5 FACIAL REJUVENATION COMMANDMENTS TO LIVE BY

Feeling overwhelmed by all the anti-aging and facial rejuvenation options out there? You’re not alone. The truth is that a quick glance through just about any magazine will have you convinced that you need a 600-step routine, lest your skin begin to develop wrinkles, loss of volume, and other undesirable symptoms.

Here’s the truth: some of that information is accurate. For example, research does prove that early intervention can help ward off signs of aging. But as for whether rejuvenation skin care needs to be this big, difficult, confusing practice? That’s absolutely untrue. So, let’s simplify things together with this list of five facial rejuvenation commandments to live by. This is what REALLY matters in anti-aging care.

WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY (NOT JUST DURING SUMMER)

We cannot emphasize this enough. Sunscreen will protect you from nasty sunburns that itch, peel, and just plain feel awful. That’s reason enough to use the highest-rated option you can find that works for your skin.

But here’s the problem with focusing only on burns: sun exposure causes more subtle forms of damage, too. It can lead to the development of cancers, such as melanoma, while also sapping your skin of moisture and impeding facial rejuvenation over time. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outside on a regular basis.

So, what’s the best move, here? Use a skincare product with 50 SPF+. Don’t skimp out when it’s cloudy or in the winter, either. While you might not be able to see that big ball of gas in the sky, those harmful UVA and UVB rays still come through, and that means you might be collecting damage anyway.

STAY PROPERLY HYDRATED

Are you drinking enough water? The fact is that many people walk around with chronic levels of dehydration on a regular basis without even realizing it. They don’t feel thirsty, so they assume they’re okay. Meanwhile, those subtle effects silently jeopardize their health and wellness.

When it comes to skin, the effects of not drinking enough water can actually be visible to the naked eye. In fact, they often manifest as dullness, flaking, chapping, or loss of tissue volume over time. What’s going on under the surface, though, is what really matters: dehydrated skin can’t effectively self-heal, detoxify, or rejuvenate cells.

So, what’s the fix? Keep a bottle of water nearby and sip on it throughout the day. Increase your intake anytime you engage in heavy activity, drink alcohol, eat a ton of sugary sweets, or spend a significant amount of time outdoors under the sun.

EAT HEALTHY AND WELL

No, we don’t mean “eat more food” in general, here (sorry!). We’re talking about priming your diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole foods. Diet plays a huge role in your skin’s ability to self-heal. Anyone who seems to get acne the moment they touch anything greasy or a bar of chocolate has likely experienced this first-hand.

Eating a diet rich in whole foods that contain essential vitamins, minerals, and basic nutrients, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. So, what should you avoid? Ultimately, anything highly processed with excessive sugars, saturated fats, high amounts of salt is problematic. Binging on carbs might also trigger certain issues, too, as can dairy, food dyes, alcohol, and coffee.

Eat foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and other nutrients to inspire facial rejuvenation and healthy turnover of skin cells. Most berries contain a ton of antioxidants, as do watercress, red bell peppers, and papaya. Avocado, oatmeal, and fatty fish, on the other hand, are all rich in essential fatty acids that help keep skin supple and soft.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a treat now and again. The real trouble doesn’t come from cheat meals – it’s a result of chronic bad habits instead.

STOP SKIN PICKING

We’ve all been there: you wake up, see a blemish, and instantly go to pop it, thinking that if you can only clear it out and unclog that pore it will go away. Not only is this line of thinking wrong, but it may also be sabotaging you in the long run.

Here’s what’s going on when you pick. First, you’re taking any bacteria and spreading it all across the surrounding area. This can eventually result in microscopic damage below the first few levels of the derma that increases your risk for fine lines. You’ll also make your skin red, inflamed, and angry – all of which impede self-healing.

If you find you’re struggling with blemishes or can’t resist the urge, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your local spa. There are ways to address these issues without causing additional harm in the process. You don’t need to suffer!

SAFELY AND GENTLY EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation can be an amazing tool for retaining your youthful glow. That’s because it pulls up old, dead skin cells, which can appear dull, exposing newer, younger cells with more radiance and luminosity. This simple action also clears away excessive debris and environmental influences, such as smog.

The catch? The wrong type of exfoliation – or even just exfoliating too often – can really do a number on your skin. It creates microtears in the derma that weaken local structures, which increases your risk for fine lines and winkles. To get exfoliation right, start with an initial skin care consultation at your local medspa.

Ask your medspa provider which exfoliator products will work best for your skin type. Then, apply it gently and as according to recommendations. Don’t pull, push, or scrub it into your skin. Most importantly, avoid anything with big, harsh particles in it. Drugstore scrubs are notorious for this. They are the most likely to cause cellular damage of all formulas.

MOISTURIZE REGULARLY

Next to wearing sunscreen, moisturizing with an effective product designed for your skin type is the second most important way to fight signs of aging. Doing so locks in hydration, preserves your own natural moisture barrier, and even helps your skin maintain volume over time. This can help slow or even prevent signs of aging.

As for which moisturizer is best, the answer really depends on your skin type. In fact, using the wrong product is the number one reason why some people feel they can’t moisturize without experiencing a reaction. So, here are a few tips to help get you started:

• If you have oily skin, a light gel formula often works best. These products absorb in quickly without leaving skin shiny or prone to breakouts.
• If you tend to struggle with dryness instead, opt for a richer cream-based formula containing ceramides. This will help protect and heal your skin.
• If your skin is sensitive, look for limited-ingredient products and/or formulas that contain oat complex. Or, see your medspa provider for a prescription.
• Products containing glutathione, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or hyaluronic acid (HA) are best for facial rejuvenation needs. They are not only deeply moisturizing, but have been shown to trigger healing and collagen production in skin, too. In fact, HA is the same ingredient found in most injectable fillers!

If you’re really struggling with hydration, or can’t seem to find the right product, ask your provider about deep hydration facials. Some options, including HydraFacial, may help you restore balance so that the products you use are more effective. Other treatments, such as light facials or injectable fillers, may offer benefits for your skin, too. The bottom line is that there’s always a fix available.