Maybe she’s born with it… or maybe it’s just good skin maintenance. Ask us – our bet’s on the latter every time! When it comes to having youthful, healthy and vibrant looking skin, the secret is investing in good maintenance now for pay off in the long-term. And while you may have mom and dad to thank for those good genes – they’ll only get you so far.
Today, compounded with all the work and life stressors that can take a serious toll on our appearance, environmental factors also play their part in weakening the structure of our skin overtime. Think: harsh weather, pollutants, UV rays and the list goes on! Furthermore, as our skin ages, our body produces less collagen and elastin, which can contribute to dull, deflated looking skin.
But don’t wave the white flag just yet! Developing an at-home skin care routine that is coupled with monthly visits to see a certified skin care professional can help keep your skin in shape for years to come.
When it comes to developing a daily at-home skin care regimen that works for your skin – be sure you’re covering all your bases. Ultimately, your regimen should cleanse, correct, hydrate and protect. Let’s explore the importance of each step:
- Cleanse: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should be cleansing your skin twice a day. By setting aside 10 minutes in the morning and evening to dedicate to your skin, you can keep it looking hydrated and healthy. A good cleanse will also keep your pores clear, keep those nasty breakouts at bay and keep your complexion looking bright. Always be sure to cleanse before using any corrective products on your skin to ensure better penetration to the skin.
- Correct: Serums are key to treating a range of skin issues, including photo aging, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. Phew! Incorporating a skin corrector into your regimen will bring balance to your skin and will translate to a healthier, more youthful looking visage.
- Hydrate: As the skin ages, it loses it’s ability to retain moisture. In combination with a loss of volume from lowered levels of collagen and elastin in the body, our skin can appear sunken and weary. Not a good look on anyone! A moisturizer works to keep the skin hydrated, while maintaining suppleness and elasticity!
- Protect: Don’t forget the sunscreen! A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential in giving you the protection you need from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
While incorporating these steps into your daily skincare regimen will set you on the path to great skin, there’s only so much you can do at home. Your morning and evening ritual should be coupled with monthly visits to see a certified skin care specialist who can assess your skin’s unique needs and offer customized treatment options with medical-grade ingredients. They can also make recommendations on medical-grade skin care products that would deliver the best results for your skin.
As far as the science behind skincare products has come, do not expect instant results. Miracle fixes don’t exist. It takes patience and consistency in your routine to see results. If you don’t see an immediate change – don’t be discouraged. It takes at least 6 weeks of using a product 1-2 times daily, to start noticing a difference. While a skin care routine can seem intimidating at first, don’t let it fall to the wayside. It will take more time, energy and resources to correct skin concerns that have built up over time than it does to simply maintain.
It’s never too late to develop good skincare habits. Putting the work in now will pay off in the long-term. Those few extra minutes you dedicate to your skin care routine each day will give your skin longevity and a healthy, glowing complexion. At Chapin Aesthetics, our specialists in skin care for the Philadelphia area can develop a custom treatment plan based on your unique needs. With a combination of in-office treatments and skincare products tailored to your specific skin type to use at home, you’ll be well on your way to embracing the best skin of your life.