Five Skin Care Resolutions For 2016
As a new year begins, resolutions come and go. That renewed vigor for jumping on the treadmill or cutting calories remains strong throughout January, but often starts to wane a little by February. And usually by March, we’re back to our old ways. With injectable cosmetic treatments, however, you can resolve to look more rested, healthy and youthful with a simple office visit – and your results last anywhere from a few months to two years. Talk about minimal effort and maximum results.
Here at Janiga MDs, we have hundreds of clients who see us regularly for Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and Restylane to help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. These sorts of procedures, along with plastic surgery, such as facelifts, are no longer stigmatized in our society. In fact, they’re becoming quite common. Think about this: more than 1 million get Botox for the first time each year because they see the value in making an investment in their skin’s appearance.
I’d like to offer up some proactive steps you can take to help your procedures last longer. In the spirit of the new year, here are the top five skin care resolutions for 2016.
Apply sunscreen every single day
You wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth, would you? I doubt it. That’s due to a number of reasons, including personal embarrassment as well as a concern for the health of your teeth. It’s no different with your skin. All the signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging, loss of volume, brown and red discoloration are due to UV radiation. This damage accumulates even if we are indoors all day or just driving to and from work. Here at Janiga MDs, we recommend a sunscreen meant for facial use with at least a SPF 15. Elta MD is my favorite product line. Elta MD Facial and Elta MD Daily each contain a light moisturizer while Elta MD Clear is a sunscreen without moisturizer if your skin is oily. These products cost about $30 per bottle and will last about two months.
Use Retinol
Retinol is a topical medication designed to exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sunspots. SkinMedica Retinol Complex is available at Janiga MDs for $75 a bottle. This will last at least a few months, depending on how often it is applied. I recommend applying the retinol treatment at bedtime once a week or even nightly, depending on your skin type.
Apply Topical Antioxidants
If you want to undo and even prevent some of the inflammation caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays, topical antioxidants are a must-have. When used daily, not only do they undo sun damage, they also reduce redness and visible blood vessels. SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex is a soothing serum you can apply under your sunscreen in the morning.
Embrace Growth Factors
Growth Factors stimulate collagen cells to replicate. If you keep in mind that wrinkling and sagging is caused by the breakdown of collagen by UV radiation, you start to see the importance of collagen, which is responsible for the thickness and youthfulness of the skin. These topical medications are the latest innovation in maintaining and improving skin health and appearance, as an added bonus they can also help the longevity of your injectable cosmetics and plastic surgery. Come in and see us at Janiga MDs to discuss which growth factor is best for your skin and your skin care routine.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizer is a must for nearly everyone living in the Reno-Tahoe area. The climate is so dry that newcomers often tell me their skin has appeared to age five years in just a few months after moving from a more humid environment. Our dry air is notorious for stripping natural oils out of the skin. I highly recommend applying a moisturer every night. Replentix night cream costs $66 for a two-month supply and will combat the dry wrinkly appearance of your skin. I also recommend a moisturizer designated for the eyelids. This is important because the skin on the eyelids is much thinner and more susceptible to wrinkles and irritation. SkinMedica Eye Repair is my favorite product and can be applied before or after your facial moisturizer.
Put these five tips into regular practice and you’ll have skin that appears more healthy, rested and youthful for 2016 and beyond. Feel free to schedule a consultation with us at any time. Happy New Year!
