SKIN CARE: A PREVENTATIVE APPROACH

Jen Fortney, PA-C

“Nothing looks better in your 50s than sunscreen in your 20s.”

Ever wish we could turn back the clock to change our skin? Have you ever thought to yourself, wow, what would my skin belike if I had taken care of it sooner? In order to avoid these regrets, it is critical to start protecting your skin now. Preventatives kin care is often overlooked because if we don’t see a problem, we don’t think to fix it. But the whole concept behind preventative skin care is to fix a problem before it ever starts, a concept more fondly referred to as ‘pre-juvenation.’ The amazing news is that there are some essential products out there to help keep your skin youthful and radiant…and the earlier you start, the better! With the right skin care regimen, you will be able to maintain your 20-year-old skin well into the future.

Sun protection, first and foremost, is one of our most important defenses when discussing preventative skin care. Sun exposure leads to premature skin aging because it destroys the collagen needed to keep our skin plump and firm. UV clothing and hats are recommended, but getting the right sunscreen (and SPF) is critical. Whether it is zinc oxide, mineral powder, or the ultimate super screen Total Defense and Repair by SkinMedica, you should be using at least an SPF of 30 on any area exposed to sunshine, 365 days per year.

Another important piece in the skin pre-juvenation puzzle is a class of medicines called retinoids, a tried-and-true addition to any skin care routine. Their function is to increase the rate of cell turnover, thereby diminishing the appearance of wrinkles over time. In addition, they help to decrease pigmentation and keep skin looking fresh and new. There are LOTS of retinoids available on the market, but be wary, as many over-the-counter products only deliver a fraction of the strength that is required to achieve notable results. Best used are prescription-strength retinoids or medical-grade skin care retinols, such as those available by SkinMedica.

Next is Lumivive, a day and night system by SkinMedica, developed to protect your skin from environmental aggressors. The daytime damage defense serum functions to safeguard your skin from pollutants and blue light, which are BOTH responsible for contributing to premature skin aging. The nighttime revitalize repair complex was developed to help enhance your skin’s ability to repair itself. When used together, this system helps to restore your skin’s overall radiance within about 14 days. In addition, it complements and amplifies any new and existing skin care regimen. Be prepared for compliments…. your skin will be glowing!

My favorite product on the market to add to our pre-juvenation regimen is SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced Plus Serum. This revolutionary serum is dual chambered and carries two different serums: one with potent growth factors and the other with an innovative peptide complex, that complement each other to not only diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also improve texture, pigment, and tone. Application is twice daily. Studies showed incredible results within just a few weeks of use, which until now, has been unheard of. I like to think of it as youth in a bottle.

Lastly, regular Botox injections will dramatically decrease deep lines. Botox is considered a preventative treatment because it helps relax the muscles that are responsible for driving wrinkles deeper into the skin. A Botox treatment is recommended every 3-4months depending on the individual, and is approved for individuals 18 years and older.

In short, the sooner we start taking care of our skin, the better!!!So please, show your skin some love, and come and see us to get you started on your very own preventative skin care regimen.