel there is some stigma attached to it (though that notion is dwindling quickly as more and more celebrities talk openly about the joys of brow lifts and cheek implants). You are hurting yourself and your potential for many years of glowing beautiful skin if you avoid consultations with skin care professionals altogether. Surgery is only one of an array of options that your skin care specialists can offer you. Laser resurfacing procedures, Botox, liquid lifts and many other choices await you once you decide to take that first step to save your skin.

PSS Blog

Plastic Surgery Information for the San Francisco Bay Area & Marin