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Charleston Dermatology Blog

Skincare Tips for a Lifetime of Healthy Skin

  • skincare-tips

Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean our skin needs to look it! While there’s no way to truly escape the sands of time, there are certainly many that allow us to diminish its impact on our appearance. As your body changes, your skincare routine should evolve along with it. As your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense, having an idea of what’s to come and a plan to combat it is essential for a lifetime of healthy skin.

In your 20s…

And if you are pursuing that lifelong skin health, you will want to adopt preventative measures and care routines in your younger years. By protecting your skin today, you’ll be proactively defending against long-term damage that may surface in later years. 

  • Avoid tanning & apply SPF regularly. While a “healthy glow” may seem like a sign of beauty, there’s actually nothing healthy about it. Tanned skin is a sign of sun-damaged skin and can result in unwanted complications such as signs of premature aging, as well as life-threatening conditions such as skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher on both sunny and cloudy days. For those truly seeking a bronzed look, opt for topical self-tanners to avoid harmful UV ray exposure.
  • Adopt an acne treatment. Though common to teens, acne can affect adults as well. Combat acne safely by formulating a treatment plan with your board-certified dermatologist to avoid the picking and popping, which can lead to scarring.
  • Develop a bedtime skin routine. Dirt and debris collected throughout the day can clog pores and leave your skin looking dull. Before settling down for the day, try washing with a facial cleanser and water to clean your skin of this unwanted material. 

In your 30s…

When you reach your 30s, your collagen and cell production begin to slow, and the elastin fibers in your face start to break down. As a result, the skin starts to lose a bit of its shine, and fine lines and wrinkles can become more prevalent. Luckily, we can take steps to help combat and reduce these effects.

  • Eat fruits and vegetables to brighten your skin. Carotenoids are pigment-producing particles found in fruits and vegetables that give these foods their bright colors. When we eat a diet rich in these substances, our body is able to absorb the carotenoids to brighten our skin cells in the same way. In addition, using an exfoliant to remove dead cells from our skin’s surface will aid in the effort.
  • Inquire about Juvéderm® and Botox® treatments. As fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent, you may be looking for a more professional solution. Juvéderm® is an approved prescription injection used to soften etched lines and wrinkles, while Botox® offers similar anti-aging effects and can also be used to combat dermatological issues such as hyperhidrosis.

In your 40s…

Heading into our 40s, our body’s production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid continues to slow. These are the building blocks of skin tissue, and because of this reduced production, skin continues to lose elasticity. Hyperpigmentation may begin to show as well as a result of built-up sun damage in our youth, leading to uneven discoloration of the skin.

  • Combat hyperpigmentation with chemical peels. As skin discoloration begins to show, consider exploring chemical peel options with your board-certified dermatologist. Chemical peels can provide your skin with a quick boost that includes fading signs of hyperpigmentation, brightening your complexion and smoothing lines.
  • Hydrate skin with a healthy diet. As we age, skin can become more prone to dryness. Adopting a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, as well as staying hydrated throughout the day, can help to keep you and your skin happy, healthy and hydrated.

In your 50s and beyond…

As we make it to our 50s, the continued loss of hyaluronic acids and its increased breakdown rate, paired with late-life hormonal changes, can leave our skin dry, red, irritated and dull. Our ever-changing bodies require us to revolutionize our routines in order to keep up with this change. With proper care and attention, we can continue to feel comfortable even into our later years.

  • Switch to a less abrasive facial cleanser. As we become more prone to drying out, it’s important to adopt products that accommodate this change. Non-soap or non-foaming facial cleansers are gentler on the skin as they are more emollient and less stripping.
  • Remove late-life hair growth with laser removal. Due to hormonal changes caused by menopause, lip and facial hair growth become more common for women in later life. Consider speaking with your board-certified dermatologist about possible laser hair removal in these trouble locations.

Healthy skin is a lifelong commitment.

Creating a comprehensive skincare routine may seem overwhelming on your own, but rest assured that our practice is with you all the way. At Charleston Dermatology, our team of skincare experts is here to help you craft the perfect personalized skincare plan to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to schedule a visit with one of our board-certified dermatologists.

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