Your skin is the largest organ of the body and it deserves your TLC. For more than just appearance, taking care of your skin is vital for your general health.
Paytan Wilder, medical assistant and licensed aesthetician of Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery Center in Knoxville, has the following tips for taking good care of your skin:
1. Start with the basics
If you are just starting with skincare, Paytan suggests starting with the basics. That means starting with a good foundation of a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. If you want to get better results from your skincare, use products for Prevention (antioxidant products such as those containing vitamin C), Correction (e.g. retinol-based products), and Protection (e.g. sunscreen) properties.
When asked about washing the face, she recommends doing it twice a day. One in the morning to get rid of oil and dirt and one at night, where you can use any cleanser that focuses on your skin issues.
For teens, unless they have other skin issues, Paytan suggests sticking with the 3-step skincare routine – cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
2. Protect your skin from UV rays
Unprotected sun exposure can do a lot of damage to your skin. It causes premature skin aging and of course, increases your chances of getting skin cancer.
Wearing sunscreen even during cloudy days is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. And it’s important to re-apply it every 2 to 3 hours.
As to what type of sunscreen to choose, Paytan suggests using a broad-spectrum one. It’s the kind that protects the skin both from the UVA and UVB rays.
When asked about the choice between mineral or chemical sunscreen (also known as physical sunscreen),, Paytan says it’s really all about one’s personal choice. Both work to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
3. Don’t forget to exfoliate
If you have normal skin, Paytan suggests exfoliating about 2 to 3 times a week and less (about 1 to 2 times a week) if you have sensitive skin. Exfoliation helps get off that top layer of dead skin, clear out pores, and smooth skin texture.
You can do physical exfoliation (like using a facial scrub) or chemical exfoliation (like using products containing acids such as glycolic acid).
4. Invest in good skincare products or treatment
Your skin is the largest organ and if you take good care of it, it can help take care of you.
Invest in the right products and skin treatments. If you can, have a good skincare treatment every 4 to 6 weeks or even every few months.
Although it’s ideal to start taking care of your skin early on, Paytan emphasizes that it’s never too late to start doing it now.
Dr. David Lo and our team at Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery in Knoxville are dedicated to beautiful results. To request a consultation call (865) 306-5680 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/dr-lo-appointment-request/.