Be sure to sign up for Dr. Lincenberg’s Virtual Lunch and Learn on how to have glowing summer skin. You’ll get a discount on products, great ideas for the summer, and ways to correct for pigmentation issues caused by sun exposure. RSVP to kendra@drlincenberg.com to receive your Zoom link the morning of the event.
There’s nothing better than getting outside again – with safe social distancing – after months of quarantine living. And when we think about summer, we all imagine how we can look our best as we enjoy the warmer weather. Today let’s talk about ways to nurture younger, more beautiful skin this season.
Maybe you have noticed the signs of aging in the form of wrinkles, discolorations, or other problem areas you would like to address. An expert plastic surgeon can help you in many ways, most of which do not involve surgery and general anesthesia. Minor procedures that require no anesthesia include traditional aesthetician treatments like microneedling with PRP or serums, chemical peeling, and laser correction of blemishes and mild wrinkles. Other in-office procedures such as the fat and stem cell grafts, lunch-time facelifts, liquid facelifts, liposuctions, and eyelid tucks are pain-free via using tumescent or gas anesthesia. Patients can drive home shortly after these procedures. Major procedures including full facelifts, browlifts, etc. still require full anesthesia in a surgery center monitored by an anesthesiologist.
After you have taken advantage of any of these popular options, you will want to keep your skin looking healthy and fresh by using the techniques described below. Even if you choose not to have a procedure done, it is still important to understand what aspects of daily life tend to age skin prematurely and what choices you can make to maintain a more consistently youthful appearance.
First, keep that stress in check. According to The American Institute of Stress, what is going on outside our bodies is a reflection of what’s going on inside. The skin is the largest organ in our bodies, and it’s important that we care for it well. High levels of stress over time mean more cortisol production, which can lead to lower levels of collagen and elastin proteins in the skin. The overall result? More inflammatory damage, less effective cellular repair, and more wrinkles. Take some time for yourself this summer. Treat yourself to some downtime and discover how a more relaxed life can make you not only feel better, but also look more refreshed.
References to mindfulness and meditation seem to be everywhere during the stress of recent months, and for good reason. Scientific work has been done to determine, for example, that meditation can actually slow cellular aging and help protect telomeres – the protective DNA caps on the end of our chromosomes that become shorter as we age. Regular meditation practices may prevent damage to telomeres and actually lengthen them. So less stress, more mindfulness = a more vibrant you!
Second, watch out for exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It’s not something you can see, as it has a shorter wavelength than the light we observe. While both UVA and UVB light pose skin cancer risks and cause long-term skin damage, The Skin Cancer Foundation describes UVA in particular as being associated with premature skin aging. It’s critical to remember that the damage UV exposure causes is cumulative. Our bodies are wonderful at repairing damage to cells, but there is only so much they can do. So hear your Mom’s voice in your head when you go out: wear sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB light). UVA light can also penetrate clouds and window glass, so consider your exposure on overcast days and when sitting by car windows or in other areas exposed to exterior light, even if you’re working or reading inside.
Here are some other ideas to consider from the American Academy of Dermatology to keep your skin looking younger all year long. Avoid smoking and lower your alcohol consumption. Both can be rough on your skin for different reasons. Smoking is like stepping into a time machine that’s going the wrong way when it comes to aging skin! Nicotine narrows blood vessels, restricting access to all of the nutrients your skin needs. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, which can also work against your youthful appearance over time, especially when used in excess. The same is true for these habits as happens with UV exposure: the damage may be hard to see in the beginning, but the effects have a negative compounding effect over time on your skin and your health.
What about dietary choices? Bring on the fruits and veggies! An article in the newsletter Medical News Today reported on a study from the University of St. Andrews in the UK that the carotenoids in fruits and vegetables could actually change skin tone to a healthier hue in short order (with as few as two additional portions for six weeks). Increased intake of antioxidants is always a good idea: it can help reduce inflammation, protect your skin, and help it heal from the environmental damage of everyday living.
As always, we recommend making a commitment to treat yourself well. A good daily moisturizer traps water and holds it in, helping you avoid overly dry skin or skin that is too oily. Daily exercise helps, too. It boosts circulation and delivers that healthy glow you’re after. When you exercise, though, it’s important to rinse your face both before and after working out. Keeping clear skin means keeping pores open and free from dirt, the salt in your sweat and any pollutants you might encounter when you are exercising.
We’d love to welcome you online to our Virtual Lunch & Learn on June 24. You’ll get advice from our ZO Skin Health representative on the latest scientific products for skin care that are only available through physicians. Think of ZO products as filling the gap between your daily skin care routine and the more advanced treatments you can get in a doctor’s office. If you have problem areas with your skin or are concerned about premature aging, this seminar could be a program that’s exactly right for you. If you are unable to make the Lunch & Learn and would just like to know more, call our office anytime and we can discuss the right next steps to give you the look you want this year.
Have an amazing ageless-life summer!